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Preventing falls and
promoting safety in the home is the key to
living independently and having peace of mind. Start with a good evaluation of
your home. There are large and small improvements that can be readily
implemented to secure a safe environment. Slipping, tripping or falling can be
prevented with proper planning.
What
to look for? Safety checklist for the home. It
may be useful to go through the house, room by room, to assess for any safety
hazards. Be observant to your surrounding environment and the various hazards
that could occur.
Review the checklist for ideas to maintain safety and independence you want
and deserve.
Home Environment:
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Do you have stairs to climb (inside or out)? Are there
secure handrails which make climbing up and down easier? |
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What is surface of your floors? Do you have scatter rugs
(torn or loose carpeting), uneven or slippery floor surfaces? Floors should
be made slip-resistant - use nonskid mats under rugs. Evaluate areas where
the elderly are likely to trip over or fall (floor threshold should be as low
as possible). |
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What visual obstacles are potential risks for falls in
your home? (Clutter, overcrowded or protruding furniture, electrical or
telephone cords). Minimize obstacles! |
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Is home lighting inside and out working efficiently or
producing glare? Considering using a clap-on, clap off system for lighting or
other appliances. Use nightlights in hallways and bathroom areas. |
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Is the home in good repair? Are appliances working
properly and are all the household utilities (telephone and electrical) in
service? Heating and cooling systems, plumbing, electrical and gas systems
working properly and efficiently? |
| Replace the
doorknobs with levers, as these are easy to open even if the person has
arthritis or other disabilities. |
Bathroom:
| A shower chair or bath seat allows a person to be seated while bathing and
eliminates the need to lower oneself into the bath. |
| Hand-held shower hoses allow a person to direct the flow of water as
desired. Individuals experiencing difficulty with mobility in their arm and
wrist joints, such as arthritis sufferers can maneuver with greater ease. |
| Add handrails or grab bars in the bathroom (bath / shower and toilet).
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| Utilizing a faucet with a single control for hot and cool water. |
| Bathroom equipment can easily be obtained at your local surgical supply
store or vendor. |
Security:
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Do you have PERS (Personal Emergency Response System)
installed? (also known as a Medical Emergency Alert System) Medical alarms
can provide 24 hour a day support to emergency services and contact family
members. |
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Fire Safety—know all exits to home, have fire
extinguishers available (read directions for proper use and maintenance), and
remove hazardous materials from home. |
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Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are important for
everyone. Are they properly installed (read instructions carefully) and
checked regularly for battery replacement. (* It is recommended that batteries
by replaced annually – schedule on a calendar as a reminder). |
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Are locks and windows in working order? Keys to the home
should be placed in a secure location inside (hall or door entrance) to
prevent losing or misplacing them. |
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Emergency telephone numbers for physician, family and
friends, list of current medications, allergies and medical conditions must be
readily visible. |
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Install burglar alarm, bells and buzzers. Services vary
from community to community. Check with your local 911 services or
professional security consultant. |
| Home preparedness
kit—supplies for several days in the event of a disaster or terrorist attack.
Include water, canned food, can opener, flashlights, batteries, battery
operated radio, charged cell phone, extra medications, warm clothes, and a pre
arranged communication plan with friends, neighbors and family. |
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