RESIDENTIAL SAFETY SERVICES INC.

Fall Related Issues

People with previous falls or illnesses are three times more likely to fall again. Falls in bathrooms, stairs, and items on floor that could trip a person or impede movement are the major causes. These accidents cause over 35% of all home injuries requiring hospital attention.

• Bathroom / Bathing

Grab-bars in tub or shower bathing area?
One to three grab bars are recommended for entry, exit, and raising \ lowering into tub. Tub mounted grab bars may be substituted when wall mounting not possible.

Bath or shower benches along with hand held showers recommended for almost all situations with balance, immobility, and poor eyesight concerns.

Toilet Safety Rails and / or elevated toilets are recommended for moderate to severe immobility.

GFCI electrical devices should be installed on all bathroom electrical circuits.

Anti-slip floor \ tub coverings
Anti-slip floor coverings, (strips, mats, etc.) recommended for slippery surfaces such as smooth bathroom, tub and some shower floors.

Shower used? If so, are shower doors installed?
Many tub mounted shower doors actually impede the safe entry and exit into the bathtub. Also, the towel racks mounted on these doors are often used for grab bars actually causing falls when they are grabbed and break off the door. These doors may be removed and replaced with curtains using solid bar mounting as opposed to spring loaded or sectional bars.

• Are residents' bedroom and bath on main house level?

If on other than main level, are railings installed on stairways? For moderate immobility, railings on both sides recommended. For more severe immobility, stairway lifts may be recommended.
Are working flashlights accessible from sleeping areas?

• Steps from ground level to main entrance, garage, patio, rear entrance?

If steps, are railings installed?  Even one or two steps need railings for general stability and anti-slip protection on ice and snow. If wheelchair used, Is there an ADA slope compliant ramp in place?

• Does main entrance have proper lighting?

Motion sensitive lighting recommended for instances where lights have not been turned on before departure. These lights also serve for overall safety from intruders.

• Carpets \ Rugs

Are throw rugs used in the home? If so, they should be removed (moderate or severe immobility) or replaced with rugs with latex backing.

If carpeted, check for loose carpet or heavy carpeting over 5\8" high on stairs.

• Are there extension cords or other hard to navigate obstacles on any of the floors?

If so, remove by re-configuring home furniture arrangement or add receptacles to areas needed.

• Lighting

Are night-lights utilized in bedroom, bath and hallway areas?

Are steps to basement, garage, patio etc. well lighted?

Are outside lights by patio and garage operational?

General Safety Related Items

• Is the home address clearly visible from the street?

• Are emergency numbers posted by all telephones?

• Are operational smoke detectors on all house levels?

• Is a fire extinguisher provided and accessible?

• Is a step stool with handrail available in the kitchen?

• Is the water heater set to 120 degrees or less?

• Are kitchen cabinet top areas cleared and hot pads in place for immediate use?

• Does the resident wash his or her clothes?
     Location of washer / dryer? Railings where
     needed

• What chores does the resident perform giving them the most problems or inconvenience?
      In many cases, products are available to make 
      these chores easier and safer.

• Does resident spend time in the yard, garage, patio, or porch areas? If so, after dark?    
       Lighting and access to / from house is
       important.

• GFCI breakers should be utilized if power tools are used.

• Walking assistance utilized? (Walker, cane or wheelchair used?) 
      If so, types and textures of flooring are more
      important

• How is balance when bending over or reaching up for items? (Closets, cabinets etc.?) 
      Lowered closet rails and slide out cabinet 
      containers make these chores easier and safer

• Any space heating appliances? Are they absolutely necessary? 
      Could they be eliminated?

• What kinds of footwear are normally worn around the house? 
       Should fit well and have latex or rubber soles

• What electrical outlets does the resident normally use for cooking and cleaning appliances? For other chores? 
      GFCI protected?

Ailments, Disabilities, or Diseases of Home Resident.

These conditions may infer special safety issues. Specialized products and home modifications are sometimes available for these circumstances. Suggest a rehabilitation therapist consult with a home accessibility specialists for the proper selection and installation of these products.

* Within Franklin County, Ohio

Residential Safety Services Inc.
2150 Sheringham Road
Columbus, Ohio 43220
(614) 451-1562

www.4safehomes.com

Disclaimer: This home checklist is provided free of charge. No warranty as to its accuracy or completeness is implied or given. Residential Safety Services Inc. assumes no liability for use of this checklist. This checklist is not intended to substitute for prudent actions on behalf of the resident, landlords, or homeowners. This document may be reproduced in unaltered form as desired.

Copyright 2007 Residential Safety Services Inc. Columbus, Ohio (614) 451-1562