Identifying Common Hazards

The most common place for older adults to fall is at home. By taking some simple measures, you can reduce your chances of getting injured at home. It’s a matter of knowing the potential hazards, taking precautions, and making adjustments.

During the first visit, an Acclaim Health staff member will perform a safety assessment in the area(s) where they are providing care and let you know if something is unsafe.

It’s also important that you know what else to look for outside and inside your home. The following checklist will help you identify potential hazards. Every NO answer is a clue that your home may not be as safe as it could be.

Stairs

  • Is there a light switch at the bottom and top of the stairs?
  • Do the stairs have a solid handrail on at least one side?
  • Are the stairs free of clutter?
  • Do you remove your reading glasses before using the stairs?

Bathroom

  • Do you have a night light in the bathroom?
  • Do you use a rubber bathtub mat for every bath and shower?
  • Do you have grab bars that are solidly in place and do not move when you use them for support?
  • If you have trouble getting in and out of the bathtub do you use a bath seat?
  • Do you test the water temperature before getting into the bathtub or shower?
  • Does the mat outside the bathtub have a rubber backing?
  • If you have trouble getting on and off the toilet do you use a raised toilet seat with grab bars?

Inside

  • Are all your rooms and hallways well lit?
  • Are all the scatter rugs secured to keep them from slipping?
  • Have all scatter rugs been removed from the top of stairs and high traffic areas?
  • Do you have access to a phone on each floor?
  • Do you have a list of emergency numbers near all phones?
  • Are your pots and pans, canned foods and foods you use every day stored in places that are between your knee and shoulder height?
  • Do you use a stable step stool instead of climbing up on a chair?
  • Are you aware of the dangers of drinking alcohol when you are on medication?

Outside

  • Do all your entrances have a working outdoor light?
  • Do the outdoor stairs and decks have railings?
  • Can you reach your mailbox safely and easily?
  • Are the outdoor stairs and walkways around your house in good repair and free of clutter?

Fire Safety

  • Do you have a smoke alarm on every floor of your home?
  • Do you have a smoke alarm near the bedroom area?
  • Do you test your smoke alarms every month?
  • Do you change your batteries in the spring and fall?
  • Do you have a carbon monoxide detector in your home near the bedroom area?
  • Are you registered on your apartment building’s fire safety plan?
  • Do you have an escape route for each floor of your home in case of fire?
  • Do you use power bars so that electrical outlets are not overloaded?
  • Do you have a fire extinguisher and know how to use it?
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