KABC Hosts 2025 Caregiver Training
Libby Hastings • September 25, 2025
Safe at Home: Fall Prevention Strategies for Caregivers
Kansas Advocates for Better Care hosted our annual Caregiver Training and Membership Meeting
on September 18, 2025, featuring guest presenter Katie Tipton, COTA/L, Director of Business Operations at askSAMIE. Katie shared practical fall prevention strategies to help caregivers support older adults in maintaining independence and safety at home.
Falls are the leading cause of injury and death for older Americans. More than one in four adults age 65+ experiences a fall each year, leading to over 3 million emergency department visits, 800,000 hospitalizations, and 32,000 deaths annually.
Beyond the statistics, falls can also create a lasting fear of falling, which further limits independence and quality of life.
Katie’s presentation highlighted:
- Understanding fall risks – from muscle weakness and balance issues to medication management and environmental hazards.
- Simple home modifications – such as removing loose rugs, improving lighting, and adding grab bars in the bathroom, where most falls occur.
- Caregiver roles – observing changes in mobility, encouraging safe habits like supportive footwear, and assisting with strength and balance exercises.
- Resources and adaptive equipment – including shower chairs, walkers, rollators, and occupational therapy home assessments.
By taking these steps, caregivers can play a vital role in reducing fall risks, helping older adults stay safe, independent, and engaged in daily life.
For those who were unable to attend, a recording of the training is available here, and Katie’s slides
are available.
If you have additional questions regarding this year's training topic, please contact Katie at katie@asksamie.com.
During the business meeting, Molly Wood (President), Barbara Braa (Treasurer) & Deborah Merrill were unanimously voted in to retain their current board positions. There were no recommendations from the floor. Executive Director Dan Goodman discussed KABC’s legislative accomplishments
for 2025.
Kansas Advocates for Better Care testified on FE waiver funding and supported bills on decision-making, dementia training, and memory care standards.
In 2025, KABC marked a major milestone: 50 years of advocating for the safety, dignity, and rights of older Kansans. Our newly released 2025 Impact Report reflects a year of meaningful progress, powerful advocacy, and deep community connection. This past year, KABC assisted hundreds of residents and families through direct advocacy, strengthened long-term care oversight through legislative work, and expanded access to information with the launch of a statewide senior resource directory in partnership with KDADS. We also amplified resident voices through media coverage, testified before legislative committees, and successfully countered efforts that would have weakened long-term care safety standards. As part of our 50th anniversary, we brought advocacy into the community with new events like Revving Up Joy, a classic car show connecting residents and neighbors, and a public screening of No Country for Old People , sparking critical conversations about the realities of long-term care in America. None of this work is possible without the support of our donors, partners, board members, and volunteers. Your commitment fuels our mission and helps ensure older Kansans are seen, heard, and protected. Read our full 2025 Impact Report here .