The MISSION:TRANSITION Seniors IN-HOME Safety Check List for Self Assessment

                                    301-332-5585

MISSION:TRANSITION                  missiontransition@gmail.com

SENIORS SELF ASSESSMENT-CHECK LIST FOR HOME SAFETY

 
Falls are the most common of home accidents: falls from ladders or stairs and trips or slips on floors or sidewalks. Senior Citizens are most likely to be the victims of falls. Falls in the home cause over 6100 deaths each year.

 
Fires and burns are second in frequency of home accidents. Actual burns or asphyxiation from smoke or toxic fumes are the major problems. Senior Citizens are frequent victims. Fire and burns in the home cause over 3900 deaths each year.

 
The following checklist designed to help eliminate some of the major causes of falls and fires in the home. Please take a moment to go through your home and identify hazards in your home so that you can correct them.

 
YES    NO    CORRECTED    GENERAL SAFETY

• Emergency numbers in large print are placed near each telephone.
• The "Vile of Life" is updated and placed on the refrigerator.
• Telephone or personal contact is made with a friend, neighbor or relative daily, so someone knows you are okay.
• There is a telephone near the bed.
• Water temperature is set at 120 degrees or less.
• You have your furnace cleaned and serviced yearly.
• Household chemicals and matches are properly stored away from food
• Cleaners, disinfectants and insecticides are stored in original containers.
• Medicine cabinets are secured and checked regularly for outdated medications, which are disposed of properly.
• Canes, walkers and wheelchairs are in good condition.
• You take the time needed and avoid rushing when moving around the home (to answer the phone or go to the bathroom) outside the home (to catch the bus, etc).

 
YES    NO    CORRECTED     FALL PREVENTION

• All stairways are clear of objects which could cause a person to trip.
• All stairways have a firmly anchored handrail.
• All stairways are well-lighted.
• All throw rugs are skid-proof and lay flat on the floor.
• All carpets are securely anchored.
• All entrance ways, exits, halls and walks are well-lighted.
• Night lights are used to prevent stumbling around in the dark.
• All walks, porches and doorways are clear of obstacles.
• All hard-surfaced floors are clean and spills are wiped up immediately.
• Proper footwear is worn to prevent slips, trips and falls.
• Bath tubs and showers have non-skid strips or suction mats in them.
• Grab bars are installed in bathtubs and showers.
• Electrical cords and telephone cords are placed out of high-traffic areas.
• Furniture is arranged so a path is clear for people to walk around the room safely.
• The floor is kept clear of clutter (magazines, books, boxes, blankets, towels, shoes and other objects).
• Frequently used kitchen items are kept on lower shelves.
• A sturdy step-stool with a bar to hold on to (or handles)is available for reaching objects on high shelves.

 
YES    NO    CORRECTED     SMOKE ALARMS

• Your home has at least one smoke alarm on every level.
• All smoke alarms are in good working order (clean, free of dust and grime).
• All smoke alarms are less than 10 years old.
• Smoke alarms are tested monthly.
• Smoke alarm batteries are replaced every 6-12 months.

        
YES    NO    CORRECTED    CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) DETECTORS

• Your home has CO detectors near bedroom areas and family rooms.
• Your CO detectors are approved by a testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratory (UL), have a digital read-out of CO levels and have a manual reset button and test button.
• Your CO detectors are dust-free and clean.
• You test your CO detectors monthly.
• You (and other members of your household) are familiar with the effects of CO poisoning (flu-like symptoms, headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, drowsiness,confusion, fast heart rate).You (and other members of your household) are aware of possible sources of CO (gas stoves, hot water
• heaters, gas/oil furnaces, charcoal grills, gas space heaters, wood burning stoves, fireplaces, lawnmowers, pilot lights, car exhaust, tobacco smoke).

 

 

YES    NO    CORRECTED    FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

• Fire extinguishers are in the home and                 garage.
• Fire extinguishers are easy to reach.
• You know how to use fire extinguishers (PASS method).
• Fire extinguishers are tipped upside down or lightly shaken at least once a year, to prevent contents from settling and solidifying.

        

YES    NO    CORRECTED     EXITING & EMERGENCY                                 PROCEDURES

• You have a written evacuation plan and                 practice it.
• You can identify two ways out of every room.
• You know how and when to call 9-1-1 to             report an emergency.
• You have the address and phone number for your home written in large print near every telephone.    
• Your address is visible from the street and     well lit.
• Windows open easily and are not blocked.

 
YES    NO    CORRECTED    KITCHEN

• Potholders and oven mitts (not towels) are used to move
  hot pots and pans.
  
• Pot handles are turned inward on the stove when cooking
• Towels and other combustibles are kept away from the stove/oven.
• You always attend to a stove or oven in use.

 

YES    NO    CORRECTEDBEDROOMS

• Working smoke alarms are near all sleeping areas.
• Emergency light lantern and flashlight is in the kitchen and bedroom.
• A lamp is within easy reach of the bed.
• UL (Underwriter Laboratories) tested and approved night-lights are used.

 

YES    NO    CORRECTEDGARAGE

• Flammable liquids are capped and stored in closed metal/plastic containers.
• Power tools and chemicals are locked inside a cabinet.
• Oil-soaked rags are removed and disposed of.
• Automobile is never running in the garage, even if the garage door is open.

 

Home Modifications Needed:

Grab bars                    Bath Mat, non-slip

Smoke alarms                     Night lights, all levels

Carbon Monoxide Alarm             Batteries

Non-skid backing for rugs            Safety Walk Tape

Emergency Light/Lantern Paper Accumulation & Trash Remove Bedroom:Bathroom:Kitchen:Stairs, Pathways & Gardens:Footwear:

 

 

 
FOR YOUR CONTINUED SAFETY READ THESE POINTERS!

 
General Household Suggestions:

• Have a list of telephone numbers to call in case of an emergency (911, doctors, relatives, etc.) near the phone and in LARGE, readable type or writing.
• Check all electrical cords. Replace those showing signs of wear and tear.
• Install adequate electrical outlets to prevent overloading circuits. Avoid multiple extension cords or electrics cords stretched across open areas or doorways.
• Use non-skid wax on uncarpeted floors.
• Use rubber-backed throw rugs (or place non-skid strips on backs of rugs).
• Use strong and/or even lighting through the house or apartment.
• Be sure that the doors can be unlocked from the outside in case of an emergency. This is especially important in the bathroom and bedroom.
• Put smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in appropriate places (kitchen, bedroom) throughout the house/apartment. Check smoke detector batteries twice a year.

• Put a good, sturdy lamp next to the bed, or locate the bed next to a light switch. This will enable the elderly person to find his/her way to the bathroom at night or locate a needed item without risking a fall.
• Put a stable nightstand next to the bed. This provides a place for the older person's glasses and other necessary items within easy reach.
• For frail elderly who are able to use one, place a phone on the bedside table. It will be extremely helpful incase of an emergency, and just knowing it is there may relieve an elder's anxiety and fears.
• Use a nightlight to help the older person relieve feelings of disorientation when awakening during the night.
• Keep clear pathways around the bed, to the door and to the bathroom.
• Remove casters on beds, tables and chairs. Unintended movement of furniture used for support by the elderly person can result in a fall.
• See that grab bars, railings or rope are mounted in hallways if bedroom is not easily accessible to the bathroom or living areas. Heavy pieces of furniture can also be strategically placed to serve as support for the frail person to get from room to room.
• Use a hot water bottle for warmth at bedtime. Avoid the use of heating pads and electric blankets when sleeping. Elderly are less sensitive to heat and may become overheated or burned inadvertently.
• For elderly who are smokers, arrange for a specific, safe place in the house where smoking is allowed. Discourage smoking in bed or while sitting on upholstered furniture.
• Draw up and practice an evacuation plan in case of fire or other emergency.
• Fix bed height so the older person can get on and off comfortably.
• See that storage spaces and needed items are within easy reach of the older person.

• Install grab bars by toilet and tub/shower areas. Toilet frames, arm rests or commodes can be attached to or placed around the toilet.
• Wipe up spills from shower or tub immediately or carpet entire bathroom to avoid slips or falls.
• Use shower seat and shower hose if unable to stand safely while showering.
• Check and set water heater thermostat to ensure that water temperature is not too hot.
• Avoid use of electrical equipment in the bathroom as much as possible. Water contact with this equipment may cause electrical shock.
• Avoid using bath oil in the tub or shower.

• Use walker/cane for unsteady gait if needed.
• Stand on the sidewalk, not in the street when waiting to cross.
• Look both ways before entering a crosswalk. This is especially important for those elderly with diminished hearing.
• Have regular eye examinations to ensure good vision.
• Use sunglasses, hat or cap to help prevent glare.
• When walking at night, wear white or beige clothing, use reflector tapes on shoes and clothing, or use reflectorized garments in orange or yellow.
• Find a friend or companion when going out at night. Avoid dark areas. Do not carry valuables.

• Place bright-colored, non-skid strips on the edge of steps to prevent falls.
• See that stairways, hallways, indoor and outdoor pathways are brightly and evenly lit.
• Remove protruding objects (i.e. coat hooks, low light fixtures and shelves) from stairways or pathways.
• Check steps and walkways for holes, cracks and splinters; make needed repairs.
• Use smooth but slip-resistant handrails along stairways.
• Avoid placing sharp rocks or objects along garden pathways. Keep hoses away from walkways. Store garden equipment between uses.
• Choose shoes that are flexible and easily molded to the feet. Natural materials (suede, leathers) are cooler than manmade materials (plastic, nylon). Shoes with velcro straps are easier to put on/take off.
• The soles of shoes should be made of material that grips the floor, e.g., corrugated rubber or neolyte. Leather, wood, cork or crepe soled shoes may crack and cause falls.