Safety in the Home

Home safety for individuals with physical limitations

As we age, our senses mobility begin to decline, making it more difficult to stretch, lift and bend. Our judgment and reaction time also slow. These normal changes in perception, physical ability and judgment make us more prone to accidents. A simple fall can become a serious, disabling injury that limits independence — but simple precautions and adjustments can help ensure a safe, accident-free home.

The following checklist contains effortless solutions that can help evaluate the safety of your home and habits.

General Safety Checklist

  • Emergency numbers and your address are posted by each telephone.
  • The telephone can be reached from the floor or you carry a cell phone with you.
  • Inside and outside door handles and locks are easy to operate.
  • Door handles are lever-action instead of round knobs.
  • Door thresholds have been removed or are low and beveled.
  • Windows are easily opened from the inside but have secure locks that can prevent someone from entering from the outside.
  • There is an emergency exit. You can add an escape route through portable ladders or chutes.
  • The thermostat of the water heater is set at 120 degrees F or lower to prevent accidental scalding.
  • Medications are stored in a safe place according to instructions on the label of the package or container.
  • Carpeting and rugs are not worn or torn.
  • Small, loose rugs have nonskid backing and are not placed in traffic areas.
  • Appliances, lamps and cords are clean and in good condition.
  • There are no exposed bulbs in lamps or fixtures that can cause glare.
  • Automated lighting controls are installed.
  • All electrical equipment bears the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) label.
  • Enough outlets are located where they are needed in every room.
  • Electrical overload protection is provided by circuit breakers, fuses or ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI).
  • The electrical service has enough capacity and is up to code. (An electrical inspector can check the wiring in your house.)
  • Your address is posted by each telephone.
  • Extension cords do not carry more than their proper load, as indicated on the cord or appliance.
  • Electrical cords are placed out of the traffic flow and are not underneath rugs and furniture.
  • Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are installed and in working order. (As a helpful reminder, you can replace the batteries on your birthday.)
  • Assistive listening devices are used for small room amplification, personal listening and TV listening.
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