Published News Articles

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.