Basic Home Safety Checklist

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COMMON SENSE AGE-FRIENDLY CHECKLIST:

  1. FLOORING: remove area rugs, throw rugs, plush thick rugs etc., (all are trip hazards). Try to use only low pile carpeting. Carpet stairs for safety. Use non-slip or slip-resistant flooring. Use cork flooring or vinyl planking rather than tile; not as likely to break something if a fall occurs.
  2. ACCESSIBILITY: Remove all clutter such as magazines, boxes, decorative items, tchotchkes, that are fall hazards. Make sure hallways and stairs are clear, especially the path to the bathroom. Move furniture or downsize items to create easy passage around the house.
  3.  APPLIANCES: Are the washer and dryer on risers to make it easier to load and unload? Is the stove well designed with easy to use controls for arthritic hands? Would a split dish washer (top and bottom drawer) with a small top load capacity be a great idea? Does the microwave need to be moved to a lower shelf?
  4. FIRE EXTINGUISHERS: Make sure the home has several ABC rated fire extinguishers in the kitchen or any area with gas heat or hot water heaters. Check the dates on the ones they have!
  5. SMOKE DETECTORS AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS: Check to make sure they are working if they have them or install if needed.
  6. SLIP-PROOFING: Are there non-skid rubber suction bath mats in the bottom of the shower and outside of the shower and tub? There is now a non-slip spray you can use and permanent stick on non-slip strips to use anywhere; tub, shower and stairs.
  7. CLOSETS AND CABINETS: Are frequently used items within easy reach or up on high shelves. Lower shelves in any closet if possible to make items more accessible.
  8. STAIRS: Is there a secure sturdy handrail? This is an absolute must! Any loose carpeting that needs to be fixed? If they are tile or wood, consider some kind of non-slip adhesive strips. What about a handrail for exterior steps?
  9. DOORS: Does the bathroom door swing in or out? Much better if it swings OUT. If your parent has a serious fall, the outward swinging door will allow someone (or emergency personnel) to get into the bathroom.
  10. STEP STOOLS: Do they have one that is safe with a handrail and non-skid steps?  And WHY are they using it? Better to move needed items to lower shelves and ditch the stepstool if possible!
  11. REMOTE CONTROL: Can they turn lights on and off, (both interior and exterior) lock doors, control the temperature, turn security on and off and more? (see Chapter 11 on Technology for more about medical alert and security systems)
  12. LIGHTING: Is lighting bright, functional, and are light switches flat panel lever style? Are nightlights installed in hallways, bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchen?
  13. PETS: Can they still easily manage having a pet? The benefits of having a pet usually out way the potential trip hazards, but is there a better place to put the kitty litter pan or a better entry/exit to use when the walk the dog, that is safer or maybe needs a ramp? Are all exits well lite?
  14. ENTRANCE, EXTERIOR WALKWAYS: Is the entry well lit? Can an emergency vehicle easily see the address or house numbers? Check for loose bricks, broken pavers, slippery moss or mold on pathway or stairs. Is it time to power wash the walkway?
  15. TRIM UP SHRUBBERY that impedes a clear view from doors and windows or blocks walkways.
  16. PHONE & MED LIST: Do they have an emergency contact and phone list, full medication list, D.N.R. (see Chapter 18) attached to the fridge? EMT’s are trained to look for this information either on the fridge or in the freezer in what is known as the “Vial of Life.” (See Chapter 1)
  17. SMART PHONE: Do they have a smart phone they use, or do they depend on a land line?  I suggest both if possible. It won’t do any good if their phone is in another room they can’t get to. Even better, a smart medical alert system that will know they have fallen and will automatically call 911 and you. (See Chapter 12)

Here is a basic list of adaptive equipment you could install that would minimize the risk of falls:

  1. Raised toilet seat (usually 3-4 inches) that attaches to existing toilet; usually has arms or grab bars built in to help person sit or stand. The most common height of a toilet in older homes is only 14.5 inches. The ADA handicapped toilet height is 17-19 inches tall as measured from top of toilet seat to floor. Depending on how tall the person is will determine the appropriate height with or without an attachable toilet raiser.
  2. Bedside commode during temporary recovery or for any one with difficulty traveling to and from the bathroom
  3. Grab bars most often added to bathroom/shower wall, and next to a toilet, but could also be added near a bed
  4. Shower chair or built in bench is ideal, or transfer bench with tub (definitely not ideal)
  5. Handheld shower nozzle that fits over faucet or showerhead and allows one to sit while bathing/showering;
  6. Improved lighting, especially on the pathway from the bedroom to the bathroom and in the bathroom. Use of LED night lights in all dark passageways and rooms.
  7. Ramp (interior and exterior) instead of stairs in any location that is clearly problematic (some are low profile and movable)