Helping With Home Safety PREPARATION
INSTRUCTION
PRACTICE
30 minutes
30 minutes–1 hour
As needed
Making an older person’s home a safer place is helpful in so many ways! Oftentimes, older people don’t have the time or strength to make their homes safer on their own. They also may not notice problem areas in their own homes. You can help by offering a fresh look at their homes and doing some of the heavier lifting. Use these tips as you make your way through older people’s homes together.
STEP 1:
Check Stairways, Hallways, and Pathways
Make sure there is good lighting. Place light switches at both the top and bottom of the stairs.
Keep all pathways and areas clear of rugs, cords, and furniture.
Make sure that all carpets are tacked firmly to the floor so they won’t slip. Put no-slip strips on tile and wooden floors. You can find these at your local hardware store!
Have handrails on both sides of all stairs—from top to bottom—and be sure they’re tightly attached.
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STEP 2:
Check Bathrooms and Powder Rooms
Install grab bars near toilets and on both the inside and outside of the tub and shower.
Place nonskid mats, strips, or carpet on all surfaces that may get wet.
Plug in some nighlights and encourage them to keep them on!
STEP 3:
Look through all Living Areas
Make sure all electric cords and telephone wires are near the walls and away from walking paths.
Tack all carpets and area rugs firmly to the floor.
Help arrange the furniture and other objects so that they are not in the way. This will help keep people from tripping when walking through the house.
Make sure the sofas and chairs are a good height. This will help people get in and out of them more easily.
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STEP 4:
Check Bedrooms
Put nightlights and light switches close to the bed(s).
Keep a working telephone near the bed(s).
Additional Resources
Report Back
For more resources on home safety, check out these sites:
Once you’re done, head back to the “Be a Companion” page and report your story for a chance to be featured on www.mentorup.org or get a little surprise from the Mentor Up team.
http://www.nsc.org/safety_home/ HomeandRecreationalSafety/Falls/Pages/ OlderAdultFalls.aspx http://www.cdc.gov/ HomeandRecreationalSafety/Falls/Index.html http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/pub-res/toolkit/ checklistforsafety.htm
Need Help? If you have questions or need some more tips on home safety, contact the Mentor Up team at
[email protected].
Information sourced from www.womenshealth.gov.
The information provided in this material is presented as general educational information and is not intended to be a substitute for professional, technical or legal advice. For full terms of use please visit www.mentorup.org/ourpolicies.
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