It's a good idea to tour your aging parents home to ensure it is set-up safely. The next time you are over to their house, have them give you a tour. That way you can see how safe their home is for them. Can they manage the stairs safely? Is there enough light? Do they hold onto walls or furniture when walking?
The following is an outline of items to keep in mind. It is not exhaustive but gives a general idea of things to look for. It is a good idea to do this at least every 3-4 months or whenever your parents abilities/health changes.
Entrance/Access
Lighting - Is it adequately lit? House number - Is it visible from the road? Both for visitors or emergency vehicles Stairs - Is there a railing (preferably one on each side)? Are they in good repair? Mailbox - is it accessible? Is the path to/from in good repair?
General Home
Lighting - are all hallways and rooms adequately lit? Rugs - are rugs secured? Throw rugs can be a fall hazard. Clutter free - Are hallways and rooms clutter-free? Animals/Pets - Pets can be a potential fall hazard if they are not well behaved. Seating at entrances - Is there a place to sit down to put on and remove shoes? Safety - First aid kits on all levels? Are emergency numbers posted at all phones? Doors - Do they have lever handles to allow for easy opening?
Stairs
Lighting - are they properly lit? Light switches - Are there light switches at the top and bottom of the stairs? Throw rugs - Are they secured? Rugs can be a fall hazard. Clutter - Are the stairs clutter free? Non-slip surface - Do they have non-slip surfaces? Handrails - Are there handrails? Preferably on both sides.
Fire Safety
Smoke detectors - Are there smoke detectors on every floor and tested within the last 6 months Escape route - Is there an escape route and plan? Carbon monoxide - Is there a carbon monoxide detector? Hazardous and flammable materials - Are they properly labeled and stored? Space heaters - Are they being used properly and away from flammable materials? Power bars - Are they being used properly? Electrical cords - Are they being used properly? Fire extinguishers - Are they located on all levels of the house and tested regularly?
Bathroom
Hot water temperature - is it set at a recommended 49 C (120 F)? Non slip surfaces - Is there a non-clip mat in the bathtub and/or shower? Lighting - Is it adequately lit? Door lock - Is there an emergency exterior release for the door lock? Grab bars - Are there grab bars at the toilet, bathtub and/or shower? Are they secure Bath or shower seat - Is there a seat or stool? Hand held shower - Makes it easier to shower while seated Faucets - Are they level handles to easily turn on/off?
b>Kitchen
Storage - Are items within reach? Lighting - Is it adequately lit? Small appliances - Do they have automatic shut-offs? Appliances - Do they have easy to use dials that are clearly marked? Fire extinguisher - Is it accessible and tested regularly?
Bedroom
Lighting - Is it adequately lit? Bed height - Can the user get in/out of it easily? Clutter - Is the room clutter free? Phone - Is there a phone at the bedside so the user can call if there is an emergency and does not have to rush to another room to answer the phone?
Garage/Basement/Laundry
Lighting - Is is adequately lit? Phone - Is there a telephone nearby so the user can call if there is an emergency and does not have to rush to another room to answer the phone? Floors - Are they clutter free? Storage - Are items safely stored with heavier items close to the floor? Hazardous and flammable materials - Are they clearly marked and stored properly?
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