Episode Summary
Falls don’t strike at random. They tend to cluster at certain times of day — early mornings, midnight bathroom trips, and the vulnerable days and weeks after a hospital stay. But timing isn’t the whole story. Social factors, community supports, and even the conversations we avoid at home can quietly shape who’s at risk, and how well they recover after a fall.
In this episode, I talk with Brittany Borchardt, Aging Services Supervisor at the Aging & Disability Resource Center of Dodge County, and a member of the county’s Falls Prevention Coalition. Brittany shares her frontline perspective on the danger windows, the role of families and caregivers, and how the community resources she oversees help older adults stay steady, connected, and independent.
If you’ve ever wondered why walks to the bathroom, medication changes, or even social isolation can trigger fall risk, this conversation will stick with you.
This episode is a companion to my recent article “Gravity Never Sleeps”, which you can read here: [link]
Key Topics Covered
Why falls cluster at predictable “danger hours” (morning, night, post-shift, post-hospital)
The role of medications, nutrition, and hydration in vulnerability to falls
How social determinants of health like finances, housing, isolation, and access to care can influence both fall risk and recovery
The role of family and caregivers in prevention (and in having hard conversations gracefully)
Resources available locally through the ADRC and the county’s Falls Prevention Coalition (see links below)
Memorable Quotes
“Falls don’t usually happen in a vacuum. They’re shaped by everything from medications and sleep to finances and social isolation.” – Roy Smalley
“We know that social isolation and loneliness can be just as bad for your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.” – Brittany Borchardt
“Gravity never sleeps, but it also never acts alone. The danger hours become truly dangerous when stacked on top of social pressures like living alone, tight finances, or lack of support.” – Roy Smalley
“Don’t focus on the fear of falling. Focus on maintaining your independence with preventive strategies like strength training, small home changes, and balance exercises.” – Brittany Borchardt
Call to Action
Falls prevention isn’t just about rugs or railings, it’s about timing, circumstances, and community. Notice your own “danger hours,” and be present for the people you love during theirs.
👉 Want to learn more or take action? Reach out to the Aging & Disability Resource Center of Dodge County for resources, tools, and upcoming classes:
Phone: 920-386-3580 / 800-924-6407
FREE CLASSES at the ADRC:
Connect with Roy Smalley
I’d love to hear your stories, feedback, and ideas for future episodes. You can connect with me here:
Instagram: @roysmalley.us
Facebook: @roysmalley.us
LinkedIn: roysmalley
All links in one place: www.roysmalley.us
Invitation to Subscribe
Don’t miss the rest of the Gravity Never Sleeps series, where next time we’ll ask a radical question: Is it possible to fall better? Subscribe to The Aging Well Firefighter Podcast on your favorite platform and join me as we explore how to fight wisely and age bravely.
