Senior Home Safety
Senior Home Safety Checklist...
The goal of CareLinkTM is to help older adults maintain independence in their own homes. Use the following checklist to determine the safety of the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom...and, well, the whole home.
CareLink's care managers are specifically asked to perform a full assessment that focuses on older adults' strengths and coping skills, as well as their ability to care for themselves physically, socially, financially and psychologically. The experienced care managers then develop a specific plan to make the older adults’ independent living easier. For a full assessment, call 513-469-1188.
KITCHEN
1. Is there good lighting over the stove, counters and sink?
2. Do you keep drawers and cupboards closed to avoid bumping into them?
3. Do you store toxic products, such as household cleaners and laundry detergent, safely by
a. storing them separately from food?
Cleaning supplies can be mistaken for other products when colors or shapes are similar, e.g., bottles of liquid cleaners and bottles of apple juice.
b. keeping them in their original containers with their original labels?
4. Are kitchen items, such as food and housewares, stored safely by keeping often-used items in an easy-to-reach spot?
Reaching for items above the stove while cooking can result in a burn or fall.
5. Are appliances used safely by:
a. unplugging them when not in use?
b. keeping them away from the sink or stove?
Cords can be damaged by excess heat. Electrical appliances and power cords can cause shock or electrocution if they get wet.
c. replacing or repairing frayed cords or exposed wires?
6. Do you use a sturdy step stool to reach items in upper cabinets?
Unsteady step stools and chairs can cause falls. Good step stools have a wide leg base, rubber tips and handrails.
7. Do you follow safe cooking guidelines by:
a. turning pot handles away from the edges of the stove and from other burners?
b. keeping pot holders in easy reach (but not hanging over the stove)?
Using a wet dish towel instead of a pot holder could cause a burn because heat travels quickly through the damp cloth.
c. avoiding clothes with loose flowing sleeves when cooking?
Long, loose sleeves can easily catch on fire and can overturn pots by catching on pot handles. Loose sleeves can be rolled back or fastened with pins or elastic.
8. Do you know how to respond to a kitchen fire by:
a. covering the pan with a lid when there is a stovetop fire?
b. closing the door and turning off the over when there is an oven fire?
9. Do you reduce your risk of slipping by:
a. wiping up grease, water, and other spilled liquids or foods immediately?
b. using non-slip wax (or no wax) or well-secured carpeting on the floor?
c. letting a washed or waxed floor dry before walking on it?
BATHROOM
10. Do you bathe safely by:
a. keeping towels, shampoo, and soap within easy reach?
b. avoiding the use of bath oil and creams in the shower or tub?
c. placing non-skid mats or appliqués in bathtubs and showers?
Wet and soapy surfaces are especially slippery and may cause falls.
d. having well-secured grab bars (not a towel rack) installed in the shower or tub?
11. Is your home’s hot water adjusted to a safe temperature (110-120 F)?
Use a meat or candy thermometer to test water temperature, letting the water run for 3 minutes before testing. Always check water temperature by hand before entering the bathtub or shower.
12. Do you use appliances safely by:
a. keeping hairdryers, radios, and electric shavers away from water?
b. unplugging appliances after use?
A plugged-in electrical appliance (even if not turned on) may cause a deadly shock if it falls into water.
c. keeping space heaters out of the bathroom?
If a space heater must be used to heat the bathroom, use only while the tub is filling and be sure to unplug and remove it when the bath is ready.
13. Are you able to get off and on the toilet easily?
If needed, install a grab bar by the toilet or use a raised toilet seat.
BEDROOM
14. Is there a clear and well-lighted pathway from the bedroom to the bathroom?
15. Do you have a light or flashlight within easy reach of the bed?
16. Is there a telephone within easy reach of the bed?
17. Do you use an electric blanket safely by following these guidelines:
a. never tucking the coils under the mattress?
b. never keeping anything on top of the electric blanket?
Electric blankets may overheat and cause burns when covered by other bedding or when pets sleep on top.
c. never folding the blanket when it is plugged in?
GENERAL
18. Are there scatter rugs and runners tacked or taped down or slip-resistant?
Avoid using scatter rugs if possible. If used, secure with double-faced carpet tape to avoid slipping.
19. Are carpets in good condition with no worn or frayed areas?
20. Is a light within easy reach when entering each room?
21. Are paths through rooms well-lighted and free of obstructions?
22. Are electrical and extension cords in good condition and used properly by:
a. replacing any cords that are frayed and worn?
b. placing cords out of the flow of traffic and not under rugs?
Stepping on cords can damage them and can become a fire hazard.
c. being careful not to overload outlets or extension cords?
23. Are smoke detectors properly placed and maintained by:
a. installing a smoke detector on each floor, including one near the sleeping area?
Place detectors on the ceiling or on the wall 6 to 12 inches below the ceiling.
b. checking smoke detectors monthly?
c. replacing batteries if needed, at least once a year?
24. Are you using your space heater cautiously by:
a. keeping it 36 inches away from furniture, curtains and other flammable objects?
b. plugging it into a wall outlet and not an extension cord?
Use an adaptor to connect the heater’s 3-prong plug if you do not have a 3-hole outlet.
c. being careful not to sit too near the heater?
25. If you smoke, do you smoke safely by:
a. using deep, wide ashtrays with grooves for cigarettes?
b. never smoking in bed or when drowsy?
c. never leaving lit cigarettes in the ashtray?
d. always checking ashtrays and furniture (e.g., under couch cushions) before leaving the house or going to bed?
26. Are stairways made safer by:
a. being free of clutter?
b. having good lighting?
Stairs should be lighted so that each step, particularly the edges, can be clearly seen while going up and down.
c. having two sturdy, easy-to-grip handrails fastened securely and running continuously from the top to the bottom of the stairs?
d. keeping throw rugs away from stairs and landings?
e. having the outline of each step easy to see?
Avoid dark, deep pile or busy-pattered carpets on stairs.
f. being in good repair with even surfaces (no rubber mats or metal strips that can cause tripping?)
SAFETY HABITS
27. Do you wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes with good traction?
Do not walk around in bare or stocking feet and avoid wearing slippers that tend to fall off easily.
28. Are the hems of your clothes short enough to prevent tripping?
29. Do you get up slowly from a sitting or lying position to avoid becoming dizzy?
Many falls occur when people get up too quickly. When rising from a sitting position, sit up a moment before getting out of bed. Stand for a moment before walking.
30. Do you carry small loads, especially when using stairs, and make extra trips if necessary?
31. Do you wear a seat belt when driving or riding in a car?
32. Do you know how to reduce the impact of a fall by relaxing, letting your muscles go limp, and rolling as you fall?
33. Are there emergency numbers at every telephone?
Include the phone number of a nearby relative or neighbor. Remember to include your own phone number, address, and directions to your house. Have at least one phone located on a low surface where you can reach it if you have an injury which leaves you unable to stand.
34. Do you have a plan for getting help easily in an emergency?
Consider developing a system where you check with a neighbor or friend on a regular basis. If appropriate, look into an emergency response system.
35. If children visit, do you reduce the risk of poisoning by:
a. keeping medications and other dangerous products out of children’s reach?
Many away-from-home childhood poisonings occur at a grandparent’s home.
b. having a bottle of Ipecac on hand in case of a poisoning?
Call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-962-1253 or a physician before giving Ipecac to a child.
36. Have you planned and practiced an escape route to be used in the event of a fire?
Have an emergency exit plan and an alternate plan. Remember to practice the escape plan at night when most fatal fires occur.
37. Have you learned the “stop, drop, and roll” fire safety technique?
If your clothes catch on fire, stop where you are, lower yourself to the floor, and roll to smother the flames.
If you answered NO to any of the questions above, call CareLinkTM today. 513-766-3307.
Courtesy of Morris County Department of Human Services, Division of Aging, Disabilities & Veterans