Give Your Home a Safety Inspection
Joyce Remy
Each year, over three million Americans over age 65 are involved in accidents and accidents are most likely to happen at home. The good news, though, is that most of these accidents can be prevented. Before you conduct the Home Safety Check that follows, here are a few simple guidelines you should always keep in mind. Respect your limits. If you aren't as agile as you once were, ask for help or hire someone to do jobs like climbing ladders, cleaning cupboards or changing light bulbs. Take your time. Think about safety before you begin a project or outing. And take on physically demanding projects only when you are physically and mentally ready for them. Remember that safety starts at a personal level. Have your eyes checked each year. And wear glasses if prescribed. Wear safe clothes and sturdy, supportive, non-slip footwear. Never smoke in bed or when drowsy. And get regular exercise with the advice of your doctor. Use extra caution at night. If you get up during the night, be careful getting out of bed. Install nightlights. If frequent night trips to the bathroom are a safety concern, try cutting down on fluid intake just before bedtime; and ask your doctor about taking diuretic medications early in the day. Home Safety Checklist Now you are ready to use the following checklist to give your home a safety inspection. If you spot problem areas, many safety improvements can be made quickly and inexpensively. If you need help, call Senior Information and Referral in your community for a list of companies or agencies that help older adults with home safety modifications. Stairways and walkways ___Are stairs well lit and free of clutter?
___Are handrails firm and on both sides of stairs?
___Are sidewalks smooth and level?
___Do wood steps have a non-slip finish? Bathroom ___Are floor surfaces non-slip?
___Do tubs and showers have a nonskid surface or mat?
___Does the bathtub have sturdy grab bars not towel racks?
___Is the toilet seat at least 24 inches high?
___Is a tub or shower seat needed? Bedrooms ___Are there nightlights in bedrooms and hallways?
___Is there a telephone within easy reach of your bed?
___Is a flashlight within easy reach?
___Do you have an exit route planned in case of fire? Living areas ___Is clutter stacks of magazines, excess furniture, and footstools out of the way?
___Is furniture arranged for a good traffic pattern?
___Are throw rugs and floor coverings non-slip and not curled up on the edges?
___Are telephone and electrical cords out of the way?
___Is your address written near the phone?
___Do the carpets have low, tight pile?
___Does the fireplace have a spark screen?
___Is your water heater set at 120-125 F to prevent burns?
___Do you have smoke detectors? Do you change their batteries each year and test them each month? Kitchen ___Are cabinets arranged so common items are within easy reach?
___Is a thin, rubber mat in front of the sink and stove?
___Do you use a sturdy step stool?
___Are knives and other sharp tools in protective racks?
___Is there clear counter space by the stove?
___Do you use a timer as a reminder to turn off burners?
Quick & Easy Safety Ideas Safety aids can help you remain independent and injury-free. Here are several easy-to-install items you can find at hardware stores, health equipment companies, or through mail order catalogs. - Night lights. Insert in hallways and near stairways and beds.
- Stairway rails. Keep them in good, strong shape.
- Double-back tape. Use to secure throw rugs.
- Bathtub and shower non-slip decals. Place in tubs and showers, and by sinks and washing machines.
- Rubber mats. Put by sinks and washing machines.
- Bathroom grab bars. They are especially helpful near the bathtub, shower and toilet.
- Bathtub and shower seats. Use for getting in and out of bathtubs as well as while showering and bathing.
- Flexible shower hoses. When used with a seat, they allow for safer bathing.
- Elevated toilet seat. Place on the regular toilet seat to elevate the sitting height to a minimum of 24 inches.
- Paint and sand mixture. Paint outside steps with this mixture to make them slip-resistant.
- Smoke/heat detector. Place high enough to detect smoke and heat, and where you will hear it. It should be easy to turn off if it goes off accidentally.
- Kitchen timer. Use this as a reminder to turn off burners when you are cooking.
- Heavy, thick potholders or oven mitts. Make sure they are easy to hold on to.
- Metallic stove counter mat. This allows you to safely slide hot pots off burners. They are especially helpful if your hand strength is reduced.
2006 Caresource Healthcare Communications
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