Skip to Main Content

Looking For Hazards Within the Home

If an elderly person you love lives by him or herself, it is incredibly important to make sure the home is as safe as possible for them. Let’s look at some ways that you can help ensure their safety in their home right now:

General Home Safety

  • Consider making use of a medical alert or buddy system.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher and smoke detector on every floor in the home.
  • Never smoke when alone or in bed.
  • Always get up slowly after lying down or sitting. Take time to find your balance at first.
  • Wear well-fitting, low-heeled shoes.
  • Make use of a correctly measured walking aid.
  • Get rid of any and all scatter rugs or, at the very least, tack them down to prevent falls.
  • Get rid of any electrical or telephone cords from any high-traffic areas.
  • Do not use wax on floors to keep from slipping and/or falling.
  • Wipe up any spills ASAP.
  • Avoid standing on either ladders or chairs.
  • Have proper and sturdy rails installed, both inside and outside the house, or purchase a stairlift, if needed.
  • Use non-glare 100-watt or greater incandescent bulbs only (or the fluorescent equivalent).
  • Make sure any and all staircases have good lighting, with switches at both the top and bottom.
  • Ensure that staircase steps have non-slip surfaces.

Bathroom Safety

  • Keep a light on in the bathroom at night.
  • Use any recommended bath aides, and make sure they’re installed securely on bath or shower stall walls and on the sides of the toilet too.
  • Make the tub skid-proof, and make sure the bath mat also has a non-slip bottom.
  • Turn the water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower to prevent scalding.
  • Clearly mark both hot and cold faucets.
  • Use door locks that can be operated from both sides.
  • Bathe only when help is available to you, if possible.

Kitchen Safety

  • Keep floors clean and free of clutter.
  • See that any and all work areas are well-illuminated.
  • Mark both “on” and “off” positions for appliances clearly and brightly.
  • Store sharp knives in a rack.
  • Use a kettle with an automatic shut-off.
  • Store heavier objects at waist level
  • Store any hazardous items away from food.
  • Avoid wearing any long or loose-fitting clothing when cooking at the stove.
  • See that food is rotated regularly and check expiration dates.

Drug Safety

  • Review all medications frequently with your doctor or pharmacist and whenever you take any new medications.
  • Make sure all medication is clearly labeled.
  • Read medicine labels in good light to make sure you have the right medication and always take the right dosage.
  • Get rid of any old or used medicines.
  • Never borrow any prescription drugs from others.
  • Check with your doctor or pharmacist before mixing drugs and alcohol.
  • Have any medications dispensed in bubble wrap or convenient dispenser.
  • Finally, check with your doctor or pharmacist before mixing any non-prescription drugs with prescription drugs.

If you or someone you love needs assistance with Elder Care law issues, call 856-281-3131. Let us help ease your stress and give you a plan.