In recognition of National Safety Month, the Home Instead Senior Care office serving northern Fairfield County is offering a free home safety checks for area seniors and their families.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 20 million seniors ages 65 and older visit the emergency room each year, with almost a third of the visits related to injuries, many of which are sustained in the home. However, almost half of all home accidents by seniors (48 percent) can be avoided, according to a recent survey of emergency room doctors conducted by the Home Instead Senior Care network.

“The home should be the safest and most comfortable place for aging seniors,” says Sharon Massafra of the Home Instead Senior Care office serving Northern Fairfield, Southern Litchfield and Northwest New Haven counties. “It is critical for families and seniors to invest the time in identifying the necessary home safety modifications to ensure it stays that way.”

Senior home safety experts recommend that adult children of seniors take at least one day each year to perform a thorough safety check of their parents’ home.

“An annual safety check can help seniors avoid dangers that could threaten their independence,” said Ms Massafra. “When we go into homes, we see a lot of red flags that are easily overlooked by those who are familiar with the home. Most of the time, these are relatively easy and affordable fixes — and they could be the difference between a trip to the emergency room and staying safe at home.”

To request a free home safety check, call the local Home Instead Senior Care office at 203-386-1151. For other resources, including online safety assessment and recommendations for inexpensive modifications, visit . www.makinghomesaferforseniors.com