As people age, they are more likely to fall and become injured, especially in their own homes. In fact, each year, one out of every three people age 65 and over will experience a fall. Almost 60% of these falls will occur in the home!

The Safe Steps program can reduce your chances of being injured in your home. It includes a free home assessment, as well as assistance in modifying your home for safety. 
Why have a home assessment? Fall-related injuries can lead to hospitalization, long recoveries and loss of independence. Our program quickly and easily identifies and eliminates potential hazards. They'll help you make on-the-spot improvements, explain how most falls occur and how you can avoid them. Receive free power failure lights, night lights, bath mats, rugs and much more!
A trained VNA/VNH staff member will assess your home for safety as well as your ability to function in it. Room by room, they'll identify potential hazards and suggest ways these problems can be eliminated.

Securing scatter rugs, making sure stairways are slip-free and improving lighting are just a few of the things they can help you with. Installing grab bars in the shower/tub area, as well as handrails on stairs, is another important part of our program. Need a tub seat or hand held shower head? Call Safe Steps.
Poor balance can lead to falls and often results from medical conditions, poor fitness and even medications. They can provide you with a quick and easy balance screening designed to determine if a referral to a physical therapist or primary care practitioner is necessary.

Everyone age 60 and over, and those at risk of falling, living in Barnard, Bridgewater, Brownsville, Hartford, Hartland, Killington, Plymouth, Pomfret, Quechee, Reading, Windsor, and Woodstock, VT. Everything is free,; however, contributions are accepted.
To schedule an assessment, call Eileen Katchen, Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice of VT and NH, 1-800-858-1696. For more information, come to Bugbee Senior Center on October 5th at 12:30.