The United Way of Greater Nashua is expanding its commitment to community health and safety with an upcoming workshop dedicated to empowering older adults with practical knowledge to enhance their home safety.
In collaboration with the New Hampshire Fire Marshal’s Office and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), United Way will host this workshop on December 6th at Dartmouth Health in Nashua, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
The event, part of the widely attended Coffee and Causes series, is designed to address the unique safety challenges faced by seniors and offers actionable guidance on reducing household risks, particularly those associated with fires and falls.
Recognizing that older adults are twice as likely to experience serious or fatal injuries from household accidents compared to younger individuals, United Way is providing a platform for crucial conversations and learning.
The workshop features an interactive session led by Rebecca Cowser of the New Hampshire Fire Marshal’s Office, who will share insights on the NFPA’s Steps to Safety program.
With an emphasis on accessible home modifications, simple preventive measures, and easy-to-adopt safety practices, this event aims to equip attendees with the tools needed to make their homes safer, fostering greater confidence and independence in daily living.
Attendees will also enjoy refreshments as they connect with local experts and community members committed to promoting senior safety and well-being.
Key Takeaways
United Way of Greater Nashua is hosting a workshop on December 6th to empower older adults with practical knowledge to enhance their home safety.
- The workshop will cover fire prevention measures, fall reduction strategies, and home modifications to reduce household risks.
- Attendees will learn how simple adjustments can significantly reduce the risk of household accidents, such as checking smoke alarms regularly and decluttering walkways.
- United Way’s commitment to community health and safety is reflected in its ongoing efforts to provide education and resources to address significant challenges faced by seniors.
Fire and fall prevention strategies
Home safety risks are an ongoing concern for older adults, who face unique vulnerabilities to both falls and fires. Falls are particularly common in older adults due to factors like diminished balance and strength, while slower response times make fire safety critical.
Understanding these challenges, the Steps to Safety workshop offers a proactive approach, with expert-led presentations that cover practical home modifications and prevention strategies to protect this demographic from avoidable injuries.
Rebecca Cowser’s presentation will span a variety of safety topics, including effective fire prevention measures, the importance of maintaining working smoke alarms, and balance-enhancing exercises.
Attendees will learn how simple adjustments—such as checking smoke alarms regularly, decluttering walkways, and installing better lighting—can significantly reduce the risk of household accidents. This hands-on session will also offer practical demonstrations of balance exercises, enabling seniors to strengthen their stability and feel safer in their homes.
Cowser will provide additional guidance on easy-to-implement home modifications that promote a safer living environment. These modifications might include adding non-slip mats in bathrooms, arranging furniture to create clear pathways, and organizing emergency contact information for easy access. Each of these measures is designed to empower seniors to live independently and confidently, reducing their risk of injury.
United Way’s commitment to resilience
The best way to Safety event is part of United Way of Greater Nashua’s commitment to addressing significant community challenges through education and resource connection.
Since 1929, United Way has been a trusted community resource, advocating for initiatives that support health, education, and financial stability throughout the Nashua area. Through programs like Coffee and Causes, United Way provides platforms for residents to discuss pressing issues, exchange ideas, and access expert advice.
Coffee and Causes has successfully covered a wide range of topics, from mental health awareness and food security to housing and financial literacy. By offering educational events, United Way promotes a culture of community engagement, empowering residents to take proactive steps to improve their own lives and the well-being of their neighborhoods.
United Way’s community-driven efforts are recognized at the national level. GuideStar and Charity Navigator, two respected evaluators of nonprofit organizations, have consistently awarded United Way of Greater Nashua high ratings for transparency and financial stewardship. These endorsements reflect the organization’s dedication to using resources responsibly to make meaningful, lasting contributions to the community.
Empowering older adults with safety measures
The Steps to Safety program serves as a vital resource for older adults who may face challenges in maintaining a safe home environment. By addressing key safety concerns and providing guidance on fire prevention and fall reduction, United Way equips seniors with the tools they need to live safely and independently.
Cowser’s presentation will cover fundamental fire safety steps, such as keeping exits accessible, practicing safe cooking habits, and regularly checking smoke alarms. By adopting these behaviors, older adults can better prepare for potential emergencies.
Fall prevention will also be a major focus. Through interactive exercises, participants will learn how balance training and mobility exercises can significantly reduce fall risks. Simple home improvements, like installing grab bars in bathrooms, ensuring adequate lighting in stairways, and decluttering living areas, can further prevent falls.
Cowser’s demonstration of balance exercises will offer seniors a way to integrate these movements into their daily routines, promoting both physical stability and confidence.
This initiative aligns closely with United Way’s overarching mission to enhance the well-being of all community members. By empowering older adults with education and resources, United Way encourages proactive decision-making that contributes to long-term safety and comfort.
Each session within the Steps to Safety program reinforces United Way’s commitment to fostering a supportive community where seniors feel valued, protected, and empowered.
Building a foundation of safety and support
The Steps to Safety event reflects United Way’s plans to create a safe, resilient community through continued education and support. By focusing on long-term safety practices and establishing a culture of prevention, United Way is equipping older adults with tools to make conscious, safe choices in their everyday lives.
This proactive approach not only addresses immediate safety concerns but also builds a foundation for lifelong well-being and independence.
For many older adults, maintaining independence is paramount, yet challenges like reduced mobility, vision changes, and other age-related factors can increase the risk of injury in their homes. United Way’s workshop will dive into common risk factors, helping participants identify subtle hazards that might otherwise go unnoticed.
For instance, seniors will learn to spot risky areas like cluttered hallways, unsecured rugs, and poorly lit entryways, transforming them into safer, more accessible spaces with small, effective changes.
The workshop will also touch on how family members and caregivers can better support the safety of older adults. Cowser will provide practical advice on how loved ones can assist with safety checks, identify new risks as they arise, and promote regular routines, such as testing smoke alarms and clearing walkways. By involving families and caregivers in these practices, United Way hopes to inspire a community-wide approach to safety that extends beyond individual households.
United Way’s vision for community empowerment
The Steps to Safety event is emblematic of United Way’s mission to empower communities through education and resource sharing. By providing vital information to older adults, United Way contributes to a safer, more informed community, where individuals can make choices that protect their well-being.
This event is particularly significant for Nashua’s senior population, who may face heightened risks of injury and require tailored resources to support their independence.
Beyond home safety, United Way’s programs address broader community needs, fostering resilience by promoting health, educational opportunities, and economic stability. United Way’s initiatives connect residents with essential resources, from financial literacy workshops to food assistance programs, providing a foundation of support for those in need.
These efforts contribute to the long-term strength and vitality of Nashua’s communities, making United Way a pillar of positive change and civic responsibility.
Residents interested in supporting United Way’s mission can participate in various ways, whether through donations, volunteer work, or attendance at events like Steps to Safety. Every contribution to United Way strengthens the organization’s ability to create a safer, healthier, and more inclusive Nashua.
By offering educational sessions and connecting residents with critical resources, United Way addresses immediate concerns while fostering a culture of long-term safety and resilience.
