A home assessment…how can it help? As we get older, many of us reach a point when we will have to decide if moving into an assisted living or retirement community is safer than living at home. At Gold Leaf Care we believe that is of the utmost importance to hold off on this decision until it is absolutely necessary.
At Gold Leaf Care, we have invested our lives in the belief that the highest quality healthcare will, and must, be provided in the home. To that end, it is crucial that senior citizens undergo a thorough home assessment to help identify areas where potential problems exist that could lead to injury. Our complimentary home assessments can be very helpful in preventing long-term, debilitating injuries.
Define Home Assessment
A home assessment is an appraisal of your home environment conducted by a licensed healthcare professional. Usually, this will be a social worker or occupational therapist. The assessment determines potential hazards in your home and suggests ways to eliminate them to prevent injury. Helpful safeguards like adding handrails, moving furniture, and updating the lighting are examples of important suggestions.
How Can It Help?
Gold Leaf Care’s assessment is performed with the intention of preventing falls. Among senior citizens, falls are one of the most common and devastating injuries. Approximately 25% of Americans over the age of 65 falls every year. That is the leading cause of injury-related death for senior citizens. According to the CDC, approximately 1.6 million senior citizens are treated annually in emergency rooms for falls. The CDC goes on to emphasize the following points when conducting a home assessment:
When you walk into a room, do you have to walk around furniture or obstacles on the floor?
Do you have carpets without non-slip backing?
Do you have extension cords or wires in the walkway?
Is the carpet loose or torn?
Are handrails loose or broken?
Does the tub or shower have a non-slip mat or self-stick strips?
Do you need grab bars when getting up from the tub or toilet?
Is the path from your bed to the bathroom dark?
These are just a few of the areas that Gold Leaf Care professionals can help you identify and correct if necessary.
Schedule Home Assessment Today
It is very easy to get a home assessment scheduled. Merely contacting Gold Leaf Care for a complimentary home assessment is the important first step.
Since June is National Safety Month why not place particular emphasis on identifying potential hazards in the home? A home assessment should be a priority if you are a senior citizen or have a loved one with health challenges. Don’t delay scheduling a home assessment as soon as possible to assure a healthy and safe environment.