Recently, your house seems to be more dangerous. You never notice how steep the stairs are or how slippery the shower floor is.
Home, a warm home has endangered your health. A serious fall caused by loose carpet can cause a series of medical problems that could have been avoided with some simple modifications.
As the industry knows, Home Injury Control (HIC) is a simple way to keep your home safer and stay safe for longer. Armrests, armrests and even brighter bulbs are cheap and can effectively improve your safety.
Making small changes—even larger ones, such as installing stair lifts or wheelchair ramps—is much cheaper than moving into an assisted living community.
Christine Wilson, the social service project manager of the District Aging Bureau in 1B, pointed out that many seniors completely own their homes and therefore do not have to pay for the housing, which makes it still more cost-effective than moving.
"In order to install the ramp, you will increase the cost, but if you switch to assisted living, you need to pay monthly," she pointed out.
Original medical insurance (Parts A and B) usually excludes home injury control modifications such as armrests, shower and bathtub chairs, or raised toilet seats.
The Regional Agency for Aging 1-B (AAA 1-B) provides funding for family injury control programs in every county it serves (except Livingston and Oakland). Eligible seniors can get a free home assessment and install handrails, handrails, smoke detectors and other equipment for free. (Each county has a company that provides "aging-in-place" equipment; AAA 1-B can provide this information to the caller.)
One program that AAA 1-B helps fund is the Macomb County Family Injury Control Program. Project manager Steve Schuster said that during the evaluation process there are often signs that older people need assistive devices.
"You can know what they use to help themselves because there are some signs on the wall," including cracks, he said. For example, a person may be using a towel bar to stand up from a toilet, indicating that a handrail or toilet safety rail is needed. Shuster said some people use towels or ropes to lift themselves up.
Armrests are by far the most common installation method, as are internal and external armrests, raised toilet seats, shower chairs, and transfer stools. Shuster staff will install battery-powered backup night lights in case of power outages and smoke/carbon monoxide alarms. For those who can afford it, the cost is the lowest. There is no cost for those who cannot afford it.
As the pandemic seems to be fading, family assessments have resumed. Funding allows for 275 home evaluations per year; with additional grants from United Way in Southeast Michigan, Macomb Community Action expects this number to double to handle all requests.
To find a referral for a home assessment in your county, please call 1-800-852-7795. Our information and assistance experts can provide information about all programs, including those not funded by AAA 1-B.
The following tips can reduce your risk of falling and tripping at home:
• Use brighter light bulbs • Place battery-powered lights in darker areas of the home, such as corridors • Ensure railings on stairs are safe • Place handrails on both sides of steps • Use handrails in toilets and showers • Remove or secure carpets Use double-sided tape or non-slip mats • Remove soap buildup on the bathtub and shower floors • Use non-slip shower mats in bathtubs and showers • Keep cooking utensils and clothing within reach • Remove potted plants and furniture (and other Obstacles)) In high-traffic areas • Have an eye exam every year • Wear shoes with non-slip soles • If your medicine makes you dizzy, please consult your doctor
Story provided by District Aging Bureau 1-B
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