What Is an Environmental Assessment?

As we grow older, most people would like to remain in the place that they are most comfortable.  And for the majority of us in Western Maryland, this is in our own homes and communities, where we can be close to our loved ones and are familiar with the surroundings.  However, without an environmental assessment, the one problem that sometimes arises involves the suitability of the home to the senior who wishes to continue living there.  In many cases, seniors continue to live in homes that are unsuitable to their changing abilities as they grow older.  This situation can result in a number of dangers, including falls, that must be avoided at all costs.

At HomeCentris, our focus is specifically on empowering seniors in need of care to continue living in their homes.  Therefore, it is one of our highest priorities to ensure that their homes are safe.  And the way that we do this is through a continual process of environmental assessment that allows us to assess the hazardous or problematic aspects of their living situation, and make sure that they are addressed.

What Can I Expect from an Environmental Assessment?

There are many factors to address when assessing the safety of a senior’s home.  Click here for a great home safety checklist that you can perform yourself.  Because falls are a particular concern, environmental assessments tends to focus on potential safety concerns on that front. To that end, it is important to assess the danger level of:

• Do you have dangerous or potentially slippery surfaces?  Do you have hand rails and non-slip mats  installed where necessary?
• Placement of commonly used objects.  Do you store often-used objects at the waist-level?  Do you require a step stool to retrieve any such items?
• Are all lightbulbs functioning?  Have you adequately lit all rooms in your home, especially staircases and high-traffic areas?  Do you use nightlights?
• Are the stairs free of clutter and the railings secure?  Do the rugs/carpets appear to be in good repair and are securely fixed to the floor?
• Floors and walkways.  Have you secured electrical cords in high-traffic areas?  Is the furniture arrangement conducive to getting around the space quickly and easily?

The above are only a few of the things that are important to look for when performing an environmental assessment of a senior’s home.

Contact Us Today

At HomeCentris, our Vision is a simple one: we aim “to empower people to remain in the community through innovative health solutions.”  Being able to continue living at home as we age should be a joy, not a worry.  And by assessing and modifying the environment in which an aging senior is living, you can make sure they can live as independently as possible for as long as possible.  If you and your family are interested in learning more about our services or would like to schedule an environmental assessment for yourself or a member of your family, call us today at 240-236-9855.  Stay independent as you age while getting the care you need with HomeCentris of Western Maryland.