Spring and Fall are when we are reminded to replace the battery and test smoke detectors.
According to a recent FEMA report, older adults are twice as likely to die in a fire than the general population in the United States! If your patient does not have working smoke detectors, check with local community partners such as fire, police or public safety departments who may provide free smoke alarms.
The safety of our clients and their families is a critical component of what we do as home care agencies. As we “Spring forward”, now is a great time to review home safety assessments and develop any action plans that are needed to keep patients and families safe.
More information on National Patient Safety Awareness Week can be found here:
Patient Safety Awareness Week | IHI – Institute for Healthcare Improvement