Geriatric Care Managers are often called upon by family and caregivers to conduct an assessment of the older adult, part of which includes assessing the home for safety. There are many useful lists out there, and one of them is from the US Office on Aging. Below is a summary of their checklist, which can be used to assess one’s home for safety, and reduce the risk of any falls by our loved ones.
Stairways
• Make sure all handrails are not broken and are securely fastened. • Both sides of the steps should have handrails.
Floors and rugs
• Make sure all floor boards are even and rugs, including area rugs, are secured to the floor with tacks, non-skid pads or double-sided tape. • Use non-skid floor wax.
Bathroom
• Be sure that your loved one can move safely in bathroom area, and in and out of the tub or shower. • Remove soap build-up in tub or shower on a regular basis. • Place non-slip strips in bath/shower. • Install adjustable height shower heads. • Mount grab bars at the toilet, bath and shower on walls with secure reinforcements, to prevent the bars from coming loose. • Secure bath mats with non-slip, double-sided rug tape.
Kitchen
• Items used frequently, such as dishes and food items, should be easy to reach.
• If a step stool is necessary, make sure that it has a bar at the top to hold on to. (Note: Better yet, put every item that is needed on a regular basis in reachable height, and put the step stool away.)
Lighting
• Place nightlights in hallways, bedrooms, bathrooms, and stairways. • Install light switches at the top and bottom of stairs. • Place a lamp (and telephone) near the bed. • Keep lighting uniform in each room and add lighting to dark spaces.
All Rooms
• Check whether hallways and rooms have obstacles to safe movement. • Move newspapers, boxes, electrical and phone cords, plants, and furniture out of traffic areas. • Store clothing, bed coverings, and other household items where your loved one can reach them comfortably.
Outside of the home
• Repair holes, uneven joints on walkways. • Arrange to have leaves, snow, and ice removed from stairs and walkways. Use salt or sand throughout the winter months. • Make sure outside lighting is working in entryways and other walk areas. • Check that handrails are not broken and are securely fastened. Both sides of steps should have handrails.
Kathleen S. Allen, LCSW, LICSW, C-ASWCM, is a Geriatric Care Manager and Elder Care Consultant based in Northern Virginia. She works with seniors and their families, and with organizations and their employees or members to help guide them through the challenges of aging and caregiving.
