Home Safety and Accident Prevention Checklist

This checklist from LifeFone^® is designed to help you locate potential hazards in your home, and help you reduce the risk of a dangerous fall.

Fall Prevention
Falls at home are caused by:

• Health-related changes such as:
  • Side effects of some medications
  • Diminished eyesight
  • Balance problems
  • Delayed reaction times
  • Weakness from chronic illness
• Dangers to look out for include:
  • Throw rugs or slick flooring
  • Dark hallways or bathrooms without nightlights
  • Changes in floor heights or high thresholds
  • Clutter, pet toys, glass tables or phone and electric wires in walkways

At Home

• Wear shoes or slippers that fit well, have low heels, and are slip resistant. Don't walk around in socks. Stair handrails should be securely anchored on both sides of stairs.
• Floors and walkways should be kept clear of clutter. Secure loose and hanging telephone and electrical cords, and do not run cords across walkways.
• Use non-slip backing on throw rugs or runners. Or, better yet, remove all throw rugs. Secure loose area rugs with tacks. Re-glue sheet or ceramic flooring to smooth bumps. Attach carpet stair treads securely.
• Keep items you use often where you can easily reach them. Don't use a chair as a step stool. Replace a worn or wobbly step stool with a stable one with high and sturdy rails.
• Glass topped tables should be moved away from traffic areas.

Lighting Tips

• Stairs and hallways should have light switches at each end.
• Make sure that you can turn a light on without having to get out of bed.
• Light-up dark passageways, bathrooms and bedrooms with night-lights.
• Know where you keep your flashlight, and check your batteries periodically.

In the Bathroom

• Most falls occur in the bathroom. Take special care with wet floors.
• Install grab bars around toilet and tub areas, mounting them into wall studs when possible, and using proper mounting techniques. Towel bars are not a substitute for grab bars.
• Replace bathroom drinking glasses with plastic or paper cups.
• Use non-slip adhesive strips or a mat with suction cups in the shower or tub.
• A bench or stool in the shower can provide additional security in a slippery environment.
• A raised toilet seat or a frame with armrests that stands over the toilet can help someone rise from a seated position.

Outside

• Entrance areas and sidewalks should be clutter free, well lit, and kept clear of snow and ice.
• Outdoor steps that are very narrow or have uneven heights should be marked with white paint on the edges. Stair treads can be painted with a sand mixture for better traction.

General Safety

• Avoid leaning or supporting yourself on unstable objects like rolling carts, towel bars, soap dishes, etc.
• Discuss all of your medications and herbal remedies with your doctor or pharmacist to avoid drug interactions and learn about potential side effects. Both prescription and non-prescription drugs can cause drowsiness or dizziness.
• Store medications away from temperature and humidity extremes. Be sure to take proper dosages at prescribed intervals.
• Avoid more than 2 alcoholic drinks per day. More than that can cause unsteadiness.
• A hearing test can detect inner ear problems which can affect balance.
• Make sure to wear eyeglasses when indicated, and get regular eye exams.
• Use walking aids, like canes or walkers, and keep them conveniently located.
• When walking, look straight ahead and take turns slowly and carefully.
• Stay strong and flexible with regular exercise.
• If you feel light headed stay seated until your head clears. Rise slowly to avoid dizziness.
• Plan an escape route in case of emergency, and test your smoke detector batteries at least twice a year.