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Home Safety Checklist

 

 

To Use This Checklist

 

Answer the questions in each of the following sections. If you answer "no" to any of the questions, follow the tips to correct the problem.  If you cannot correct the problem, contact one of the agencies at the end of the checklist.  Making notes for yourself as you read through the questions will help you increase the safety of your environment.

 

  

 

 

 

Living Room

 

Do you have…

 

Yes

No

Heaters away from drapes and furniture?

Yes

No

Light switches that can be reached easily when entering a room?

Yes

No

Enough lighting?

Yes

No

Furniture arranged so no one will trip on it and no clutter?

Yes

No

Sturdy chairs and sofas at a height from which you can easily stand up or sit down?

Yes

No

Floor rugs secured to floor?

Yes

No

Electrical cords behind furniture?

Yes

No

A phone that is easily reached from the floor?

Yes

No

Area rugs with non-slip backing?

 

Tips

  • If using a portable heater, make sure it is in good condition and has an approved automatic shut-off device.
  • Make sure that all electrical cords are in good repair, and secure loose cords.
  • Consider purchasing a cordless phone.
  • Make sure there are arm rests on at least one chair for added push-off when standing up.

 

 

 

Kitchen

 

Do you have…

 

Yes

No

A sturdy stool for reaching your cupboards?

Yes

No

Your everyday dishes and kitchen supplies within easy reach?

Yes

No

Your tile, linoleum, scatter mats and carpeting secure to floor?

Yes

No

The dials on your stove clearly marked ‘ON/OFF’?

 

Tips

  • Use a stool with a handle and rubber tips.
  • Keep heavy items in lower cupboards and light items no higher than shoulder height.
  • Remove scatter rugs that do not have non-slip backing.
  • If you wax the floor use a non-slip wax, this should be written on the label.
  • Don’t wear loose clothing while cooking, hanging fabric can easily catch fire.
  • Turn pot handles inward to prevent tipping the pot and make sure that the stove is off before going out or to bed.
  • An appliance store will order new dials for your stove.
  • A red marker can also be used to mark the dial so you can see it more easily.
  • Use oven mitts for handling all hot items.
  • Remember items from the microwave are also HOT.
  • Eat a nutritious, balanced diet with an emphasis on fresh vegetables, fruit and grains.

 

 

 

 

 

Bedroom

 

Do you have…

 

Yes

No

Easy access to the telephone and lamp from your bed?

Yes

No

Easy access to your telephone from the floor (in case you fall and can’t get up)?

 

Tips

  • Keep a flashlight with extra batteries at your bedside to help you see at night.  Never use a candle.
  • Consider purchasing a cordless phone and keep it near you at all times.
  • Post emergency phone numbers by all phones for easy access.
  • If you are unstable and prone to falls you may want to have an emergency call system (i.e., Protect Alert or Lifeline) to carry at all times.
  • Wear good fitting shoes versus floppy slippers.
  • Consider keeping a cane near your bedside for getting up at night (even if you don’t usually use one).
  • Take your time getting up.  Remain sitting for a minute and stand up slowly.  Stand until you are ready to walk.

 

 

 

Bathroom

 

Do you have…

 

Yes

No

Grab bars in your bathroom?

Yes

No

A rubber bathmat or non-skid surface in your tub?

Yes

No

A non-skid bathmat beside your tub?

Yes

No

A clear, well lit path from the bedroom to bathroom for night-time travel?

 

Tips

  • If unsteady on your feet, a stool with non-skid feet should be used to sit on when showering or bathing.
  • To increase safety, nightlights may be placed in the hallway and bathroom, and grab bars may be installed around the tub and toilet.
  • The towel rack and soap dish are not designed to be used as grab bars.
  • Grab bars may be purchased from a home health service and supply store (see yellow pages) where you can get advice on safety products and their installation.  
  • If you have any concerns about the safety of your bathroom, please call the South West Community Care Access Centre (the phone number is also at the end of this checklist).

 

 

 

 

Basement

 

Do you have…

 

Yes

No

Stairways and basement areas that are well lit and free of clutter?

Yes

No

Secure handrails on both sides of the stairway?

Yes

No

The knowledge to change a fuse or reset a circuit breaker?

Yes

No

Your hot water heater set no higher than 130°F or 54°C?

Yes

No

The knowledge to store and dispose of hazardous waste safely?
(e.g., paint, turpentine, gasoline, etc.)

 

Tips

  • There should be light switches at the top and bottom of all stairways.
  • Adding a strip along the edge of each step, in a contrasting colour, makes the stairs easier to see (use paint or tape).
  • Handrails on both sides of stairwells should project beyond the top and bottom step.
  • Learn where your fuse box or circuit breaker panel is located.
  • Check with an electrician or the Electrical Safety Authority at 1-877-372-7233 regarding concerns about fuses/circuits.
  • If you are unsure of which fuse to buy, take the fuse you want replaced to the store and let the clerk advise you.
  • Phone your appropriate regional or municipal office for information about the disposal of hazardous wastes.

 

 

 

 

 

Medications

 

Do you…

 

Yes

No

Have your medications in clearly labelled bottles?

Yes

No

Keep your medications in a cool, dry area? (NOT THE BATHROOM)

Yes

No

Take your medication in a brightly lit room?

Yes

No

Discard your medications after the expiry date by taking them to your local pharmacist?

Yes

No

Use only medication that has been prescribed for you?

Yes

No

Use the same pharmacy for all your medication needs?

Yes

No

Talk with your pharmacist before purchasing over the counter and herbal medications?

Yes

No

Understand the purpose for each of the medications you are taking?

Yes

No

Follow directions to avoid alcohol with specific medications?

Yes

No

Review all medications on a regular basis with your physician, pharmacist or RN?

Yes

No

Have you been checked for osteoporosis?  Ask your physician.  Medications, exercise and nutrition can all help you.

 

Tips

  • Ask your doctor or pharmacist questions about your medications such as why you are taking it; side effects and alternatives to taking medications.
  • Make a list of all prescription and over the counter medications you take and keep it with you at all times, include your allergies and medical conditions.
  • Show this list to your doctor when he is prescribing your medication.
  • If you have difficulty swallowing pills or opening a container, talk to your pharmacist.
  • The use of a weekly pill dispenser case is useful to prevent over or under drug ingestion.

 

Remember, you have a right to be informed and to ask questions!

 

 

 

 

Security Checklist

 

Do you have…

 

Yes

No

Lights on in the house when you are away for any length of time?

Yes

No

A door viewer on your exterior doors?

Yes

No

Doors and Windows that have locks that work?

 

Tips

  • Putting a couple of lights on timers and leaving a radio on in the house will help deter burglars.
  • Always let a neighbour know you are away.
  • A door viewer with good lighting outside is the best security system because you can see the person before opening the door.
  • Keep all doors and windows locked at all times, even when you are inside the house.
  • Don’t open the door to anyone you are not expecting. Be confident. "JUST SAY NO"!
  • If you have any concerns, call your neighbour or the police immediately.
  • A friend or family member may be willing to be your "buddy" so that you may call them in cases of concern. Make sure they have a key to your house.
  • Make arrangements for someone to pick up your mail, shovel your snow or cut your lawn while you are away.
  • Know how to safely operate your apartment intercom.

 

 

 

 

 

Fire Hazard Check

 

Do you have…

 

Yes

No

Electrical cords in good condition and out of travel paths?

Yes

No

Electrical outlets that are not overloaded?

Yes

No

One working smoke alarm for each level of your home?

Yes

No

A fire extinguisher in your kitchen?

Yes

No

An emergency exit and an escape plan in case of fire?

Yes

No

Carbon monoxide detectors?

 

Tips

  • Electrical cords under carpets cause friction and can result in damage to wire casing.
  • It is required by law that each home have at least one smoke alarm.  Contact your local fire department for the correct location of this alarm.
  • It is recommended that new batteries be put in your smoke alarm two times per year when you change your clocks.
  • The recommended location for a fire extinguisher is in the kitchen, secured on a bracket, away from the stove.
  • Your local fire department may be able to assist you in developing an escape plan from your home.
  • Your gas company will assist you if the pilot light on your furnace goes out or if you smell gas in your home.

 

 

 

 

Outside Your Home

 

Do you have…

 

Yes

No

Walkways, driveway and stairs in good repair (free of cracks, holes and obstructions)?

Yes

No

Handrails on both sides of outside steps?

Yes

No

Well lit walkways, garage, stairs and ramps?

Yes

No

Stairs, ramps and walkways finished with a non-slip surface?

Yes

No

Salt or sand to put on walkways and steps in winter?

Yes

No

Walkways and steps clear of wet leaves, ice and snow?

Yes

No

Wait until the grass dries before walking on it?

 

Tips

  • Install motion detection lights to make sure the way is always well lit.
  • Keep walkways, ramps, and stairs free of wet leaves, ice and snow. In winter, consider fitting your cane with an ice tip so it won’t slip.
  • Always wear shoes that fit, are in good repair, and have non-slip soles.

 

 

 

 

 

Physical Activity

 

Do You…

 

Yes

No

Accumulate 30 to 60 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days of the week?

Yes

No

Participate in endurance activities (ie. walking, biking, swimming) 4-7 days a week?

Yes

No

Perform flexibility activities (ie. reaching, bending, stretching) on a daily basis

Yes

No

Perform strengthening and balance activities (ie. carrying groceries, climbing stairs) 2-4 days a week?

Yes

No

Know that all of the above are recommendations of Canada’s Physical Activity Guide for Older Adults?

 

Tips

  • Every minute of activity counts.
  • Enjoy physical activity a minimum of 10 minutes at a time to total at least 30 to 60 minutes each day.
  • Make physical activity part of every day; take the stairs, carry your groceries, mow the lawn, walk your dog.
  • Physical activity provides you with more strength and energy to continue to live independently.
  • Make sure you are not working too hard, slow down if you have difficulty talking during the activity.
  • Try something new for variety.  Tai Chi and water exercises may help to improve your strength, balance, and flexibility and reduce your risk of falls.
  • If you have a heart condition or other medical problems, speak to your doctor before beginning exercises, or any new activities.
  • Move about often.  Try not to sit for more than 30 minutes without getting up and moving about.
  • Choose activities you enjoy like walking, gardening or playing with the grandchildren.  Have fun! 
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