Give Your Home a Safety Inspection
 | |
|
According to the Canada Safety Council, falls are the number one safety issue for Canadians over 65, accounting for almost two-thirds of serious injuries that require hospitalization. And did you know that falls and other serious injuries are most likely to happen right at home?
The good news is that most of these accidents can be prevented. To help protect yourself and older loved ones against falls, give your house, apartment or condominium a home safety checkup! Before you begin, here are a few simple guidelines seniors should always keep in mind:
- Respect your limits. If you aren't as agile as you once were, ask for help or hire someone to do jobs like climbing ladders, cleaning cupboards or changing light bulbs.
- Take your time. Think about safety before you begin a project or outing. And take on physically demanding projects only when you are physically and mentally ready for them.
- Remember that safety starts at a personal level. Have your eyes checked each year. And wear glasses if prescribed. Wear safe clothes and sturdy, supportive, non-slip footwear. Never smoke in bed or when drowsy. And get regular exercise with the advice of your doctor.
- Use extra caution at night. If you get up during the night, be careful getting out of bed. Install nightlights. If frequent night trips to the bathroom are a safety concern, try cutting down on fluid intake just before bedtime; and ask your doctor about taking diuretic medications early in the day.
Home Safety Checklist
Now you are ready to use the following checklist to perform a safety inspection on your home or that of an older loved one. If you spot problem areas, many safety improvements can be made quickly and inexpensively.Stairways and walkways
___ Are stairs well lit and free of clutter?
___ Are handrails firm and on both sides of stairs?
___ Are sidewalks smooth and level?
___ Do wood steps have a non-slip finish?
Bathroom
___ Are floor surfaces non-slip?
___ Do tubs and showers have a nonskid surface or mat?
___ Does the bathtub have sturdy grab bars not towel racks?
___ Is the toilet seat at least 24 inches high?
___ Is a tub or shower seat needed?
Bedrooms
___ Are there nightlights in bedrooms and hallways?
___ Is there a telephone within easy reach of your bed?
___ Is a flashlight within easy reach?
___ Do you have an exit route planned in case of fire?
Living Areas
___ Is clutter, stacks of magazines, excess furniture, and footstools out of the way?
___ Is furniture arranged for a good traffic pattern?
___ Are throw rugs and floor coverings non-slip and not curled up on the edges?
___ Are telephone and electrical cords out of the way?
___ Is your address written near the phone?
___ Do the carpets have low, tight pile?
___ Does the fireplace have a spark screen?
___ Is your water heater set at 49° C or below to prevent burns?
___ Do you have smoke detectors? Do you change their batteries each year and test them each month?
Kitchen
___ Are cabinets arranged so common items are within easy reach?
___ Is a thin, rubber mat in front of the sink and stove?
___ Do you use a sturdy step stool?
___ Are knives and other sharp tools in protective racks?
___ Is there clear counter space by the stove?
___ Do you use a timer as a reminder to turn off burners?
Quick & Easy Safety Ideas
Safety aids can help you or your loved one remain independent and injury-free. Here are several easy-to-install items you can find at hardware stores, health equipment companies, or through mail order catalogs.- Night lights. Insert in hallways and near stairways and beds.
- Stairway rails. Keep them in good shape and firmly attached.
- Double-back tape. Use to secure throw rugs.
- Bathtub and shower non-slip decals. Place in tubs and showers, and by sinks and washing machines.
- Rubber mats. Put by sinks and washing machines.
- Bathroom grab bars. They are especially helpful near the bathtub, shower and toilet.
- Bathtub and shower seats. Use for getting in and out of bathtubs as well as while showering and bathing.
- Flexible shower hoses. When used with a seat, they allow for safer bathing.
- Elevated toilet seat. Place on the regular toilet seat to elevate the sitting height to a minimum of 24 inches.
- Paint and sand mixture. Paint outside steps with this mixture to make them slip-resistant.
- Smoke/heat detector. Place high enough to detect smoke and heat, and where you will hear it. It should be easy to turn off if it goes off accidentally.
- Kitchen timer. Use this as a reminder to turn off burners when you are cooking.
- Heavy, thick potholders or oven mitts. Make sure they are easy to hold on to.
- Metallic stove counter mat. This allows you to safely slide hot pots off burners. They are especially helpful if your hand strength is reduced.
