When to Call Experts for Home Health and Safety Assessments

It’s normal to worry about safety risks at home, or feel uneasy that someone you love might slip and fall. Many people have these same concerns. Each year, more than 3 million older adults end up in the ER because of fall injuries. You are not alone in wanting a safer home.

This post will help you notice signs that mean it may be time to call experts for a home health and safety assessment. It also explains what happens during these checks. You will learn easy steps to make your living space safer for everyone who visits or lives there.

If peace of mind is important to you, keep reading. This could help bring comfort and security into your daily life.

Key Takeaways

• More than 3 million older adults go to the ER each year because of falls at home (CDC).

• Call experts if you notice more falls, trouble moving around, or changes in health and medicine.

• Certified safety specialists and occupational therapists are trained to find risks like loose rugs, poor lighting, and fire hazards.

• Experts check for fall dangers, fire safety problems, and air quality issues in every room.

• A home assessment helps keep people safe and independent by finding hidden dangers before accidents happen.

Signs You Need a Home Health and Safety Assessment

Sometimes, changes at home or with your health can be hard to spot right away. That’s when small issues can turn serious if ignored. If you notice daily tasks getting harder, or something just feels off around the house, it may be time to ask an expert for a safety check.

Recent falls or accidents in the home

Trips and slips can change life in seconds. A single fall at home may lead to broken bones, bruises, or head injuries. The CDC reports that each year about 3 million older adults are treated in emergency rooms because of falls.

These accidents often show that the living environment needs a safety assessment right away.

I check for things like loose rugs, poor lighting, or cluttered walkways after any accident at home. Even small hazards raise fall risks for seniors who want to stay independent.

Concerns with daily tasks or moving around come up next on my home health checklist.

Difficulty with daily tasks or mobility

I notice that some days, daily tasks feel like a big challenge. Simple actions like walking or reaching for things can become tough. I start to worry about my safety at home. If it feels hard to move around or if I struggle with routine tasks, it's time to think about calling an expert.

Experts can help figure out what changes are needed in my living space. They look for ways to make moving easier and safer. This is important for fall prevention and injury prevention too.

A home health assessment can uncover hidden risks that could cause accidents. Making adjustments now helps me stay independent and safe later on.

Significant changes in health or medications

Changes in health or medications can sneak up on us. I have seen how a new medicine or a health issue can affect daily life. When my loved ones face these changes, it often brings confusion and worry.

Maybe they forget to take their pills or struggle with side effects. These problems deserve attention, especially for elder care.

A safety assessment helps spot risks that come from these changes. It looks at how drugs may mix together and if they cause dizziness or weakness. Staying safe is key to independent living.

A professional evaluation brings peace of mind and support during tough times.

Key Areas Assessed by Experts

Experts look at different parts of your home. They check for things like fall risks and fire safety measures to keep you safe.

Identifying fall risks and trip hazards

I check for fall risks and trip hazards in my home. Clutter on the floor can cause accidents. Loose rugs or wires are big dangers too. I look at stairs; they should have good handrails.

Poor lighting also makes it hard to see hazards.

In the bathroom, slippery floors can lead to falls. Adding grab bars near the toilet and shower helps a lot. My goal is to make my space safe. That way, I can live more independently without fear of injury.

Evaluating fire safety measures

Fire safety is a big deal for any home. I check smoke detectors to make sure they work well. These alarms should be placed in every sleeping area and the hallways outside them. It is best to test them once a month. This simple step can save lives.

I also look at escape routes. Every family member should know two ways out of each room, especially bedrooms. Clear pathways must stay free of clutter so everyone can get out fast if there’s danger.

Fire extinguishers are essential too, and I make sure they are easy to reach and not expired. Regular fire safety checks help keep my home safe from harm.

Checking air quality and ventilation

Good air quality is essential for health. Experts examine how air circulates in the home. They look for dust, mold, and other issues that can make breathing difficult. Mold inspection and testing is often part of a thorough assessment. Insufficient ventilation can lead to accumulation of harmful gases too.

I discovered that fresh air helps reduce allergens and maintains healthy spaces. A safety assessment evaluates these factors closely. Adequate airflow contributes to a better living environment, especially as we age or encounter health challenges.

Who Performs Home Safety Assessments?

Safety assessments are done by certified safety specialists and occupational therapists. They know what to look for in your home. Their job is to spot risks and help you stay safe.

Want to learn more about how they work? Keep reading!

Certified safety specialists

Certified safety specialists play an important role in home health and safety assessments. They have training to spot risks and hazards in my living space. These experts know how to identify fall risks, trip hazards, and other dangers that might not be obvious at first glance.

I find it reassuring that these professionals also check for fire safety measures. They evaluate things like smoke detectors and escape routes. Their evaluations help ensure a safe environment for everyone, especially seniors or those with mobility issues.

With their expertise, I can feel confident about making necessary changes for better safety at home. Next up is the role of occupational therapists in these assessments.

Occupational therapists

Occupational therapists help people improve their daily lives. They focus on activities that are important for living well. If I have trouble doing tasks at home, they can make a big difference.

They assess how safe and accessible my home is.

These experts look for ways to reduce risks and prevent falls. They suggest changes like grab bars in the bathroom or better lighting in dark areas. With their help, I can stay independent and feel safer in my own space.

Preparing for a Home Safety Assessment

Before the assessment, I suggest making a list of things that worry you about your home. This way, I can share my thoughts with the expert. Also, it's good to make sure every room is easy to reach. It helps them see everything clearly. If you're curious about more tips for this process, keep reading!

Create a list of specific concerns

Making a list of specific concerns is key for a home safety assessment. I think about recent falls or accidents I’ve seen around my home. Do I feel safe moving from room to room? Are there areas that seem risky?

Next, I consider daily tasks like cooking or getting dressed. Are these becoming harder for me? Maybe new health issues are popping up, too. Jotting down all these worries helps experts understand what matters most, allowing them to support my home safety better.

Safety evaluations are important for keeping me healthy and secure at home.

Ensure all areas of the home are accessible

I check each part of my home before a safety assessment. Hallways and rooms should be clear of clutter. I want to make sure there are no obstacles that could cause a fall. It’s smart to move any furniture or items blocking paths.

Bathrooms and kitchens also need attention. Grab bars in the bathroom can help with stability. Keeping things within reach is important too, so I don’t have to stretch or bend too much while cooking or cleaning.

Making these changes helps with senior safety and independent living.

Conclusion

Calling experts for home health and safety assessments is smart. These checks can spot risks in our homes. They help keep us safe and healthy. If I see signs like falls or trouble moving, it's time to get help.

Don't wait until an accident happens; take action now! Your well-being matters, so make that call when needed.