Welcome to the second part of our care provider’s guide. If you haven’t read the first part please click here.
The Interior continued…
Kitchen
- Are dishes and food stored on lower shelves for easy access?
- Is step stool sturdy and have a high handle for support?
- Are step stool treads slip resistant and in good repair?
- Is lighting sufficient, especially over the stove, sink and counter-tops?
- Are towels and curtains kept away from the stove?
- Are electric appliances and their cords kept well away from the sink?
- Is flooring nonslip?
- Are the “Off” indicators on stove and appliances clearly marked with brightly colored tape?
- Is there a telephone in the kitchen? Are emergency telephone numbers displayed including family contacts?
- Is there a fire extinguisher within easy reach and in good order?
- Are whistling teakettles and food timers in use?
- If the pilot light on the stove goes out, is the gas odor strong enough to alert the homeowner?
- Is food properly stored?
- Are refrigerator and cupboards free of spoiled or expired food?
- Are pots and pans of a lightweight type?
- Are pot holders and oven mitts available?
- Are the appliances including refrigerator and stove in good working order?
- Are pet dishes set out of walking area?
- Are table and chairs strong and secure enough to provide support when leaning, standing or sitting?
Helpful tip:
- A well-organized kitchen will make cooking and cleaning easier and prevent falls. Rearrange frequently used items to avoid excessive bending and reaching. Use a hand held reaching tool for hard to reach objects.
Bedroom
- Are lamp and light switches within reach of the bed?
- Is the electric blanket in good working order?
- Is the telephone accessible from the bed?
- Is there an emergency telephone list near the telephone?
- Is there a flashlight and a whistle near the bed?
- Are medications stored away from the nightstand?
- Is the bed an appropriate height for easy transfer?
Helpful tips:
- It can be challenging not to mention expensive to keep fresh batteries in flashlights. Try purchasing flashlights that plug into the wall and remain constantly charged. Some rechargeable flashlights even have built in nightlights to make them easy to locate in the dark.
- Stand slowly when getting out of bed. Give your body time to adjust to an upright position.
- Wear well-fitting slippers and avoid night wear that drags on the ground.
- Tie the belt on your robe
- Keep pathways between the bed and bathroom and the bedroom door unobstructed by clutter or furniture.
- The bed should be at least 18″ high (from the top of the mattress to the floor) to allow more comfortable and safe transfers.
- The edge of the mattress should be firm enough to support a seated person without sagging.
Bathroom
- Is the door wide enough for unobstructed access with or without an assistive device like a cane, walker, or wheelchair?
- Is the threshold low enough to avoid being a tripping hazard?
- Does the floor have a non-slip surface?
- Are floor rugs secured with non-slip backing and carpet tape?
- Are grab bars securely fastened next to the toilet and in the tub and shower areas?
- Are there non-skid strips, decals or rubber mats in the tub or shower?
- Is there a tub or shower seat available?
- Is the toilet seat elevated for easy transfers?
- Is there sufficient, accessible, glare-free light available?
- Is there telephone access available in the bathroom?
Helpful tips:
- If you are on strong medication or in a frail or delicate condition, do not bathe by yourself. Have someone assist you in and out of the bath and check on you periodically.
- Use a bath-chair, grab bars and hand held shower to provide stability when bathing.
- Do not use towel bars for support.
- Check water temperature with your hand before entering the tub or shower.
Other things you can do, or have our care providers assist with, to prevent falls and increase in-home saftey:
Exercise regularly: Regular exercise makes you stronger and improves your stamina, balance and coordination. It also helps to increase your bone density and balance hormone levels. It improves circulation, blood pressure and heart and lung health. NEVER begin and exercise routine without consulting your physician!
Do an annual Brown Bag Review: Simply place all your medications, prescribed and over the counter meds, along with any herbal, nutritional and natural health supplements you take into a brown paper bag. Write your name, date and phone number on the outside of the bag. Take it in to your doctor or pharmacist to review your meds for potential interactions or side effects like dizziness or sleepiness. The more you and your doctor know about your medications, the less likely you’ll be to experience bad effects.
Have your vision and hearing checked once a year: Both vision and hearing problems can increase your fall risk.
Keep you glasses clean.
Choose good footware: Wear sturdy, well-fitting shoes with non-skid soles.
Take care of your feet: Talk with your doctor about any pain, numbness, tingling or any wounds that don’t heal properly.
Prepare for a fall:
- Place water and blankets in low cupboards or behind chairs around the house. If you fall and cannot get up, these can help prevent dehydration and hypothermia until help arrives.
- Purchase a medical alert device that automatically pages for help if you fall.
Be Observant: While this is a thorough list, it cannot take into account every possible safety hazard you may encounter. Be on the lookout for other potential problem areas!
Tags: care providers, devon, main line, malvern, paoli, Safety
