
What can I do to make the patient’s home safe?
Hallways & entryways
Bedroom
Kitchen
Bathrooms
What can I do to make the patient’s home safe?
Most homes are not designed for people with disabilities or chronic illnesses. Follow the tips below to improve home safety. You might also ask a home healthcare worker to check the home for hazards.
Throughout the house you’ll want to:
- Remove rugs or raised room dividers to prevent falls, and/or secure rugs and floor coverings.
- Move furniture to make clear pathways from room to room.
- Make sure the phone can be reached easily. Post emergency numbers by the phones.
- Identify potential hazards like dangling cords, toxins and unsteady chairs, and remove them.
- Remove clutter, especially on the floor.
- Make sure the house is well lit. (Changing light bulbs is a great way for a friend to help!)
- Make sure light switches are easy to reach.
- Check that home's smoke alarms and fire extinguishers work.
- Consider installing a personal emergency response system (to enable your family member or friend to get help with the push of a button), or get him or her a fall-monitoring device.
- Consider giving the patient an intercom, baby monitor, or bell so he or she can get the caregiver’s attention when not in the same room.
Hallways & entryways
- If needed, build a ramp for wheelchair access.
- Add nightlights in hallways.
- Install handrails on both sides of stairways and in the halls.
- Place carpet or safety grip on the stairs.
Bedroom
- Make sure the bed is not too high.
- Be sure there is a clear, well lit path from the bed to the bathroom.
- Place a phone in the bedroom.
Kitchen
- Make sure that the work places are easy to reach.
- Make sure the person can sit down while preparing food or cleaning up.
Bathrooms
- Install a raised toilet seat.
- Add grab bars near the toilet and bathtub.
- Use nonskid mats on the bathroom floor and in the bath and shower to prevent falls.
- Check the water faucets for ease of use.
- Check the towel racks and be sure they can support an adult.
- Check the water heater to make sure it's not set too high or too low.
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