By Zack Greening, Senior Safety Team Coordinator & Care Coordinator
As a person ages certain tasks may become more difficult. Completing routine household safety tasks or modifications to meet safety needs are of great importance as we age and live independently.
Senior Services provides and installs many safety items free of charge with the goal of enhancing the ability, and probability, of a homeowner remaining independent. Senior Safety Team can increase safety as well as ease the minds of family and loved ones.
Falls are one of the leading causes of injuries in the home. There are steps we can take to reduce the risk of falls. Simple solutions may include attending an exercise class to increase balance and strength, avoiding the use of ladders and step stools, removing loose rugs or cords that pose trip hazards, installing adequate lighting throughout the house, removing and limiting clutter, and addressing hoarding.
What tasks can the Senior Safety Team do?
Back row- Joe Dostal, Brian Habeck, Todd Beard, Steve Passmore,
Dave Bunge, Joe Page, Jeff Beckwith (slightly in front), Zack Greening
Front row/center- Andy Peruski, Dave Musinski
Not Pictured- Dan Beaudoin, Mike Fazio, Russ Kerlin
- Provide and install smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector
- Secure slip hazards inside the home
- Add or secure handrails
- Replace ceiling light bulbs
- Provide and install anti-slip surfaces in the bathtub or shower
- Provide and install secure grab bars
- Install green address signs making it easier for emergency services to locate your home
- Provide and install raised toilet seat or toilet safety rails
- Provide and install hand-held shower and/or shower chair or bench
Senior Safety Team serves Midland County homeowners who are 60 years of age or greater. Some services are available to those renting their home, upon approval of the property owner. Senior Safety Team does not install ramps, roofing, replace or clean gutters, or complete electrical and plumbing tasks. We do not provide painting, window washing, and lawn care or snow removal.
Though the services provided are at no cost to the older adult, we appreciate donations to supplement the program. Our library of community resources is continuously updated and available when seeking assistance with tasks or projects that are outside the scope of Senior Safety Team.
For more details about Senior Safety Team and other community resources, please call 989-633-3742 and you will be on your way to helping ensure a safer tomorrow! If you would like to volunteer with us, call 989-633-3741 to get started.
