Please call Monday–Saturday, 9 AM to 6 PM 631-495-0253  ·  tcerniello@gmail.com
Total Home Senior Care
Request a Free In-Home Consultation Call 631-495-0253
A two-story house on a tree-lined street

IN-HOME SENIOR CARE

Home Care Safety Checklist

Non-Medical Companion Care Across Long Island

Please note: this checklist is a general guideline. Every person’s situation and needs are different.

  • Make sure that there are working smoke detectors on every floor.
  • Find a phone with large number pads and large speed-dial keys that can be programmed with important numbers.
  • Post emergency phone numbers in large print on or near the telephone.
  • Supply telephone with direct dialing system for emergency/important numbers.
  • Give a spare house key to a trusted neighbor for emergencies.
  • Put automatic door closing devices on doors to outside and alarms when needed.
  • Notify your local police department if your family member is memory-impaired.
  • Be certain that there is adequate lighting throughout the house and install nightlights.
  • Check that all electrical cords are free of frays.
  • Put childproof plugs in outlets.
  • Be certain that no outlets or switches are unusually warm or hot to touch.
  • Reduce clutter; remove furniture that is hazardous and may move when leaned on.
  • Put reflector tape on furniture corners, hallways, bedrooms to create a path to follow at night.
  • Avoid polished floors that may be slippery and remove rugs and runners that aren’t slip-resistant.
  • Put opaque tape on glass door and picture windows.
  • Remove or lock up sharp objects/breakable ones and remove all firearms from home.
  • Keep electric fans out of reach.
  • Cover radiators with radiator guards.
  • Supervise or restrict smoking, use safety ashtrays and keep matches/lighters out of reach.
  • Use flame-retardant mattresses, pillows, and sheets and plan procedure for fire evacuation.
  • Store all prescription and over the counter medications safely away and clearly labeled.
  • Lock up cleaning supplies, chemicals and poisons and install a carbon monoxide detector.
  • Lock up valuables, important papers and documents and have system for safe mail retrieval.
  • Be certain plumbing and utilities are working.
  • Remove poisonous houseplants and have first aid kit easily accessible.
  • Take away car keys when necessary and disarm/hide controls for automatic garage doors.
  • Inform neighbors of any safety features in the home that may restrict entry.
  • Ensure walkway is uncluttered and doorway accessible.
  • Provide safe entry into the house or apartment with secure railing present.
  • Provide viewing of visitors prior to entry when possible.
  • Secure doors to outside with double key locks, or high or low locks.
  • Furnish with chairs/sofas that can safely get up/down.
  • Adapt seating with additional firm cushions to raise seat.
  • Provide auto raising lift chair to assist getting up when necessary.
  • Be certain safe opening/closing of windows or key locked windows installed.
  • Ascertain ability to operate the television and light switches.
  • Keep cords out from under carpeting and furniture and clear of walkways.
  • Maintain appliances in working order.
  • Ascertain ability to manipulate sink faucets with hot water temperature settings reduced.
  • Make sure electrical cords aren't dangling near water.
  • Ascertain ability to open/close refrigerator/freezer/stove door/ and cabinets.
  • Ascertain ability to reach dishes, pots, utensils, and outlets.
  • Store sharp objects safely away.
  • Keep flammables away from the stove area.
  • Remove small non-food items that could be swallowed.
  • Cover stove burners, remove knobs/shut-off valves/ and install auto-pilots when needed.
  • Unplug or put away kitchen appliances not in use.
  • Disconnect or camouflage garbage disposals.
  • Locate bedroom near bathroom or furnish bedside commode.
  • Use night-lights to provide nighttime orientation.
  • Ensure safe transfer in/out bed and remove bed frame if bed is too high.
  • Rent or purchase a hospital bed if needed.
  • Supply bumpers or padding to surround bed if needed.
  • Install reverse locks on doors when needed.
  • Use monitor to listen to activity especially at night.
  • Remove carpeting if incontinence becomes a problem.
  • Install room darkening blinds or shades when needed.
  • Be certain that phone and light is accessible from bed.
  • Be certain that clothes in the closet/dresser are reachable.
  • Install grab rails in tub or shower.
  • Provide a tub bench or tub chair for sitting in tub.
  • Install hand held shower nozzle.
  • Remove any scatter rugs and furnish bath mat and non-skid strips in tub.
  • Replace glass shower doors with unbreakable plastic.
  • Install grab bars, safety frame, and/or raised seat on or near toilet.
  • Lock up razor blades, sharp objects, and store away electrical devices.
  • Be certain that light switches, outlets and toilet paper are accessible.
  • Widen treads or shorten risers.
  • Replace outdoor stairs with ramps.
  • Install sturdy handrail or grab rails along both sides of stairs.
  • Put reflector tape on edge of treads.
  • Install barriers or gates at stairs if needed.
  • Provide adequate lighting and ensure steps are free of clutter.
Call Text Consult