Planning for the unexpected isn’t always easy. Try as we might, we can’t see what the future will bring. Simple home mishaps and accidents can cause temporary or severe disabilities.
According to the US Census Bureau, between 2018 and 2022, 5.3 percent of Marin County’s population under age 60 were living with a disability. As we age, our risk of developing a disability increases. And Marin’s population over the age of 60 is also increasing.
Marin’s Fall Prevention Program Can Help
There’s a program that offers free home modification packages to reduce the risk of at-home falls. That’s welcome news for people who want to age in place and stay safe.
According to the website of the Marin Center for Independent Living (Marin CIL), they currently provide no-cost home modifications to Marin County residents living with a disability or who are over the age of 60 and at risk for at-home falls.
The modification packages cover a range of measures to make your home safer and more accessible. Once the simple online application is completed, a home assessment can be scheduled to determine what safety features or modification are needed. A fall prevention checklist is included in the process. The checklist is a tool containing actionable steps and educational tips on the most practical ways of reducing the risk of falls in the home.
Assistive Technology Advocate Tonique McNair is Marin CIL’s contact for the program. She is an enthusiastic proponent of its benefits and encourages individuals to take advantage of the valuable modification packages offered. “It is better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. We often receive calls from someone after they have fallen. The services are free and they are meant as a preventive measure,” she said.
The actual modifications can range from options like:
- Small home repairs
- Fixing trip hazards like unsafe flooring
- Installation of grab bars
- Construction of simple wheelchair ramps
- Modifications such as handheld showers and raised toilet seats.
The only requirements to receive the services are that you have a disability or are over 60 and at risk of falling. Income is not a consideration, and you don’t need a doctor’s referral. The program is also open to individuals who are suffering from a temporary disability, such as a hip or knee injury, or are recovering from surgery.
Home Safety Services conducts the Home Assessments, and a licensed, insured contractor performs the work.
When asked what might hold some people back from participating in the program, McNair said, “We want the program to be as accessible as possible, but some people may not have access to, or experience with, technology to reach us through our website. I encourage them to call me at 415-459-6245 x20 and I will answer any questions and complete the application for them.”
She also noted that some individuals may hesitate because they care very much about their home environments and worry that the modifications like grab bars could change the aesthetics of their bathroom or damage the surface when attached. She assures them that the company doing the work is very skilled in working with a variety of custom surfaces and does a very professional job.
If you are interested or know someone who could benefit from this program, please visit https://www.marincil.org/dignity-at-home/ or call Marin CIL’s Assistive Technology Advocate, Tonique McNair, at 415-459-6245 x20 or email her at tonique@marincil.org.