SeniorBSafe

About the Program

Category: Human Services (Best in Category)

Year: 2013

Reducing hazardous conditions so that vulnerable seniors can continue to live in their homes is the goal of the SeniorBSafe Program, started by the Gwinnett County (GA) Fire and Emergency Services department in 2011. It builds on earlier effort to gather medical information from vulnerable seniors in a File of Life document to help first responders. Last year, firefighters partnered with the County’s Senior Services division and its non-profit support group to expand the access and scope of the program.Deteriorating environmental conditions in the home often accompany declining health, so by identifying hazards, the program helps improve quality of life and reduce healthcare costs for seniors. This unique approach is proactive, collaborative, and cost-effective. Fire and life safety educators and well-trained volunteers have already conducted surveys of 118 homes and presented programs to more than 2,500 participants.