Elder and at-risk Westport residents who need help with health and home safety issues have a new resource to get what they need — Westport CARES.

The free program, run here by the Westport Fire Department, is an outreach program designed to assist the senior and at-risk population. Through it, fire department staff members are able to provide in-home safety assessments, education on trip and fall prevention, and well as fire and life safety tips.

The program's in-home assessment portion visits include a needs assessment evaluation, prevention options and education, smoke and carbon monoxide detector checks and installation, and other safety-related topics.

The program allows team members to meet with residents in the safety and privacy of their home to discuss the available resources to create a safer and more independent living environment.

To schedule a visit or for more information on our Westport program, contact the Westport Fire Department at 508-636-1110 and select the CARES extension, or send an e-mail to wfdcares@gmail.com.

The overall CARES program is a joint venture of Fall River EMS Paramedics and the fire department. It is funded in part by a grant from Bristol Elder Services Inc., through a contract with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs. The program has no associated user fees.