Home Safety Checklist

Use this list to prepare a residence for senior living.

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General Safety precautions

Make sure that there are working smoke detectors on every floor.
Find a phone with large number pads and large speed-dial keys that can be programmed with important numbers.
Post emergency phone numbers in large print on or near the telephone.
Supply telephone with direct dialing system for emergency/important numbers.
Hide house key outside or give to neighbor for emergencies.
Put automatic door closing devices on doors to outside and alarms when needed.
Notify local police department if your family member is memory impaired.
Be certain that there is adequate lighting throughout the house and install nightlights.
Check that all electrical cords are free of frays. Put childproof plugs in outlets.
Be certain that no outlets or switches are unusually warm or hot to touch.
Reduce clutter; Remove furniture that is hazardous and may move when leaned on.
Put reflector tape on furniture corners, hallways, bedrooms to create a path to follow at night.
Avoid polished floors that may be slippery and remove all non skid resistant rugs and runners.
Put opaque tape on glass door and picture windows
Remove or lock up sharp objects/breakable ones and remove all firearms from home.
Keep electric fans out of reach. Cover radiators with radiator guards.
Supervise or restrict smoking, use safety ashtrays and keep matches/lighters out of reach.
Use flame-retardant mattresses, pillows, and sheets and plan procedure for fire evacuation.
Store all prescription and over the counter medications safely away and clearly labeled.
Lock up cleaning supplies, chemicals and poisons and install a carbon monoxide detector.
Lock up valuables, important papers and documents and have system for safe mail retrieval.
Be certain plumbing and utilities are working.
Remove poisonous houseplants and have first aid kit easily accessible.
Take away car keys when necessary and disarm/hide controls for automatic garage doors.
Inform neighbors of any safety features in home that may restrict entry.

Entrance

Ensure walkway is uncluttered and doorway accessible.
Provide safe entry into the house or apartment with secure railing present.
Provide viewing of visitors prior to entry when possible.
Secure doors to outside with double key locks, or high or low locks.

Living Area

Furnish with chairs/sofas that can safely get up/down.
Adapt seating with additional firm cushions to raise seat.
Provide auto raising lift chair to assist getting up when necessary.
Be certain safe opening/closing of windows or key locked windows installed.
Ascertain ability to operate the television and light switches.
Keep cords out from under carpeting and furniture and clear of walkways.

Kitchen

Maintain appliances in working order.
Ascertain ability to manipulate sink faucets with hot water temperature settings reduced.
Make sure electrical cords aren't dangling near water.
Ascertain ability to open/close refrigerator/freezer/stove door/ and cabinets.
Ascertain ability to reach dishes, pots, utensils, and outlets.
Store sharp objects are safely away.
Keep flammables away from the stove area.
Remove small non-food items that could be swallowed.
Cover stove burners, remove knobs/shut-off valves/ and install auto-pilots when needed.
Unplug or put away kitchen appliances not in use.
Disconnect or camouflage garbage disposals.

Bedroom

Locate bedroom near bathroom or furnish bedside commode.
Use night-lights to provide nighttime orientation.
Ensure safe transfer in/out bed and remove bed frame if bed is too high.
Rent or purchase a hospital bed if needed.
Supply bumpers or padding to surround bed if needed.
Install reverse locks on doors when needed.
Use monitor to listen to activity especially at night.
Remove carpeting if incontinence becomes a problem
Install room darkening blinds or shades when needed.
Be certain that phone and light is accessible from bed.
Be certain that clothes in the closet/dresser are reachable.

Bathroom

Install grab rails in tub or shower.
Provide a tub bench or tub chair for sitting in tub.
Install hand held shower nozzle.
Remove any scatter rugs and furnish bath mat and non-skid strips in tub.
Replace glass shower doors with unbreakable plastic.
Install grab bars, safety frame, and/or raised seat on or near toilet
Lock up razor blades, sharp objects, and store away electrical devices.
Be certain that light switches, outlets and toilet paper are accessible.

Stairways

Widen treads or shorten risers.
Replace outdoor stairs with ramps.
Install sturdy handrail or grab rails along both sides of stairs.
Put reflector tape on edge of treads.
Install barriers or gates at stairs if needed.
Provide adequate lighting and ensure steps are free of clutter.