Steps to a Safer Home
DO YOU HAVE:
Worn, broken, or cluttered stairs?
- Make needed repairs including attaching carpet firmly and adding non-skid, reflective tape or rubber stair treads.
- Make sure there is enough light and a handrail on at least one, preferably both, sides of the stairways.
- Avoid leaving books, clothes, electrical cords or other objects on the stairs or other walkways.
- Pay attention and don't hurry, especially when carrying things in both hands (like a laundry basket).
Poor lighting?
- Use the maximum watt light bulbs for the fixture. Consider adding night lights where overhead lighting is lacking, especially in the bathroom.
- Always keep a charged flashlight near your bed for emergencies.
- Allow time for your eyes to adjust when going from very light to dark areas.
Throw rugs or slippery floors?
- Remove all loose rugs or mats or ensure they are firmly secured with double-sided tape.
- Highly polished floors can be very slippery so use caution and consider non-slip products like wax or paint, on the surface.
- Wipe up all spills immediately.
Frequently used items stored out of reach?
- Move regularly used items so they are no higher than your eyes and no lower than your waist.
- If you must reach overhead, keep a sturdy stool handy.
- A long-handled grasper can be used to reach objects that are on high shelves or on the floor.
A slippery bathroom floor, bathtub or shower?
- Always use a non-skid bathtub/shower mat even with a textured tub floor and wipe up spills immediately.
- Consider lowering the water temperature to 120 degrees to prevent falls from attempts to avoid very hot water.
- If you bathe in a shower, consider sitting on a shower chair or tub seat and using a hand-held shower head.
- Consider a raised toilet seat and professionally installed safety grab bars. Do not use the sink, towel rack, toilet paper holder, soap dish or pipes as they are not intended to support weight.
Furniture that is hard to get in and out of?
- Use or select firm furniture with armrests for support when getting up and down.
- Add pillows behind you so your feet can touch the floor.
- Get up slowly. If lying down, sit up for a while before you stand up.
- Ensure objects such as tables or counters are sturdy enough to support your weight before leaning on them.
A telephone that is not easy to get to?
- Consider a cordless phone, or add another phone line and have a phone near the places you sit and sleep. Avoid running cords across walkways.
- Keep emergency numbers at each phone.
- Consider getting an emergency call system that will alert friends, family or a medical team if you get in a situation that is an emergency.
Outside hazards that need to be addressed?
- Look around the area critically. Install handrails on all outside steps as well as lights that turn on automatically.
- Keep the entrance, steps, and pathways visible and free of clutter, leaves, garden tools, or debris.
- If you are going to use a ladder make sure it is in good condition and stable and have someone with you.
- Stay alert for unexpected obstacles such as single stairs, grease or oil spots.