Dear Friend,

Every day, thousands of seniors experience falls, accidents, or emergencies in their own homes—the very place that should feel the safest. For many, that sense of safety can hide real dangers. The home you’ve lived in for decades, filled with love and memories, may have hidden hazards that could lead to serious injuries or worse.

Take a moment and think about your own situation. Are you confident your home is as safe as it should be? Many people tell themselves, “I’m fine. I’m careful. I don’t need help.” But the numbers don’t lie. Every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall. Every 19 minutes, someone loses their life because of one.

I’m not here to scare you; I’m here to wake you up. Because ignoring the risks doesn’t make them disappear—it only increases them.

Let me tell you about Mary, a vibrant 82-year-old widow who insisted she was fine living on her own. One night, on her way to the bathroom, her foot caught on the edge of a rug. She fell, breaking her hip, and lay on the floor for hours before help arrived. Mary’s life changed in an instant. She went from living independently to needing round-the-clock care in a facility.

The saddest part? This could have been avoided.

Have you done everything you can to make sure your home is safe? If you’re not sure, it’s time to take action. Here are three of the biggest risks seniors face at home—and how you can prevent them today.

  1. Fall Hazards: The Leading Cause of Injury

Falls are the number one cause of injury for seniors, but they’re almost always preventable. Walk through your home and check for these common culprits:

  • Loose rugs that slide underfoot.
  • Poor lighting in hallways or stairs.
  • Stairs without sturdy handrails.
  • Bathrooms without grab bars or slip-resistant mats.

Think about it: Your home is meant to be your sanctuary, not a danger zone. Removing hazards like throw rugs, adding brighter light bulbs, and installing grab bars may seem simple—but these small changes can make a big difference.

  1. Lack of Emergency Response: Every Minute Counts

One of the scariest parts of falling or facing an emergency is being unable to get help. Imagine lying on the floor, unable to move, hoping someone finds you before it’s too late.

A life alert system can make all the difference. These devices give you the ability to call for help at the push of a button. Some even detect falls automatically and contact emergency services on your behalf. It’s a small investment that could save your life.

  1. Invisible Dangers: Fires, Gas Leaks, and Carbon Monoxide

Your reflexes aren’t what they used to be—and that’s okay. But it means issues like a fire, gas leak, or carbon monoxide problem can escalate quickly. Make sure your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. Replace old batteries and consider installing smart alarms that can notify someone you trust if there’s a problem.

Don’t Let “It Won’t Happen to Me” Be Your Downfall

Too many people don’t make these changes until it’s too late. They assume everything will be fine—until it isn’t. A single fall or accident can change your life forever, leaving you or your family scrambling to make decisions in the middle of a crisis.

As an attorney specializing in estate planning and elder law, I’ve seen the devastating effects of accidents firsthand. I’ve worked with families in crisis, struggling to figure out how to care for a loved one who can no longer live independently. I don’t want that to happen to you.

Take the time today to make your home safer. And while you’re at it, let’s talk about making a plan for your future. Whether it’s protecting your assets or planning for long-term care, having these plans in place can make all the difference when life takes an unexpected turn.

Call my office at 770-285-5493 to schedule a consultation. Together, we can make sure you’re safe, secure, and prepared for whatever comes your way.

Remember, this isn’t about fear. It’s about taking smart steps to protect yourself and the people you love from unnecessary pain and hardship.

Sincerely and Thanks,

Mike

Mike Bascom

Bascom Law, PC

Estate Planning & Elder Law