Hays Good Samaritan Society is celebrating national Founder’s Day by offering Ellis County seniors a free home safety evaluation to identify fall-risk factors. The home evaluations are free, thanks to a grant from the corporate office to commemorate the agency’s anniversary. Home modifications can be made at the homeowner’s discretion and expense.

“A lot of people may have the resources to do what they need to do, but they just don’t know what they need to do,” said Steve Dinkel, advisory committee member. “We need to keep people in their homes longer.” The goal of this effort is to recommend solutions that help seniors live safely at home as long as possible.

“Among seniors, falls are a leading cause for both nursing home and hospital admissions,” added Kathy Moravek, director of Good Samaritan Garden Terrace Apartments in Hays.

It’s estimated more than 33 percent of seniors older than 65 will fall each year — that number rises to 50 percent above age 80.

Funding is available for as many as 50 home evaluations. Applications are available at Hays Good Samaritan Society, 2700 Canal, or by calling (785) 625-7331. Applicants must be at least 65 and live in Ellis County.

Applications must be submitted by Sept. 29.

With more than 240 locations across the country, the Good Samaritan Society is the largest nonprofit provider of senior care and services in the United States.