How a Home Safety Assessment Can Prevent Injuries

A home safety assessment involves evaluating your home to spot potential hazards that could lead to accidents, such as falls. This type of evaluation is typically conducted by a healthcare professional, such as a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS), occupational therapist or a medical social worker. They not only assess your home but also provide recommendations to make your home safer. These recommendations might include simple changes like installing handrails in the bathroom or ensuring there’s adequate lighting throughout your house.

One of the main reasons a home safety assessment is crucial is that falls are among the leading causes of injury, particularly among older adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls among adults aged 65 and older resulted in over 34,000 deaths in 2019, making it the leading cause of injury-related death in this group. Additionally, 3 million older adults visit emergency rooms each year due to fall-related injuries. A home safety assessment can help reduce the risk of such accidents.

Home Safety Assessment Checklist

The good news is that a home safety assessment empowers you to take action before an injury happens. It allows you to make necessary changes to your home, making it safer and more navigable. This proactive approach can help you maintain your independence and reduce your risk of injury. Here’s a checklist from the CDC to get started:

• Clear pathways: Remove obstacles like furniture, books, papers, and other items that could cause tripping.
• Secure rugs: Either remove loose rugs or secure them with double-sided tape to prevent slipping.
• Tidy up wires: Tape down or bundle up cords to keep them from becoming tripping hazards.
• Repair steps: Fix any broken steps and install adequate lighting in stairways.
• Move frequently used items: Place often-used kitchen or bathroom items on lower shelves to avoid unnecessary reaching.
• Install safety features: Consider adding a non-slip mat in the shower and grab bars to assist with getting in and out safely.
• Emergency preparedness: Keep a list of emergency numbers in large print by your phone, place a phone within easy reach, or wear a medical alert device in case of a fall.

Key Areas of a Home Safety Evaluation

During a home safety assessment, the following areas are typically examined for potential risks:

• Floors: Check for uneven surfaces or objects that could cause a fall.
• Stairs and Steps: Ensure these are properly maintained with secure handrails and good lighting.
• Kitchen: Ensure your kitchen is organized to reduce clutter and avoid accidents.
• Bathrooms: This is one of the most common places for falls, so safety features like grab bars and non-slip mats are essential.
• Bedrooms: Make sure your bedroom is free from tripping hazards and has good lighting.

Does Medicare Cover a Fall Risk Assessment?

If you’re a Medicare beneficiary, you may be eligible for a health risk assessment as part of the “Welcome to Medicare” visit. This one-time visit is available within the first 12 months of enrolling in Medicare Part B and is generally provided at no cost to you. A health risk assessment could include a fall risk evaluation, which is especially valuable if you’re concerned about preventing accidents at home.

How to Get a Home Safety Assessment

If you’ve recently been hospitalized, your doctor may order a home safety assessment as part of your recovery plan. Even if you’re not recovering from a hospital stay but are receiving home health services, you may still qualify for an assessment.  Click here to receive a free consultation or schedule your home safety assessment with Mid-Atlantic Home Watch.

Many nonprofit organizations and community programs offer fall prevention services, including home safety assessments. Check out resources like the National Council on Aging to find local programs and see if you qualify for a home safety evaluation.

Final Thoughts

A home safety assessment is a crucial step in preventing injuries and maintaining your quality of life. By addressing common hazards around the house, you can reduce your fall risk and continue to live independently. Additionally, regular vision checkups can further lower the risk of falls, so be sure to stay on top of your health.