Home Safety Check

When caring for a loved one at home, simple household changes or alterations may make care of the ill person easier, more convenient and safer. Use this list as a guide to pinpoint areas that may need to adapt to the patient's needs.

FOR ALL AREAS

• Install smoke or heat detectors
  
• Cover exposed heating pipes and radiators to prevent burns
  
• Keep indoor temperature no higher than 80 degrees Fahrenheit for maximum comfort
  
• Provide good lighting
  
• Install handrails along walls for support while walking
  
• Provide low-pile carpeting for easy movement
  
• Remove area and throw rugs, and keep floors clutter free
  
• Tape down loose carpet edges to prevent accidental trips and falls
  
• Repair holes and rough floor areas
  
• Install ramps over raised doorsills
  
• Secure stair banisters and railings
  
• Brightly tape step edges
  
• Widen door frames to at least 27 inches to accommodate a wheelchair
  
• Provide a ramp leading into the house and repair uneven spots on steps and sidewalk
  
• Post emergency numbers by each phone
  
• Notify fire department of handicapped patient in home in case of fire
  
• Store medications in a safe place according to instructions on label
  
• Refrain from smoking
  
  

FOR THE BEDROOM

• Keep commode chair, urinal or bedpan close to the bed
  
• Provide a hospital-type bed (with side rails and attached trapeze)
  
• Install a bedside telephone
  
• Provide a night-light or a bedside flashlight
  
• Install a fire escape or portable ladder
  
  

FOR THE BATHROOM

• Install grab bars in the shower and tub
  
• Obtain a tub seat if the tub is hard to enter and exit
  
• Buy a chair for sitting instead of standing in the shower
  
• Install a raised toilet seat
  
• Put nonskid strips or a tub mat in the bathtub to prevent falls
  
• Attach a hand-held shower head for easy rinsing
  
• Install easy-to-turn faucet handles
  
• Hang mirrors, shelves and racks at wheelchair level
  
• Set water heater temperature no higher than 110 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent burns
  
  

FOR THE LIVING ROOM

• Provide cushions to raise the seating level if the person has trouble rising from a low chair or sofa
  
• Arrange furniture to permit free access
  
• Remove electrical cords and wires from walkways
  
• Provide a conveniently located telephone (either stationary or portable) with a long cord (perhaps on a desk or table)
  
  

FOR THE KITCHEN

• Provide a working fire extinguisher
  
• Lower kitchen counters and reorganize storage areas
  
• Install easy-to-reach stove controls
  
• Install a microwave unit - if appropriate for pacemaker patients, etc.
  
• Provide adequate lighting for stove and sink areas