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• 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• Dispose out-of-date medications and those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.