Home Safety for Senior Adults

Dear Home Helpers,

Can you advise me in what I need to do to make sure Dad is safe in his home? I am afraid he might fall and he mentioned having some trouble reaching things because of his arthritis.
~ Alice

Dear Alice,

As we get older there are so many things in our homes that may not have seemed hazardous before but can be as we age. This is a good opportunity to provide the readers with a home safety check list provided by The Solutions for Better Aging. This check list is meant to assess the functionality of the home as well as possible hazards.


ENTRANCE:

  • » Can you enter the house or apartment safely?
  • » Is a secure railing present?
  • » Can you view visitors prior to entry?
  • » Is the lock in working order?

LIVING AREAS:

  • » Is the doorway accessible?
  • » Is there an uncluttered walking pathway?
  • » Can you get up and down safely from the sofa and chair?
  • » Can you open and close the windows?
  • » Can you manage the television?
  • » Can you manipulate the light switches?
  • » Are cords out from beneath carpeting and furniture?

KITCHEN:

  • » Is the doorway accessible?
  • » Are the appliances in working order?
  • » Can you manipulate the faucets of the sink?
  • » Can you open and close the refrigerator and freezer?
  • » Can you open and close high and low cabinets?
  • » Is adequate workspace available?
  • » Can you reach the dishes, pots, silverware, and food supply?
  • » Can you reach the stove controls?
  • » Can you manage the stove door?
  • » Can you reach the outlets?
  • » Can you safely transport food to eating area?
  • » Are sharp objects stored safely?
  • » Are flammables kept away from the stove area?
  • » Do you have a step stool which is stable and in good repair?

BEDROOM:

  • » Is the doorway accessible?
  • » Can you get up and down safely from the bed?
  • » Is the light accessible from bed?
  • » Can you reach the phone?
  • » Can you reach your clothes in the closet and dresser?
  • » Is there a clear path to the bathroom?

BATHROOM:

  • » Is the doorway accessible?
  • » Can you safely transfer into the tub or shower?
  • » Will a tub bench or tub chair be needed?
  • » Is a bath mat or are non-skid strips in place?
  • » Can you safely transfer to the toilet?
  • » Will a safety frame, raised seat or grab bar be needed?
  • » Can you reach the outlets?
  • » Can you manipulate the light switches?
  • » Can you functionally use the sink?

STAIRWAYS:

  • » Is a secure handrail present?
  • » Is there adequate illumination?
  • » Is the carpet secure?
  • » Are the steps free of clutter?

GENERAL:

  • » Are there working smoke detectors on every floor?
  • » Do you have a carbon monoxide detector?
  • » Are electrical cords free of frays?
  • » Are there no outlets or switches which are unusually warm or hot to touch?
  • » Is there adequate illumination throughout the house?
  • » Are small rugs and runners slip-resistant?
  • » Is the house free of pests?
  • » Are the plumbing and utilities working?
  • » Are you able to retrieve the mail safely?
  • » Are emergency phone numbers posted on or near the telephone?
  • » Do you have access to a telephone if you fall?
  • » Are all medicines stored in the containers that they came in and are they clearly marked?

If you need additional help or want to take a look at the assistive products offered by the Solutions for Better Aging feel free to call our office at 314-961-1002 or 636-391-0000.