Pierce County Aging & Disability Resources

The Aging and Disability Resources Program offers a wide range of community-based services that allow older adults and adults with disabilities to remain at home as long as possible. These services address the needs of frail, older and functionally disabled adults living in Pierce County.

Services provided:

  • Review your service needs and eligibility
  • Help you make informed choices and access services
  • Help you develop a plan that addresses your health, housing and safety needs
  • Review your situation and help you make changes to the plan as needed

Learn more at: https://www.piercecountywa.gov/2128/About-Aging-Disability-Resources

Remembering When

At age 65, older adults are twice as likely to be killed or injured by fires compared to the population at large. By age 75, that risk increases to three times that of the general population — and to four times by age 85. Source: National Fire Protection Association

We want to ensure that our aging population has the information and resources needed to continue living a safe and healthy lifestyle.

Click here to download the home safety checklist.

Fire Prevention

  • If you smoke, smoke outside. Ensure proper disposal of cigarette butts by having large, deep, and sturdy ashtrays. Wet cigarette butts and ashes prior to throwing them away. Never smoke in bed. Never smoke if oxygen is used in the home.
  • Give space heaters space. Keep them at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn – including you! Shut off and unplug heaters when you leave or go to bed.
  • Stay in the kitchen when cooking food. Use a timer to remind you that you are cooking. Use oven mitts to handle hot pans. Don’t cook if you are drowsy from alcohol or medication.
  • Stop, drop, and roll. If your clothes ever catch fire, stop (don’t run), drop gently to the ground, and cover your face with your hands. Roll back and forth until the fire is out. Use cool water for 3-5 minutes to cool the burn. Get medical help right away.
  • Smoke alarms save lives. Ensure that you have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home, inside each bedroom, and outside each sleeping area. Test the alarms monthly. If you cannot change your smoke alarms, give us a call at (253) 847-8811, and we will change the battery or install a new alarm for you.
  • Plan and practice your escape from fire and smoke. Ensure that you know how to evacuate your home in the event of an emergency. Know two ways out of every room. Make sure windows and doors open easily. If the smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside. Call 9-1-1.
  • Plan your escape around your abilities. Have a telephone near your bed in case you are trapped by smoke or fire. Have other necessary items near your bed, such as medications, glasses, wheel chair, walker, scooter, or cane.

Fall Prevention

  • Exercise regularly to build strength and improve your balance and coordination. Ask
  • Take your time. Get out of chairs slowly. Sit a moment before you get out of your bed. Stand and get your balance before you walk. Be aware of your surroundings.
  • Keep stairs and walkways free of electrical cords, shoes, clothing, books, magazines, and other items that could be tripping hazards.
  • Improve the lighting in your and outside your home. Use nightlights to light the path between your bedroom and bathroom.
  • Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors. Install grab bars on the wall next to the bathtub, shower, and toilet.
  • Be aware of uneven surfaces indoors and outdoors. Only use rugs that have rubber, non-skid backing. Be aware of uneven sidewalks and pavement outdoors. Ask a family member or neighbor to clear ice and snow from outside stairs and walkways and always use handrails in available.
  • Stairways should be well lit from both the top and bottom. Have easy-to-grip handrails installed along the full length of both sides of the stairs.
  • Wear sturdy, well-fitting, low-heeled shoes with non-slip soles. They are safer than high heels, thick-soled athletic shoes, slippers, or stocking feet.

File of Life

File of Life is an emergency preparedness file that promotes safety and peace of mind. It is the first thing that emergency personnel looks for when they enter your home. File of Life provides important information about your medical history, physician info, emergency contacts and medications all in one place.

File of Life

Just fill out the form inside, put the completed form inside the magnetic red pocket and post it on your refrigerator door where first responders can find it. Remember to update the information after doctor’s visits, and as medications change.

File of Life is available at no cost to you. Ask for one next time you are at any of our stations.