Safety for community dwelling older adults implies that they are safe from falls, violence, and disaster.

It is important to conduct regular home safety assessments to identify areas of risk and implement a program to minimize specific areas of risk that are found.

Categories to include when assessing the safety of elders environment include risk for falls (external and internal factors), history of near and past falls, use of personal precautions, risk and preparation for fire and disasters, and risk for crime (Tanner EK, 2003).

 

Increased symptoms from chronic illnesses and concomitant treatments, decreased vision and mobility, weakened balance and strength, and increased environmental risk factors within the home setting all result in added risks for unintentional injury.

 

These risks too often lead unnecessarily to falls.

Approximately one-third of older adults experience at least one fall each year, with serious injury reported in 45%, and those who have fallen previously are likely to sustain subsequent falls (Stalenhoef PA, 2002).

 

Falls represent the leading cause of unintentional injury in older adults and often result in mortality, diminished functional ability, and institutionalization or permanent loss of independent living.

Consequently, it is imperative to assess risks to home safety and implement prevention programs among community-dwelling older adults to prevent falls, avoid injury, and facilitate independence as long as possible (Tanner EK, 2003).