General Home Safety
- Consider a medical alert or a buddy system.
- Keep a fire extinguisher and smoke detector on every floor.
- Use extreme caution when smoking. Never smoke when alone or in bed.
- Always get up slowly after sitting or lying down. Take your time, and make sure your have your balance.
- Wear proper fitting shoes with low heels.
- Remove or tack down all scatter rugs.
- Remove electrical or telephone cords from traffic areas.
- Avoid using slippery wax on floors.
- Wipe up spills promptly.
- Avoid standing on ladders or chairs.
- Have sturdy rails for all stairs inside and outside the house, or, if necessary, purchase a stair lift.
- Check for sturdiness of furniture and equipment frequently used.
- Keep telephone and emergency numbers within reach, especially when alone.
- Keep cane/walker within reach. DO NOT attempt to walk alone if you balance is not steady.
- If using a wheelchair, be sure the brakes are locked on BOTH sides before transferring to and from the wheelchair.
Bathroom Safety
- Leave a light on in your bathroom at night.
- Use recommended bath aids, securely installed on the walls of the bath/shower stall and on the sides of the toilet.
- Skid-proof the tub and make sure the bath mat has a non-slip bottom.
- Mark cold and hot faucets clearly.
- Use door locks that can be opened from both sides.
- If possible, shower only when help is available.
- Use non- skid mat or tub chair with rubber suction cups to hold in place.
Fire safety
- Develop and practice an evacuation plan
- Locate smoke detectors (which should be located on each level of the home, living rooms, hallways etc.)
- Establish clear pathways to all exits. DO NOT BLOCK EXITS with furniture or boxes. HAVE KEYS accessible near deadbolt/ locked doors.
- Avoid smoking with oxygen, in bed or laying down.