Home Safety Guidelines
Many injuries in the home can be prevented. Check each room for hazards and use these tips to help make homes safe and comfortable.

Have an Emergency Plan

• Keep a phone nearby or carry a portable phone. Write the local emergency numbers on or by each phone.
• Practice the exit plan received when admitted to Alacare Home Health & Hospice.
• Keep two clear ways out of each room. Make sure all doors and windows unlock and open easily.
• Have someone check on the patient each day and, in an emergency, assist in removing the patient from the home.

Fire Safety

• Check for frayed cords and overloaded outlets and replace wiring on light switches or outlets that are warm to the touch.
  
• Do not plug lamps and appliances into extension cords.
• Plug three-prong plugs into three-hole outlet sockets.
  
• Do not place cords under carpets and furniture legs.
  
• Use correct wattage light bulbs and correct size fuses.
  
• Use electrical tape or plastic clamps to hold cords to the wall or floor.
  
• Store flammable materials in labeled metal cans away from heaters or appliances.
  
• Do not collect piles of old newspapers and cleaning cloths.
  
• Clean spills quickly.
• Keep heaters away from curtains, furniture and rugs.
  
• Never leave heaters, wood stoves or fireplaces unattended.
• Check the furnace for proper fuel and venting and make sure it is clean.
  
• Never leave cooking food unattended.
  
• Do not smoke in bed or set hot plates, pots or vaporizers on furniture.
  
• Have a working smoke detector on every level of the home.
  
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it.

Preventing Falls

• Use lighted on/off switches beside the door of each room and one at the top and bottom of stairs.
  
• Put a night-light along all paths and keep the paths clear of clutter.
  
• Change dim or burned out light bulbs.
  
• Get lamps that are easy to turn on and off.
  
• Keep a flashlight with fresh batteries in each room.
  
• Remove worn throw rugs or carpets.
  
• Replace shag carpets.
  
• Nail carpet to each step on carpeted stairs. If stairs do not have carpet, put nonskid strips on the outer edge of each step.
  
• Make sure handrails are sturdy and run the entire length of the staircase.
  
• Keep floors and stairs clear of clutter.
  
• Have wide, clear walking areas with sturdy pieces of furniture for support.
  
• Remove glass tables and wobbly furniture or items with sharp edges.

Bedroom Safety

• If the mattress is too hard, use a sheepskin or "egg crate" pad.
  
• Make sure the height of the bed is adjusted so the patient's feet touch the floor when sitting on the edge of the mattress.
  
• Keep a sturdy table or nightstand next to the bed.
  
• Have a bedside light — make sure the switch is easy to reach.
  
• Have an emergency flashlight.
  
• Keep a telephone with a list of emergency numbers.
  
• Use a lighted clock.

Bathroom Safety

• Keep the water heater set on low (120°F).
  
• Test the water when getting into the bath or shower.
  
• Replace faucets if they are hard to turn.
  
• Use a handheld shower.
  
• Place rubber nonskid strips or a mat in the tub or shower.
  
• Install a grab bar into a support beam in the wall. Some grab bars attach to the tub. Never use a towel bar as a grab bar.
  
• Keep soap on a rack.
  
• Use liquid soap or soap-on-a-rope to keep from falling while trying to pick up soap in the shower.
  
• Clean spills right away.
  
• Fix loose or broken floor covering.
  
• Use nonskid bath mats next to the tub, shower and sink.
  
• Install a lighted on/off switch near the bathroom door.
  
• Keep a first aid kit in the bathroom.
  
• Make sure all medicines are clearly labeled and away from children. Put a bright light over the medicine cabinet so labels can be read easily.
  
• Do not use electrical appliances (hair dryers, electric shavers, etc.) around the sink, toilet or tub and unplug them when not in use.
  
• Keep space heaters out of the bathroom.

Living Room/Den Safety

• Use a comfortable chair with back and head supports that has armrests to help get up and down.
• Add cushions to low chairs.
  
• Keep a sturdy table near chairs.
  
• Keep a lamp with a bright bulb near the chair.
  
• Keep a phone near the chair.
  
• Keep the floor clean and clear of clutter.
  
• Replace or repair loose or worn flooring.
  
• Clean spills right away.
  
• Use remote controls for the TV, VCR and CD player.

Kitchen Safety

• Keep a fire extinguisher near, but not next to, the stove. Make sure the fire extinguisher is always charged.
  
• Do not keep potholders, aprons or towels near the stove.
  
• Keep pots/pan handles turned toward the back of the stove to avoid spills and accidents.
  
• Do not wear long or loose fitting clothes when cooking.
  
• Do not store matches near the stove.
  
• Keep ovens, broilers and burners clean to avoid grease fires. Keep baking soda handy in case of a grease fire.
  
• Store heavy items and frequently used items on lower shelves.
  
• Store sharp items separately.
  
• Install easy-to-grab cupboard handles and drawer pulls.
  
• Use a sturdy step stool with a handrail.
  
• Clean spills right away.
  
• Replace worn flooring. Remove throw rugs and clutter.
  
• Make sure there is plenty of bright, non-glaring light.
  
• Keep a phone and a list of emergency numbers in the kitchen.
  
• Keep electrical cords and appliances away from the sink.

Entrances

• Clear all pathways in and out of the house.
  
• Install ramps or other improvements if needed.
  
• Keep doormats clean and in good condition.
  
• Make sure doors and windows open and close easily.
  
• Install locks on outside doors. Keep keys near the door so they are accessible in an emergency. Mark keys so they are easy to identify.
  
• Keep walkways clear of leaves, hoses, ice, snow, etc.
  
• Make sure there are lights at the front door and along walkways. Install motion sensor lights if possible.
  
• Replace broken locks and handles. Oil locks and handles that do not turn easily or are hard to hold.

Mother's Helper is aware of the increasing necessity of safety knowledge among the elderly. There are several Internet sites that provide helpful tips on senior safety:

Safe Within — a comprehensive safety site, includes safety tips for the entire family
AARP Guide to Health & Wellness
Administration on Aging
National Institute on Aging