Aging gracefully in the comfort of one’s home is a cherished dream for many, which is why home safety is so important. Thankfully, Medicare offers a provision for home safety assessments. A home safety assessment is a comprehensive evaluation designed to ensure your safety and well-being in and around your home. This assessment is a crucial step in identifying potential hazards and making necessary modifications to create a secure living environment. If you’re wondering what this encompasses, keep reading to discover more.
Five Essential Safety Checks
Ensuring a safe living environment is vital for peace of mind and to help prevent injury. Let’s dive into the five critical safety checks every homeowner should consider for optimum security and comfort.
1. Ready Response to Fire Threats
Your first line of defense against fire hazards is preparation. Your assessor will scrutinize your readiness, ranging from having a well-thought-out exit strategy to the efficacy of your smoke detectors. The presence of a handy fire extinguisher and your knowledge of general fire hazards and their prevention are other key aspects they’ll consider.
2. Structural Examination
Your home’s foundation and build play a pivotal role in its safety. The assessor will inspect the resilience of the floor, ensuring it’s free of trip hazards. Stairs, a common area of concern, should be robust and free of defects. A key element often overlooked is door width. Although 36 inches is the conventional width for interior doors, the 32-inch width of a typical wheelchair makes the broader 36-inch door a prudent choice, preempting any future adaptations.
3. Averting Fall Hazards
A startling fact to consider is that one in four Americans aged 65 and above experiences a fall annually. Fortunately, many falls can be averted. The assessor will identify culprits like unsecured rugs, loose carpets, or stray extension cords. Small adaptations, from sticking cords to walls to clearing up any accumulated clutter, can make monumental differences in safety. Simple measures, such as adding handrails or maintaining a decluttered space, elevate your home’s safety quotient.
4. Oxygen and Fire Safety
With the rising use of home oxygen systems, it’s important to be cognizant of associated hazards. Oxygen, especially under high pressure, demands respect and caution. The assessor will gauge the potential risks, from the presence of smoking paraphernalia to the strategic placement of oxygen canisters. Placing a “no smoking” sign can serve as a simple yet effective deterrent to possible fire threats.
5. Electrical Checkpoints
For beneficiaries using specific medical gadgets, like a home ventilator machine, the home’s electrical framework becomes a focal point. The assessor will vet various components, including the quality of wiring, electrical adequacy, outlet grounding, and the judicious use of power strips.
Safety should always be a top priority when it comes to your home. By implementing these safety checks, you can greatly reduce the likelihood of accidents and injuries.
Medicare Coverage for Home Safety Assessments
Medicare does provide coverage for home safety assessments. The assessment must be ordered by your primary care physician. Medicare Part B will pay for the assessment. Medicare beneficiaries can also receive a home safety assessment at no cost as part of their Welcome to Medicare visit. This one-time visit is offered during the first 12 months of Medicare Part B coverage.
If you’ve recently experienced a home injury that required a hospital visit, Medicare may deem a home safety assessment as medically necessary. Additionally, if you need certain types of home health care, this assessment might also be covered. In both situations, your Medicare Part A hospital benefits will cover the cost of the assessment.
It’s important to note that you’ll still be responsible for Medicare deductibles and coinsurance payments. If you have any questions about your potential out-of-pocket costs and coverage details then please give us a call at 866-633-4427.
Conclusion
Safety at home is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. With Medicare’s home safety assessment, you can ensure that your living environment supports your well-being and health. Furthermore, by addressing potential hazards and making necessary modifications, you not only enhance your quality of life but also prolong your independence. Embracing these safety measures can offer peace of mind, not just for you, but also for your loved ones who care about your safety. Remember, a proactive approach today can prevent unforeseen accidents tomorrow.
For more information about Medicare coverage for home safety assessments, please speak with a Senior Healthcare Solutions Medicare expert today at 866-633-4427. Ensuring your home is safe and equipped to meet your needs is a top priority. We’re here to help and will answer any questions you might have. So, don’t hesitate to give us a call today.
