Many injuries in the home can be prevented. Check each room for hazards and use these tips to help make your home safer and more comfortable.

Have an Emergency Plan

	Keep a phone nearby or carry a portable phone. Write the local emergency numbers on or by each phone.
	Practice the exit plan received when admitted to Dimensional HomeCare Services Home Health Program.
	Keep two clear ways out of each room. Make sure all doors and windows unlock and open easily.
	Have someone check on the patient each day and help them get out if they cannot move quickly.

Fire Safety

	Check for frayed cords and overloaded outlets and replace wiring on light switches or outlets that are warm to the touch.
	Do not plug lamps and appliances into extension cords.
	Plug 3-prong plugs into 3-hole outlet sockets.
	Do not place cords under carpets and furniture legs.
	Use correct wattage light bulbs and correct size fuses.
	Use electrical tape or plastic clamps to hold cords to the wall or floor.
	Store flammables in labeled metal cans away from heaters or appliances.
	Do not collect piles of old newspapers and cleaning cloths.
	Clean up spills quickly.
	Keep heaters away from curtains, furniture, and rugs.
	Never leave heaters, wood stoves, or fireplaces unattended.
	Check the furnace for proper fuel and venting and make sure it is clean.
	Never leave food cooking while no one is in the kitchen.
	Do not smoke in bed or set hot plates, pots, or vaporizers on furniture.
	Have a working smoke detector on every level of the home.
	Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and learn how to use it.

	Use lighted on/off switches beside the door of each room and one at the top and bottom of stairs.
	Put a night-light along all paths and keep the paths clear of clutter.
	Change dim or burned out light bulbs.
	Get lamps that are easy to turn on and off.
	Keep a flashlight with fresh batteries in each room.
	Remove throw rugs or carpets that are worn.
	Replace shag carpets, especially if the patient uses a walker or cane.
	Nail carpets to each step on carpeted stairs. If stairs do not have carpet, put non-skid strips on the outer edge of each step.
	Make sure handrails are sturdy and run the length of the staircase.
	Keep floors and stairs free of clutter.
	Make sure to have wide, clear walking areas with sturdy pieces of furniture for support.
	Get rid of glass tables and wobbly furniture or items with sharp edges.

	If the mattress is too hard, use a sheepskin or "egg crate" pad.
	Make sure the height of the bed is adjusted so the patients feet touch the floor when they are sitting on the edge of the mattress.
	Keep a sturdy table or nightstand next to the bed. This is where items can be stored such as: a bedside light— make sure the switch is easy to reach an emergency flashlight a telephone with a list of emergency numbers, and a lighted clock.

	Keep the water heater set on low (120°F).
	Test the water with getting into the bath or shower.
	If faucets are hard to turn on and off, replace them.
	Use a hand-held shower.
	Place rubber nonskid strips or a mat in the tub or shower.
	Install a grab bar into a support beam in the wall. Some grab bars attach to the tub. Never use a towel bar as a grab bar.
	Keep soap on a rack.
	Use liquid soap or soap-on-a-rope to keep from falling while trying to pick up soap that has dropped in the shower.
	Clean up spills right away.
	Fix loose or broken floor covering.
	Use nonskid bath mats next to the tub, shower, and sink.
	Install a lighted on/off switch near the bathroom door.
	Keep a first aid kit in the bathroom.
	Make sure all medicines are clearly labeled and away from children. Put a bright light over the medicine cabinet so labels can be read easily.
	Do not use electrical appliances (hair dryers, electric shavers, etc.) around the sink, toilet, or tub. Unplug them when not in use.
	Keep space heaters out of the bathroom.

	Use a comfortable chair with back and head supports and one that has armrests to help get up and down. Add cushions to low chairs.
	Keep a sturdy table near chairs.
	Keep a lamp with a bright bulb near the chair.
	Keep a phone near the chair.
	Keep the floor clean and free of clutter.
	Replace or repair loose or worn flooring.
	Clean up spills right away.
	Use remote controls for the TV, VCR, and CD player.

	Keep a fire extinguisher near, but not next to, the stove. Make sure the fire extinguisher is always charged. Check the needle on the pressure gauge.
	Do not keep potholders, aprons, and towels near the stove.
	Keep pot/pan handles turned toward the back of the stove to avoid knocking over pots and pans.
	Do not wear long or loose fitting clothes when cooking.
	Do not store matches near the stove.
	Keep ovens, broilers, and burners clean to avoid grease fires. Keep baking soda handy in case of a grease fire.
	Store heavy items and the things you use most on the lower shelves.
	Store sharp items separately.
	Install easy-to-grab cupboard handles and drawer pulls.
	Use a sturdy step-stool with a handrail.
	Clean up spills right away.
	Replace worn flooring. Remove throw rugs and clutter.
	Make sure there is plenty of bright, non-glaring light.
	Keep a phone and a list of emergency numbers in the kitchen.
	Keep electrical cords and appliances away from the sink.

	Clear all pathways in and out of the house.
	Install ramps or other improvements if needed.
	Keep door mats clean and in good condition.
	Make sure doors and windows open and close easily.
	Install deadbolt locks on outside doors. Keep the key near the door so you can find it in an emergency. Mark keys so they are easy to identify.
	Keep walkways clear of leaves, hoses, ice, snow, etc.
	Make sure there are lights at the front door and along walkways. Install motion sensor lights if you can.
	Replace broken locks and handles. Oil locks and handles that do not turn easily or are hard to hold.

State-Licensed/Medicare Certified