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June is National Safety Month, and while it might not get the same buzz as other observances, it should be front and center for families caring for older adults at home. Here in Hunterdon County, in towns like Flemington, Clinton, Lambertville, and the surrounding areas, many seniors are choosing to age in place. And who can blame them? Home is familiar. It's personal. It's where people feel most at ease.
But comfort doesn’t always equal safety. In fact, most falls, medication mistakes, and preventable injuries happen at home, not in hospitals and not in public. That’s why this month is the perfect time to hit pause, look around, and ask a tough but necessary question: Is this home still safe for the person living in it?
Why Safety at Home Becomes More Important with Age
Aging brings real changes. Slower reaction times, decreased balance, stiff joints, fading eyesight. Then layer in chronic health conditions like Parkinson’s, diabetes, arthritis, or memory loss, and the risk of injury multiplies.
According to the CDC, one in four Americans over 65 experiences a fall each year, and for many, that fall leads to hospitalization, long-term care, or worse. But here’s the good news: most of those accidents can be avoided. Sometimes all it takes is a better lightbulb or moving a coffee table.
Room-by-Room Safety Check: Your Hunterdon County Home Guide
Let’s take a walkthrough of the home and flag common risks, plus how to fix them without a full renovation.
1. Entryways and Hallways
- Bright lighting is key, especially at night
- Remove clutter and loose shoes that can trip someone
- Railings should be sturdy. Add grab bars near any steps
- Ditch the throw rugs or use non-slip grips underneath
2. Living Room
- Bundle and secure cords so no one catches a foot on them
- Make sure furniture isn’t too low or awkward to get out of
- Clear wide paths for walkers or canes to pass easily
- Replace wobbly coffee tables or unstable side chairs
3. Kitchen
- Store daily-use items within easy reach
- Use non-slip mats near the sink and stove
- Label appliance controls clearly, especially for older eyes
- Toss expired food to prevent illness and confusion
4. Bathroom
- Install grab bars near the toilet and inside the shower
- Use a shower chair and handheld sprayer if balance is a concern
- Add rubber mats inside and outside the tub
- Keep floors dry and toiletries organized
5. Bedroom
- Pathways should be clear between the bed and bathroom
- Nightlights or motion-sensor lights can prevent stumbles
- Keep water, glasses, a phone, and meds close to the bed
6. Stairs
- Handrails should be on both sides, not just one
- Lighting needs to be bright and evenly spaced
- Use contrasting tape on stair edges for better visibility
- Non-slip stair treads are a small investment with big payoff
7. Whole-Home Tips
- Test smoke and CO detectors once a month
- Post emergency numbers in large print near phones and on the fridge
- Review all medications regularly with a doctor or pharmacist
Don’t Overlook Emotional Safety
Physical hazards are only part of the picture. For many seniors in Hunterdon County, living alone can cause anxiety. Isolation is a silent threat. It increases the risk of depression, cognitive decline, and even rehospitalization. Regular check-ins, social interaction, and a helping hand can make a huge difference in how safe and supported someone feels at home.
How BrightStar Care of Hunterdon Keeps Homes and Loved Ones Safer
At BrightStar Care of Hunterdon, we go beyond the basics of home care. We provide in-home safety assessments, caregiver education, and hands-on support to help families feel confident that their loved one is in good hands, even when they’re not there.
Here’s what we bring to the table:
- RN-led Care Plans: Every client receives a personalized care plan created and overseen by a Registered Nurse. That includes home safety recommendations that are specific to their environment and needs
- Fall Prevention Support: Our caregivers assist with mobility, safe transfers, and movement around the house to reduce fall risks
- Medication Management: From reminders to organization, we help ensure meds are taken safely and on time
- Companion and Personal Care: Sometimes just having someone nearby makes all the difference. Our caregivers offer support with bathing, dressing, meals, and conversation
- Post-Hospital Support: We specialize in helping people recover safely at home after a hospital stay or rehab. That includes monitoring for complications, helping with appointments, and making sure no detail gets overlooked
We work with families throughout Flemington, Raritan Township, Milford, High Bridge, and nearby communities. We understand the unique challenges seniors face in our area, from navigating older homes with narrow staircases to managing care in rural settings.
Start Making Changes Before There’s a Problem
National Safety Month is your reminder that you don’t have to wait for an accident to act. Take a slow walk through the home, look at things from your loved one’s point of view, and be honest about the risks.
If you’re not sure where to start, or if you’d like an expert opinion, BrightStar Care of Hunterdon is here to help. We believe a safe home is the foundation of a healthy, happy life. We’re proud to support families across our community in making that a reality.
Let’s work together to make home the safest place it can be. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a home safety assessment.
BrightStar Care® is Here to Help
At BrightStar Care® of Hunterdon, we offer a wide range of home care and medical staffing services that enrich the quality of life for those who need care from the comfort of their home. We strive to provide the full continuum of care to our community while keeping our focus on offering a higher standard of care. Offering unparalleled support for our local healthcare system while providing a variety of high-quality, compassionate care, we work to give our clients the best lives possible while also strengthening the broader community. Contact us through our website or call 908.627.4600, so that we can help you find the right support to fit your unique needs.