Have you, or one of our care providers, checked your home for safety hazards that increase your risk for falls? A thorough home evaluation is a great way to prevent senior falls and serious injury. Any items you can answer “no” to are potential hazards that require attention.
Exterior
- Are step surfaces non-slip?
- Are step edges visually marked to avoid tripping?
- Are steps even and in good repair? Are stairway handrails present?
- Are handrails securely fastened to fittings?
- Are walking paths covered with a non-slip surface and free of objects that might be tripped over?
- Are walking paths clear, safe and even with no holes in the concrete?
- Is sufficient lighting available to provide safe ambulation at night?
- Are leaves and snow cleared away?
- Are tools and yard equipment safely and securely stored?
Helpful tips:
- Poor lighting may contribute to trips and falls. Install light switches at the top and bottom of stairways to avoid climbing and descending in the dark.
- Install lights or colored tape on each step to provide a visual distinction between one step and the next.
- Paint doorsills a different color than the floor.
Interior (Entry and Main Living Area)
- Is the entryway clear of clutter with at least 36″ wide access?
- Do the door locks operate smoothly?
- Does the porch light adequately light the porch and door?
- Are the light switches located near room entrances?
- Are the lights bright enough to compensate for limited vision?
- Are the lights glare free?
- Are stairways well lit?
- Are handrails present on both sides of stairway?
- Are the handrails securely fastened? (consider rails on both sides)
- Are the stairways free of objects?
- Are there light switches at top and bottom of stairs?
- Are the stairs marked for visibility with contrasting tape or step lights?
- Are steps slip resistant?
- Are steps even and uniform in size and height?
- Are there smoke and carbon monoxide detectors present with fresh batteries?
- Are all electrical outlets cool to the touch?
- Are electric cords properly plugged in and safely tucked away?
- Are there nightlights in halls and stairwells?
- If present, are electric heaters placed well away from rugs, curtains and furnishings? DO NOT use extension cords with electric heaters!
- Is the fireplace chimney clear of accumulation and inspected annually?
- Are carpets in good repair with edges tacked or taped down?
- Are linoleum and plastic stair treads secure?
- Are throw rugs secured with non-slip backing and taped down?
- Are floors finished in a non-slip way? Has high polish been avoided?
- Are rooms uncluttered to permit unobstructed mobility?
- Is water temperature reduced to prevent scalding?
- Are water faucets clearly marked hot and cold?
- Is the furnace checked yearly?
- Are there house smoking rules established?
- Do the room furniture patterns allow easy access to doors and windows?
- Do the doors, drawers and windows open and shut easily?
- Is the furniture strong enough to provide support during transfers?
- Are telephones easily accessible?
- Are flashlights available in every room?
- Is glow tape stuck on important items to identify them in dark?
- Are cleaners and poisons clearly marked?
- Are window and door locks sturdy and operational?
- Are medications properly stored and usage instructions written down?
- Is a first aid kit available with up-to-date supplies?
Helpful tips:
- Improve the lighting in your home by using brighter bulbs, at least 60 watts. Use lampshades or frosted bulbs to reduce glare.
- Use uncut, low pile carpeting instead of thick pile to reduce tripping potential.
- Avoid using extension cords. Have an electrician install extra outlets if needed.
- Install lighted switches for easy identification in low light situations.
- Consider converting lamps to “touch” lamps for ease of turning on and off.
- Replace old windows with polarized glass or apply tinted material to eliminate glare without reducing light.
- Use chairs that have seating at least 14 -16 inches from the floor and sturdy armrests to provide leverage during sitting or rising for safer transfers.
If you find that the orgainizing of the work or tests mentioned above are out of your capability then our care providers are always willing to make your home a safer place for you to live in.
Please click here to continue onto Part 2 of this “Care Provider’s Guide to In-Home Safety”
Tags: care providers, devon, main line, malvern, paoli, Safety
