Submitted by Bedford Council on Aging:
Bedford Fire Fighter/S.A.F.E educator Dana Park supports the Council on Aging by continued service to Bedford’s over-65 population through an ongoing inter-departmental partnership.
The Bedford Fire Department responded to more than 2,500 emergency calls last year. Many of these calls come from the growing number of seniors or people with disabilities who are aging in the community. The COA is grateful and extends thanks for the compassionate work of the entire department every day in keeping our most vulnerable residents safe in their homes.
Prevention is also an important part of the town’s response and this is where this collaboration thrives. Firefighter Park provides safety presentations as part of the regular COA program offerings, and the COA provides financial support for the purchase of a number of Knox Boxes.
Elder safe home visits are also part of the prevention services offered by Firefighter Park. The COA recently received praise and recognition from long-time residents who received his professional, thorough safety visits. During the visits, the following list can be assessed and recommendations are always provided:
- Home Knox box (Lock box for house keys) while available
- File of Life
- Smoke /CO alarm testing, installation and battery checks.
- Kitchen safety
- Slip and fall prevention
- House numbers (helping the Fire Department find residences during calls)
- Electrical safety
- Bathroom safety
- Life call education
- Medication safety.
These visits are conducted at no cost to residents and usually take an hour to complete. The visits are scheduled on a monthly basis by appointment. If you are interested in receiving a visit, or have a question about this, or other programs, please call the Fire Department business line at 781-275-7262, ext. 4202.
Loading ...
