Originally Published by:                                                                                                      Clare Absher RN, BSN CarePathways.com – Home Care Checklist

General Safety precautions

• Make sure that there are working smoke detectors on every floor.
• Find a phone with large number pads and large speed-dial keys that can be programmed with important numbers.
• Post emergency phone numbers in large print on or near the telephone.
• Supply telephone with direct dialing system for emergency/important numbers.
• Hide house key outside or give to neighbor for emergencies.
• Put automatic door closing devices on doors to outside and alarms when needed.
• Notify local police department that if your family member is memory impaired.
• Be certain that there is adequate lighting throughout the house and install nightlights.
• Check that all electrical cords are free of frays. Put childproof plugs in outlets.
• Be certain that no outlets or switches are unusually warm or hot to touch.
• Reduce clutter; Remove furniture that is hazardous and may move when leaned on.
• Put reflector tape on furniture corners, hallways, bedrooms to create a path to follow at night.
• Avoid polished floors that may be slippery and remove all non skid resistant rugs and runners.
• Put opaque tape on glass door and picture windows
• Remove or lock up sharp objects/breakable ones and remove all firearms from home.
• Keep electric fans out of reach. Cover radiators with radiator guards.
• Supervise or restrict smoking, use safety ashtrays and keep matches/lighters out of reach.
• Use flame-retardant mattresses, pillows, and sheets and plan procedure for fire evacuation.
• Store all prescription and over the counter medications safely away and clearly labeled.
• Lock up cleaning supplies, chemicals and poisons and install a carbon monoxide detector.
• Lock up valuables, important papers and documents and have system for safe mail retrieval.
• Be certain plumbing and utilities are working.
• Remove poisonous houseplants and have first aid kit easily accessible.
• Take away car keys when necessary and disarm/hide controls for automatic garage doors.
• Inform neighbors of any safety features in home that may restrict entry.

Entrance

• Ensure walkway is uncluttered and doorway accessible.
• Provide safe entry into the house or apartment with secure railing present.
• Provide viewing of visitors prior to entry when possible.
• Secure doors to outside with double key locks, or high or low locks.

Living Area

• Furnish with chairs/sofas that can safely get up/down.
• Adapt seating with additional firm cushions to raise seat.
• Provide auto raising lift chair to assist getting up when necessary.
• Be certain safe opening/closing of windows or key locked windows installed.
• Ascertain ability to operate the television and light switches.
• Keep cords out from under carpeting and furniture and clear of walkways.

Kitchen

• Maintain appliances in working order.
• Ascertain ability to manipulate sink faucets with hot water temperature settings reduced.
• Make sure electrical cords aren’t dangling near water.
• Ascertain ability to open/close refrigerator/freezer/stove door/ and cabinets.
• Ascertain ability to reach dishes, pots, utensils, and outlets.
• Store sharp objects are safely away.
• Keep flammables away from the stove area.
• Remove small non-food items that could be swallowed.
• Cover stove burners, remove knobs/shut-off valves/ and install auto-pilots when needed.
• Unplug or put away kitchen appliances not in use.
• Disconnect or camouflage garbage disposals.

Bedroom

• Locate bedroom near bathroom or furnish bedside commode.
• Use night-lights to provide nighttime orientation.
• Ensure safe transfer in/out bed and remove bed frame if bed is too high.
• Rent or purchase a hospital bed if needed.
• Supply bumpers or padding to surround bed if needed.
• Install reverse locks on doors when needed.
• Use monitor to listen to activity especially at night.
• Remove carpeting if incontinence becomes a problem
• Install room darkening blinds or shades when needed.
• Be certain that phone and light is accessible from bed.
• Be certain that clothes in the closet/dresser are reachable.

Bathroom

• Install grab rails in tub or shower.
• Provide a tub bench or tub chair for sitting in tub.
• Install hand held shower nozzle.
• Remove any scatter rugs and furnish bath mat and non-skid strips in tub.
• Replace glass shower doors with unbreakable plastic.
• Install grab bars, safety frame, and/or raised seat on or near toilet
• Lock up razor blades, sharp objects, and store away electrical devices.
• Be certain that light switches, outlets and toilet paper are accessible.

Stairways

• Widen treads or shorten risers.
• Replace outdoor stairs with ramps.
• Install sturdy handrail or grab rails along both sides of stairs.
• Put reflector tape on edge of treads.
• Install barriers or gates at stairs if needed.
• Provide adequate lighting and ensure steps are free of clutter.