• Keep all areas of the home, including hallways
and stairs, well-lit, but free from glare.
• Remove throw rugs, or attach a nonskid
backing to them.
• Reduce the risk of falling on flooring by
ensuring it is not slippery. Do not use any
gloss polish.
• Use night lights in the bedroom, hallways,
kitchen and bathrooms.
• Keep the stove area in the
kitchen free of towels, paper
towels, napkins, curtains and
other things that might catch fire.
• Remove all newspapers &
magazines from the kitchen
counter areas.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in the
kitchen, and teach everyone of
age how to use it.
• Inspect electrical cords for fraying or cracking;
be sure they are placed away from walking
paths but not under carpet or furniture, where
they could present a fire hazard.
• Set the hot water temperature at 115 degrees
or below on the water heater.
• Use slip-resistant decals or non-skid mats in
the tub or shower.
• Install grab bars in the bathtub and by the
toilet; be sure the screws go directly into the
wall studs, so they stay securely in place.
• Check to be sure that extension cords are not
overloaded & are clear of walkways.
• Install smoke detectors on every floor of the
home and test them monthly.
• Dispose out-of-date medications and those
which are no longer being used.
• Place a telephone in the bedroom. Post
emergency numbers by all telephones.
• Keep space heaters away from flammable
materials, and be sure the room is well
ventilated.
• A three-pronged plug should be used in a
three hole outlet, or an adapter should be
used.
• Always turn off heating pads before an older
person goes to sleep.
Home Safety Preparedness
The purpose of this pamphlet is to point out the everyday areas of
concern that healthy adults may take for granted.
What may not be an obstacle to you, may be to your elderly loved one.
Many areas of the home should be addressed to better suit the mobility
and agility limitations we experience as we age.
Accessibility Standards
The Department of Justice has
published regulations created
to enforce standards for new
construction, alterations, program
accessibility and barrier removal.
The Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) Accessibility Standards for
Accessible Design
, can aid you in the
updating your loved one’s home to
make it safe and more accessible
should there be a disability that
needs to be accommodated.
Download the PDF at
www.ada.gov.