Taking Steps Toward Safety

Fall Prevention Awareness Week is observed September 21–25, 2026, bringing attention to practical ways older adults can reduce their risk of falls and maintain independence. Led by the National Council on Aging (NCOA), the annual observance emphasizes that falls are preventable and encourages older adults, families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals to take action.

Why Fall Prevention Matters

Falls are one of the most significant safety concerns for older adults. According to the CDC, more than 1 in 4 adults age 65 and older falls each year. Falls can lead to fractures, head injuries, hospitalizations, and loss of independence. They are also the leading cause of injury-related death among older adults.
The good news? Aging does not mean a fall is inevitable. Identifying risk factors early can help people take meaningful steps toward safer daily living.

What Can Increase Fall Risk?

Several factors can contribute to falls, including:

• Muscle weakness or balance difficulties
• Vision or hearing changes
• Certain medications
• Poor lighting
• Loose rugs or clutter
• Uneven flooring
• Improper or unsafe footwear

Regular conversations with healthcare professionals can help identify individual risks and appropriate prevention strategies.

Six Simple Steps to Help Prevent Falls

NCOA highlights several practical strategies: participate in strength and balance exercises, talk with a healthcare provider about fall risks, review medications, schedule vision and hearing checks, keep living spaces safe, and discuss fall prevention with family and friends.

Building Confidence Through Prevention

Fall Prevention Awareness Week is a reminder that small changes can make a meaningful difference. By staying active, recognizing potential hazards, and asking for help when needed, older adults can take proactive steps toward safety, confidence, and continued independence, not just during this week, but throughout the year!

Celebrating Community, Compassion, and Connection

Every September, communities across the country come together to recognize National Assisted Living Week, a special time dedicated to celebrating the residents, families, caregivers, and team members who make assisted living communities feel like home.

National Assisted Living Week is more than a week of activities and celebrations. It is an opportunity to recognize the importance of community, compassion, friendship, and quality care in the lives of older adults.

Celebrating the People Who Make a Community Special

At the heart of every assisted living community are the people who live and work there. Residents bring their unique stories, experiences, personalities, and traditions, while caregivers and staff provide support, encouragement, and companionship each day.

National Assisted Living Week gives everyone an opportunity to pause and appreciate these meaningful relationships. From shared conversations over a cup of coffee to group activities, celebrations, and everyday moments of laughter, these connections help create a true sense of belonging.

Promoting Independence and Purpose

Assisted living is designed to provide support while encouraging residents to remain as independent and engaged as possible. Personalized care, engaging activities, social opportunities, and comfortable living environments allow residents to continue enjoying the things that bring meaning and joy to their lives.

Recreational programs can play an important role in this experience. Whether residents are enjoying bingo, arts and crafts, music, exercise, games, or special events, these activities provide opportunities for creativity, socialization, and personal expression.

Building Stronger Connections

One of the most valuable aspects of assisted living is the sense of community it can provide. Residents have opportunities to form new friendships and participate in activities alongside people who share similar interests and experiences.

Family members also play an important role. Their visits, encouragement, and involvement help strengthen the connection between residents and the people who matter most to them.

Recognizing Our Dedicated Team

National Assisted Living Week is also a time to recognize the dedicated professionals who support residents every day. From caregivers and nurses to dining, housekeeping, maintenance, administration, and recreation teams, every member contributes to creating a welcoming and supportive environment.

Their commitment goes beyond providing services. It is about getting to know residents, listening to their needs, celebrating their accomplishments, and helping them enjoy each day to the fullest.

Making Every Day Meaningful

National Assisted Living Week reminds us that assisted living is not simply about receiving care—it is about living, connecting, participating, and creating meaningful memories.

This week provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the people and relationships that make senior living communities special. Through compassion, friendship, engaging activities, and personalized support, assisted living communities can help residents feel valued, respected, and at home.

As we celebrate National Assisted Living Week, we extend our appreciation to every resident, family member, and team member who helps make the community a place filled with kindness, connection, and joy.

Here’s to celebrating our residents, honoring our caregivers, and recognizing the wonderful community we create together!

Raising Awareness, Understanding the Disease, and Supporting Those Affected

September is World Alzheimer’s Month, an important time to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease, challenge misconceptions, and encourage greater understanding and support for people living with dementia and their families.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. It is a progressive brain disorder that gradually affects memory, thinking, communication, and the ability to carry out everyday activities. While Alzheimer’s is more common among older adults, it is not a normal part of aging.

What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease affects the brain and gradually damages the connections between brain cells. Over time, this can lead to increasing difficulties with memory, reasoning, communication, and daily functioning.

Early symptoms may be subtle and can include:

• Forgetting recently learned information
• Repeating questions or conversations
• Having difficulty finding the right words
• Misplacing items or putting them in unusual places
• Struggling with familiar tasks
• Becoming confused about dates, times, or places
• Experiencing changes in mood, behavior, or personality

Everyone experiences occasional forgetfulness, but persistent changes that interfere with daily life should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Alzheimer’s Is More Than Memory Loss

Although memory problems are often associated with Alzheimer’s, the disease can affect many areas of a person’s life. Individuals may eventually experience difficulties with decision-making, movement, communication, eating, personal care, and recognizing familiar people or surroundings.

The progression of Alzheimer’s varies from person to person. There is currently no cure, but medical care, appropriate treatments, healthy lifestyle habits, supportive environments, and meaningful activities can help people maintain quality of life and independence for as long as possible.

The Importance of Early Detection

Recognizing changes early can make a meaningful difference. A healthcare professional can evaluate symptoms, identify other possible causes of cognitive changes, and help develop an appropriate care plan.

An early diagnosis may also give individuals and families more time to:

• Understand the condition
• Explore available treatment and support options
• Plan for future care needs
• Discuss financial and legal arrangements
• Make important decisions while the individual can actively participate

Supporting Someone Living With Alzheimer’s

People living with Alzheimer’s benefit from patience, respect, consistency, and understanding. Simple communication strategies can make everyday interactions easier.

Caregivers and family members can help by:

• Speaking calmly and using simple, clear language
• Allowing extra time for responses
• Maintaining familiar routines
• Encouraging safe and appropriate physical activity
• Providing opportunities for social interaction
• Focusing on abilities rather than limitations
• Creating a safe and comfortable environment
• Offering reassurance when the person becomes confused or anxious

Most importantly, remember that a person living with Alzheimer’s is still the same individual with their own history, personality, preferences, and relationships.

Supporting Caregivers Matters, Too

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can be rewarding, but it can also be physically and emotionally demanding. Caregivers may experience stress, fatigue, isolation, or feelings of uncertainty.

Taking breaks, accepting help from family and friends, connecting with caregiver support groups, and speaking with healthcare professionals can help caregivers protect their own well-being.

Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It is an important part of providing sustainable care.

Building Greater Awareness

World Alzheimer’s Month provides an opportunity to have open conversations about dementia and reduce the stigma that can sometimes surround cognitive changes.

Learning about Alzheimer’s, recognizing early warning signs, supporting caregivers, and treating people living with dementia with dignity can help create more understanding and compassionate communities.

This September, let’s use World Alzheimer’s Month 2026 as a reminder that awareness begins with understanding—and that every person affected by Alzheimer’s deserves compassion, respect, and meaningful support.

Celebrating a Tapestry of Culture: Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the rich cultures, traditions, histories, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities across the United States.

Hispanic and Latino heritage is a beautiful thread in the tapestry of American culture. Woven through music, food, art, traditions, history, and community, these influences have helped shape the country in meaningful ways. From September 15 to October 15, Hispanic Heritage Month honors the many cultures and stories that make our communities richer and more vibrant.

A Heritage of Many Cultures

Hispanic and Latino communities represent a diverse collection of cultures, traditions, and histories spanning Latin America, the Caribbean, and Spain. Each community brings its own unique customs, flavors, music, language, and traditions.

Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes this incredible diversity while celebrating the shared experiences and lasting contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans.

The celebration begins on September 15, a significant date that marks the independence anniversaries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico, Chile, and Belize also celebrate their independence days during this period.

Together, these celebrations highlight the history, resilience, culture, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities.

Shaping American Culture

Hispanic and Latino culture isn’t simply a part of American history—it is woven into everyday American life. From the foods we enjoy to the music we listen to and the languages we speak, Hispanic and Latino influences can be found throughout our communities.

Some of these contributions include:

• Food: Tacos, tamales, empanadas, and countless other traditional dishes have become beloved foods throughout the United States.
• Music: Salsa, bachata, reggaeton, Latin pop, and other musical styles have influenced and enriched American music.
• Language: Spanish is widely spoken across the country, and many Spanish words and expressions have become part of everyday American conversations.
• Art: Hispanic and Latino artists have made significant contributions to American art, literature, storytelling, and creative expression.
• Sports: Hispanic and Latino athletes have made their mark in baseball, boxing, soccer, basketball, and many other sports, inspiring generations of fans and athletes.

A Defining Thread in American History

Throughout American history, Hispanic and Latino trailblazers have played an important role in shaping the nation.

Their contributions extend far beyond cultural traditions. Hispanic and Latino leaders, educators, artists, activists, entrepreneurs, scientists, athletes, and innovators have helped advance civil rights, education, business, science, the arts, and communities across the country.

Their stories demonstrate resilience, determination, creativity, and leadership. By recognizing their achievements, we gain a deeper appreciation for the diverse people and experiences that have helped shape America.

Celebrating Heritage and Community

Hispanic Heritage Month provides an opportunity to learn, celebrate, and appreciate the many cultures that contribute to our communities.

Whether through sharing traditional foods, enjoying music and art, learning about history, or recognizing the achievements of Hispanic and Latino Americans, there are many meaningful ways to honor this month.

Most importantly, Hispanic Heritage Month reminds us that our differences and shared experiences are part of what make our communities stronger and more vibrant.

As we celebrate from September 15 through October 15, let us recognize the rich heritage, remarkable contributions, and enduring influence of Hispanic and Latino communities—and continue to celebrate the diverse tapestry that makes America unique.

Understanding Cancer

Cancer refers to a broad group of diseases in which abnormal cells multiply without proper control and can invade surrounding tissues or travel to other areas of the body. It may develop in nearly any part of the body and can affect people at any stage of life. Beyond physical health, a diagnosis can bring emotional, social, and financial challenges. World Cancer Support Month highlights the value of compassion, encouragement, and meaningful connection for individuals and families navigating this experience.

Cancer Facts Worth Knowing

• Nearly 10 million people worldwide died from cancer in 2024, according to the World Health Organization.
• About 20.6 million new cancer cases were recorded globally in 2024.
• Lung, breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers were among the most frequently diagnosed types.
• Approximately 37% of new cases in 2022 were associated with preventable causes.
• Tobacco use accounted for about 15% of newly diagnosed cases worldwide.
• Other contributing factors include alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, excess body weight, air pollution, and ultraviolet radiation.
• HPV and hepatitis B vaccinations can lower the likelihood of developing certain cancers.
• Finding cancer early can make treatment more effective for many forms of the disease.

Small Acts, Meaningful Support

Facing cancer can feel overwhelming, but support can provide reassurance during uncertain moments. A phone call, a ride to an appointment, help with daily responsibilities, or simply being present can offer comfort. Loved ones and caregivers also deserve recognition, patience, and time to recharge.

Turning Awareness Into Action

World Cancer Support Month is a chance to celebrate survivors, stand beside people undergoing treatment, and honor those whose lives have been lost to cancer. Learning about risk factors, recommended screenings, healthy habits, and available resources can empower individuals to make informed decisions.

Above all, compassion matters. A thoughtful message, a listening ear, or a helping hand can bring hope when it is needed most!

Building Innovative Care Where it Matters Most

Healthcare is more than appointments and treatments—it is about creating solutions that reach people where they are and meet the needs of every community. Celebrated from August 2–8, National Health Center Week highlights the impact of community health centers and their role in expanding access to care.

The 2026 theme, “Building Innovative Care Where It Matters Most,” celebrates how these centers empower communities by connecting individuals, healthcare providers, and elected officials to create a healthier future for all.

More than a Place for Care

NHCW is celebrated to raise awareness of America’s 1,512 community health centers, which provide quality, comprehensive healthcare services to 52 million patients across more than 17,000 communities. By providing accessible primary care, preventive services, and support regardless of a person’s ability to pay, these centers help remove barriers to healthcare. They serve as a vital connection between individuals, families, and the resources needed to build healthier communities.

This annual celebration also highlights community health centers as trusted partners and a beacon of strength, service, and care in the communities they serve.

Innovation That Meets Communities Where They Are

The theme “Building Innovative Care Where It Matters Most” celebrates how community health centers empower communities by connecting individuals, healthcare providers, and elected officials to create a healthier future for all. This also highlights that innovation in healthcare goes beyond new technology—it means developing solutions that improve access, strengthen partnerships, and address the unique needs of every community.

Such as:

• Expanding access through telehealth: Using digital tools to help patients connect with healthcare providers more easily.
• Strengthening community partnerships: Collaborating with local organizations and leaders to connect individuals with essential resources.
• Promoting preventive care: Providing screenings, education, and wellness programs that support healthier outcomes.
• Creating patient-centered solutions: Adapting services to meet the changing needs of the people and communities they serve.

A Healthier Future Through Community Care

Community health centers continue to prove that meaningful healthcare begins with connection, collaboration, and compassion. This National Health Center Week, we celebrate the providers, partners, and leaders who help make innovative care possible.

Together, their dedication ensures that communities have access to the resources, support, and services needed for a healthier tomorrow.