Falls  in  the    

A guide to a safe home

Elderly  

Home Safety Checklist

Falls are the leading cause of hospital admissions for seniors. These injuries result from seemingly innocent things around your home, many of which can be eliminated or modified. Therefore keeping you safe in your home requires some detective work. The following checklist will help you inspect your home to detect trouble that may be waiting to happen. When you answer a question with a NO that is a clue that your home could be safer. With some changes you can make your home safe. Outside

Yes No Do you have outdoor lighting to all entrances?

Do your outdoor stairs have a solid handrail on both sides

Do your outdoor stairs provide good traction (textured surface)?

Do you have a clear, even pathway from your house?

In the winter do you have someone to clear a pathway and put sand down?

Inside

Yes No Do all your rooms and hallways have good lighting, including the stairs?

Are your rugs or scatter mats secured in place?

Do you have a seat at the entrance of your home to remove footwear?

Do you have a path, clear of obstacles?

Do you wear shoes inside the house that have good grip?

Do you have a fire extinguisher and know how to use it?

Do you avoid using floor wax or use a non-skid variety?

Kitchen  

Yes No Are the things you use often in shelves that are about waist level?

If you have a step stool, is it stable with a safety rail?

 Stairs  

Yes No Do you have solid handrails on both sides of the stairs?

If you have runner mats, carpet or other floor covering on your steps, are they in good condition (no rips) and well fastened?

Do your steps have a non-skid surface? Do you have a light switch at the top and bottom of the stairs?

Tip - to secure rugs or scatter mats

use double-sided tape

 

Bathroom

Yes No Do you have a non-slip surface in the tub or shower?

Are your bath mats outside the tub or shower secured in place?

Do you have grab bars in your bathtub or shower? Are they properly placed and anchored.

If you have trouble getting on and off the toilet. Do you have a raised toilet seat and anchored grab bar?

If you have trouble standing up in the shower or getting up out of a bath. Do you have a bath seat?

Bedroom

Yes No Do you have a lamp or light switch by your bed?

Do you have a clear path from your bed to the bathroom?

Do you have a phone by your bed with a list of emergency phone numbers?

If your having trouble getting out of bed. Do you have short bed rails?

Tip – to help avoid missing a step, paint a strip

of contrasting color on the edge of each step.