Have you evaluated your living space for safety considerations recently? Maybe you’re thinking of a loved one and wondering if there are changes that need to be made for their safety and comfort. Let’s get started.
Bedroom Checklist
1. Do throw rugs create a tripping hazard? Is the carpet torn?
Remove throw rugs or use double-sided tape or a rug pad to secure the rug to the floor. For small tears, a little glue or carpet staples can fix the problem.
2. Is the room cluttered with clothing, magazines, newspaper or other items? Is there too much furniture for the space?
It might be a good time to work with your senior and clean out closets and drawers of items he or she no longer wears or uses. For other items, build or buy shelving for closets to store sweaters, blankets or shoes.
3. Does the senior lack access to a telephone or cell phone, especially at night?
Consider a cordless phone. If the senior is not agreeable to having a phone in the room, or he or she doesn’t own a cell phone, suggest an emergency alert system. An internet search for emergency alert or medical alert systems will provide you with a variety of options.
4. Is there enough light?
Nightlights are a good option for dark rooms at night. If the senior likes to read in the bedroom at night or turns on the light in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, make sure the bulb wattage is high enough (within allowable limits) to properly illuminate the room. Rope lighting is another good option for hallways that connect the bathroom and bedroom.
5. Is the bed too high or low?
The bed is too low if the senior’s knees are above the hips when sitting on the bed. Bed risers under bed legs can raise the height. The bed is too high when legs do not touch the floor when sitting on the edge of the bed. Remove the bed frame or use a lower profile mattress or box springs.
6. Do tangled electrical cords obstruct pathways?
Use extension cords to run electrical cords behind furnishings. Rearrange furniture that must be plugged in to areas near an outlet. Consider a power strip where several cords can be plugged into one long power source.
7. Does the furniture provide proper support, if needed?
Make sure bedroom chairs are the proper height, so the senior’s feet touch the floor. Chairs should have sturdy legs and arms.
Bathroom & Shower Checklist
1. Are grab bars available near the tub, shower and toilet?
Loose towel and curtain rods could be a sign that an older adult is grabbing on to these for support. Adding grab bars near shower/tub units and the toilet can help prevent falls and other accidents.
2. Is the floor slippery? Is there a lack of bath mats?
Add a rubber mat or adhesive non-stick decals to the bottom of a tub. Check online or at a bathroom or discount store to find what you need.
3. Is the bathtub too high?
If the bathtub is too high, such as a claw foot tub or antique tub, add a tub transfer bench. Check online or at a medical supply store for various options.
4. Is the toilet the correct height?
Add a raised toilet seat for stools that are too low. Contact a plumber about installing a lower profile stool if your senior’s toilet is too high.
5. Is there the potential for bath water to be too hot?
Set the water thermostat to 48.9 degrees Celsius so the water in the shower and sink faucet do not exceed dangerous or uncomfortable levels. Another good idea is to make sure the hot- and cold-water faucets are clearly labelled. Painting parts of them red or blue will help distinguish them.
6. Are medications stored properly: not too high or too low for the senior to reach?
Make sure medications are stored in cabinets that are easy to reach. If the cabinet is too high, an older adult might have problems reaching into it. If it is too low, the senior could have trouble bending down to find the medication. Consider a medication organizer for pills that can be set on a counter top or shelf.
7. Are mobility and joint problems making it difficult for the senior to reach into overhead cabinets, comb his hair or lift her leg to get into a bathtub?
Perhaps your senior could use assistance at home if the effects of aging are making personal care difficult. A non-medical in-home care company such as Home Instead may provide the support to keep an older adult independent for as long as possible.
Living Room Checklist
1. Is there too much clutter and not enough space to move around furniture?
Organization is the key to preventing too much clutter. It might be a good time to work with your senior to downsize and eliminate bigger pieces of furniture. Add shelving, bookcases or a magazine rack to store newspapers, books and magazines that otherwise would be on the floor.
2. Is the furniture stable?
Sit in chairs to see if arms or legs are wobbly. Try gluing legs or arm rests. Or, if more extensive repairs are needed, locate a furniture repair service representative. If the chair is too low, add a cushion or pillow on the seat to raise the height. A chair that is too high, or without arms to provide support when the senior rises, should not be used.
3. Can the senior reach the light switch to turn it off or on?
Add a “clapper” light switch to control lamps or check out other remote control switching options. Check online or at your local department store. Sometimes, rearranging furniture can allow quick access to wall switch or lamps.
4. Is there adequate lighting?
Increase wattage to allowable limits in lamps and lights. Add additional lamps, or contact an electrician about installing overhead lights.
5. Do throw rugs and electrical cords pose a tripping hazard?
Remove throw rugs. If carpet is necessary, installing low-pile rug can be better than shag. Having carpet stretched or removed can eliminate bumps. With the help of extension cords, run electrical cords behind furniture.
6. Is the floor uneven or is carpet torn?
For small tears, a little glue or carpet staples can fix the problem. For uneven floors, consult a contractor or your local home improvement store. There are ways to even floors through the use of compounds and plywood.
7. Is the room temperature too hot or cold?
Install lock-in switches on thermostats to control the temperature and help prevent furnace fires.
8. Does glare fro the windows make it difficult for a senior to see?
Check out heat-control film, thermal curtains or solar shades. Visit home improvement and window covering businesses to learn more.
9. Do the conditions of aging make it difficult for a senior to get out of a chair?
Make sure the chair is sturdy and the proper height with arm rests that can help support the senior. If you’re concerned about an older adult’s safety, remember that a caregiver can help serve as a second set of eyes for an older adult in the home.
For the rest of the home including: Hallway, Kitchen, Laundry Room & Basement, Garage, Foyer/Front Yard, please see the resource below.
