Caregiver Resources

Home Safety Tips

Safety is an important issue in every home. And it becomes increasingly more important with age. Declining eyesight and hearing can decrease awareness of hazards, and impaired coordination and balance can result in trips and falls. The following safety tips were compiled to help you recognize common pitfalls and avoid accidents in the home.

In-Home Trips and Falls

It’s a fact: in-home trips and falls can cause serious injury. In fact, they are the most common cause of serious injury in older adults, responsible for 6,700 deaths each year. But simple, inexpensive steps can be taken to reduce the likelihood of tripping or falling:

• Illuminate stairways and place light switches at both the top and bottom  of stairs   
• Make sure handrails are installed on both sides of stairways  
• Keep hallways and stairwells clear of all clutter; do NOT use these areas  for storage  
• Install nightlights for late night trips to the kitchen or bathroom  
• Do not use throw rugs; use only carpet that is tacked down  
• Arrange furniture so that there are no obstacles to trip over   
• In the bathroom, use grab bars on the walls and a non-skid mat or strips  in the bathtub  
• Wear shoes with non-skid soles  
• Don’t rush or run – allow yourself plenty of time to get things done  
• Make sure all outdoor steps and walkways are kept in good repair  
• Spread sand or salt on icy walkways

Electrical and Fire Safety

• Keep all cords for lamps, phones, extensions, etc. safely out of the flow  of traffic and out from beneath furniture and carpeting  
• Make sure electrical cords are in good condition, with no fraying or  cracking  
• Keep cover plates on all switches and insure that no wiring is exposed  
• Use the appropriate size and type of light bulb for each fixture  (specifications should be printed on each fixture)  
• Keep towels, curtains and other flammable items away from the range  
• Wear clothes with short or close-fitting sleeves when cooking  
• Make sure kitchen ventilation systems or range exhausts are functioning  properly, and use them while cooking  
• Unplug small appliances such as curling irons, shavers and hair dryers,  etc. when not in use  
• Keep ash trays, smoking materials and other fire sources (heaters, hot  plates, teapots, etc.) away from beds and bedding  
• Keep chimneys clear from accumulations of leaves and other debris that can  clog them  
• Install smoke detectors on each level of the home, including kitchen and  sleeping areas  
• Change smoke detector batteries annually and check detectors regularly to  make sure they are in proper working order  
• Have an emergency exit plan and identify alternative exits

General Safety

• Post emergency numbers on or near the telephone  
• Keep good, clean lighting over the stove, sink and countertop work areas,  especially where food is sliced and cut  
• Make sure step stools are stable and in good repair  
• Keep hallways, passages and heavy traffic areas well lit  
• Keep exists and passageways clear   
• Keep the water temperature 120 degrees or lower  
• Store medicines in original containers   
• Keep a telephone close to the bed and have lamps and light switches within  reach