1725
Sheridan Avenue
Suite 128
Cody, Wyoming
82414
(307)587-4601
1(888)442-4601
FAX (307)587-4608
office@hands2help.com
Bonded and Insured
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HOME
SAFETY POINTERS
Each
year, many older Americans injured around their homes account for
over 600,000 emergency room visits. Identification of potential hazards
is the first step to accident prevention. A simple review of the following
home safety checklist plus the development of an emergency exit plan
may help save a life. The check list is divided into areas but many
of the pointers apply throughout the house
Home
Exterior
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• Are step surfaces non-slip?
• Are step edges visually marked?
• Are steps in good repair?
• Are step handrails present and secure?
• Are footpaths/walkways free of obstacles?
• Does the home have more than one exit/entrance?
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Home
Interior:
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• Are lights bright enough for limited vision?
• Are lights non-glare?
• Are stairways adequately lit?
• Are light switches accessible outside the rooms?
• Does the stairway have rails on both sides?
• Do throw rugs have a non-slip backing in good repair?
• Are carpet edges secure?
• Are chairs strong enough to facilitate transfers?
• Does the chair/bed height facilitate transfers?
• Do chairs have armrests to facilitate transfers?
• Are rooms/hallways unobstructed by clutter?
• Are tables strong enough to be leaned on securely?
• What low height furniture creates a trip hazard?
• Is the telephone accessible without a long cord?
• Do doorway thresholds present a fall hazard?
• Are there emergency numbers by the telephone?
• Is there a spare key outside the house?
• Is there an easily accessible medication/allergy/chronic
condition list?
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Kitchen:
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• Are storage areas within easy reach?
• Is the surface of the floor slippery when wet?
• Is there a non-slip, secure mat by the sink?
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Bathroom:
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• Are the doorways wide enough for unobstructed mobility?
• Is the floor surface slippery when wet?
• Are there skid proof mats or strips in the tub or shower?
• Are grab bars securely fastened?
• Does the toilet height facilitate a safe transfer?
• Is there a night light?
• Are there shower doors?
• Does the tub present a trip hazard?
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Bedroom:
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• Is there a call system for an emergency?
• Is there a night light or bedside lamp?
• Are closet items within easy reach?
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Fire/Electrical:
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• Are electrical cords in good repair?
• Do extension cords cross traffic areas?
• Are fireplaces or heaters screened and protected?
• Are there working smoke detectors?
• Is there a fire extinguisher?
• Do appliances have adequate ventilation?
• Is the dryer adequately vented?
• Is there a working carbon monoxide detector?
• Are there flammable objects by the stove?
• Is the stove free of grease?
• Are electrical outlets appropriately grounded?
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Infection
Control:
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Is there adequate hot water?
• Is the adequate refrigeration?
• Is the hot water temperature setting appropriate?
• Is the storage of food appropriate?
• Are there adequate personal care supplies?
• Is there evidence of regular personal hygiene?
• Is there evidence of regular trash pick-up?
• Are pets clean and adequately cared for?
• Is there evidence of regular house cleaning?
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Medication
Management:
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• Are medications current and appropriately stored?
• What precautions or side effects may impact every day
activity?
• Does the current pharmacy list include over the counter
and vitamin supplements?
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FOR
INFORMATION CALL 587-4601 or 1-888-442-4601
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