Please use the following checklist to make sure your home is safe. These simple, inexpensive home modifications can make life much safer for you and your family members.
General Home Safety
- Install working smoke detectors on each floor
- Post emergency fire, ambulance and poison control numbers next to each phone
- Provide accessible fire extinguishers on each floor
- Devise an emergency exit plan for each room and floor of the house
- Make sure windows and doors open easily and are easy to reach
- Remove small rugs and runners to prevent tripping
- Provide bright lighting in all rooms
- Make sure electrical outlets and light switches are easy to reach
- Remove electrical and phone cords from pathways
- Consider using a walker, a cane or handrails for safer mobility
- Place the mailbox in a place where mail can be easily retrieved
Outside
- Remove or repair objects that can easily cause tripping - rocks, mats...
- Equip steps with handrails
- Add non-skid adhesive strips to prevent slipping on outside steps
Bedroom
- Adjust beds so they are low enough to sit comfortably while getting into bed, yet high enough to permit easy standing
- Maintain a clear path to the bedroom
- Use bedside commodes or bedpans for those with mobility problems
- Pad corners on bedside tables
- Use an adjusting hospital bed or over-hanging grab bar for those who have difficulty getting out of bed
- Install a phone next to the bed to use in case of an emergency
- Remove electrical and phone cords from pathways
- Provide bright lighting
- Make sure electrical outlets and switches are accessible
Bathroom
- Install non-skid adhesive strips on the bottom of the tub and a non-skid mat on the floor next to the tub
- Install grab bars in the shower and consider the use of a tub chair
- Install grab bars around the toilet and consider the use of a toilet-raiser
- Make sure electrical outlets and switches are easy to reach
- Provide bright lighting
Living Room
- Make sure the older adult's favorite chair provides adequate postural support
- Help the individual choose a chair that is easy to get in and out of
- Use a chair with a lift if the individual has difficulty standing up
- Consider placing a table next to the chair to keep necessary items nearby
- Install a phone next to the chair to use in case of an emergency
- Maintain uncluttered pathways
- Remove electrical cords and phone cords from pathways
- Provide bright lighting
- Make sure electrical outlets and switches are accessible
Kitchen
- Keep appliances in good working order
- Use extender arms and step stools to reach items that are inaccessible
- Make sure dishes, pots, utensils and food supplies are easily accessible
- Lower cabinets, sinks and shelves for people who use a wheelchair
- Position bright, non-glare lighting in kitchen work areas
- Use a stove with easily accessible controls
- Make sure electrical outlets and switches are accessible
- Keep flammable items, such as potholders and towels, away from the stove area
Stairways
- Install secure handrails
- Provide bright lighting
- Make sure electrical outlets and switches are accessible
- Secure carpeting
- Add non-skid adhesive to steps without carpets to prevent falls
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