Home Safety Assistance Program

Six out of every 10 falls happen at home, where we spend much of our time and tend to move around without thinking about our safety. Many falls could be prevented by making simple changes in your living areas, as well as personal and lifestyle changes.

While falls can happen anywhere, they most often occur at home. What can you do to make your home or the home of someone you love safer?

• Remove clutter, small furniture, pet gear, electrical cords, throw rugs and anything else that might cause someone to trip
• Arrange or remove furniture so there is plenty of room for walking
• Secure carpets to the floor
• Wipe up spills immediately
• Make sure outdoor areas are well lit and walkways are smooth and free from ice
• Use non-slip adhesive strips on stairs
• Use non-skid mats or appliques in the bath and shower
• Install grab bars in the tub, shower and near the toilet
• Install railings on both sides of stairs
• Provide adequate lighting in every room and stairway
• Place nightlights in kitchen, bath and hallways
• Make often-used items more accessible, like food, clothing, etc., so an older person won't be tempted to use a stool or ladder to get to them
• If necessary, provide personal walking devices, such as a cane or walker, to aid in stability

Request a Free Home Safety Assessment

Need help identifying falls risks? You can request that a trained professional who has attended the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist I and II course visit you at your home and help you conduct a Home Safety Self-Assessment. Applying a user-friendly assessment developed by the University of Buffalo, each room in your home will be evaluated to determine if you are at-risk for falls.

Written recommendations on ways to revitalize your home for safety and comfort; including low or no-cost universal design strategies, will be offered. Information and referrals to financial supports and home modification services will be available.

---

Call Allegany County New York Connects at 1-866-268-9390 for further information about Home Safety Assessments.