Overall
In General | Floors & Hallways | Lighting & Electrical | Telephone | Checklist

All Overall Tips

In General

A house that once was convenient can cause problems as abilities change. The good news is that simple alterations can make a home safer and increase the chances of your elder remaining independent at home and in the community.

Use a checklist like this to identify problem areas in every part of the house. Note any ideas you have for improvement. For example:

Floors & Hallways

Remove throw rugs.

Rearrange furniture to make it easy to get around.

Remove boxes and clutter.

Lighting & Electrical

Make sure there's good lighting throughout the house -- for daytime and for nighttime.

If you must use an extension cord, use one having sufficient amp or wattage rating.

• Place cords on the floor against a wall where people cannot trip over them.
• Remove cords from under furniture or carpeting.
• Replace damaged or frayed cords.
• Use tape to attach cords to walls or floors, not nails or staples.

Use large rocker light switches that turn on/off with a push.

Place electric outlets 27 inches above floor.

Telephone

Locate telephone(s) so they are within reach in the event of an accident that leaves your aunt unable to stand.

Locate the phone(s) so the cord does not lie where people walk.

Write emergency telephone numbers in large print and tape them to the phone, or place them near the phone so they can be seen easily. (Police, Fire Department, and local Poison Control Center, along with a neighbor's number.)