If your home is accident prone. Following list will help you locate potential hazards, so you can correct them and prevent what may be serious disabilities.
Check the following throughout your home:
1. Are electrical extension cords in good condition?
home?material?them to be opened from either side?The **" Fear of falling and getting injured " is " one of the greatest threats to seniors " mobility and independence. Sometimes, all that is needed to enable older adults to continue living safely at home are modification to the home.
Don't Use Throw Rugs , Replace Any Rugs That Are Frayed Or Wont Lie Flat. Use Non-Skid Rugs In Bathrooms and Kitchens...Particulary in front of the sink , where water may spill and make floor slippery...** Do Not Use Rugs That have Fringe Edges...Carpets should have ": Low" pile. Make sure that " No " Electrical Cords Block or are across Traffic Paths.
Remove all clutter and make sure the lighting is adaquate. Install handrails on One (1) or Both sides of the stairs
If possible have a landing every Ten (10) steps and light switches at the top and bottom of each staircase.
Put the mosts frequently used Dishes & Utensils, as well as Hot Pads, Oven Mitts and Fire Extinguisher, within easy reach. Provide plastic or non-breakable glasses and dishes. If your loved one is cognitively impaired consider installing a stove guard so that the stove cannot be turned on accidently.
Kitchens should have a "Wall Mounted" oven that doesn't require bending over to open.
A "Fire Extinguisher" should also be accessable.
The BATHROOM CAN BE THE MOST DANGEROUS ROOM IN THE HOUSE for people who have decreased physical or cognitive abilities. Older adults may have difficulty maintaining their balance, and turning around in the shower increases the risk of falling...**A "Grab Bar " is a must for all who take showers or have trouble getting out of the tub. A Non-Slip Mat...that has suction cups... Should Always be put on the shower floor...A "Shower Bench, with non-slip pads on all feet," should also be considered...as should a telephone.
Make sure that Patio and/or Deck surfaces don't become slick when they are wet.
Use Paper or Plastuc *Cups and plates instead of Glass
Install " Grab...*Assist... Bars " by the Toilet and * in the Bathtub or Shower.
Put in a " Shower Chair " or Tub Bench in case your loved one becomes weak or dizzy whilebathing.
Provide a Non-Skid Bathmat along side the tub and a Non-Skid Rug just outside the showeror next to the tub.
Always leave a light on...Night or 15 watt.
Install Smoke Alarms
Purchase Personal Safety and Medical Alarms
Planning for tomorrow is important when you're buying a house. Your space needs and neighborhood preferences probably will change as you age.
Growing older also creates new requirements. Someone buying a house now with upstairs bedrooms and stairs leading from the main entrance to the great room or kitchen could find it harder to navigate when they're retired.
Features to consider, to insure the house is safe and user friendly for all ages:
"Light" switches should be easy to locate/reach at the door of each room. Closets, halls, outdoor walkways, and stairs.
All essential rooms are on the first floor - at least one bedroom and full bathroom, laundry room, and kitchen.
Easy access to bring groceries and other from the garage into the kitchen:
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