Home Safety

From Anvita Health Wiki

Contents 1 More Specific Terms 2 Introduction 3 More General Terms 4 Additional Terms 5 References

More Specific Terms

• red flags of home safety

Introduction

• Special considerations for demented elderly:

• has the patient stopped driving?
• are the car keys well hidden?
• does the patient have access to power tools?
• are there guns in the house?
  

• Exits & entrances to the house

• put a slide bolt lock at top &/or bottom of exit doors where it will be least noticeable
• lock sliding glass doors

• a wooden dowel in the runner at the bottom generally works well

• use a motion sensor in addition to the locks at the exits

• especially useful for elderly that wander at night

• identification bracelet

• Alzheimer's Association Safe Return program

• give name & picture of patient to local police
• hide a spare key outside of the house, give key to trusted neighbor, family, friend
• clear walkways and staircases throughout the house
• install railings on both sides of the stairs
• highlight steps with contrasting tape
  

• Kitchen safety

• remove the knobs from the stove

• hide knobs in a nearby drawer or use stove knob covers to hide appearance of knobs

• remove medicines for all counter tops

• hide medicines in a cabinet that is out of reach or use cabinet slide lock

• reset faucet temperatures to 110-120 degrees F
• remove scissors & knives from counters & drawers
• disable garbage disposal
• remove cleaning supplies & all other toxic items from reach

• place them in a cabinet that is locked or used infrequently
• discard old toxic supplies

• unplug electrical appliances not in use
• unplug microwave when not in use, or install a hidden switch

• liquids can get very hot
• some non microwavable materials can catch fire
  

• Bathroom safety

• use nonskid mats in shower & tub
• install tub safety rail
• consider toilet safety rail
• install grab bars at front & side wall of shower

• the screws must go into wall studs

• use shower bench in shower or tub for stability 'Universal Bath Bench with Back' more stable than other brands (Sammons Preston)
• remove glass shower doors & replace then with a shower curtain on a tension rod

• glass doors may pop out easily if they are used for support
• if replacing glass doors with a shower curtain, leave framework for doors in place to that they may be easily restored

• remove medications & cleaning supplies from cabinets

• hide or lock items in a drawer or cabinet that is infrequently used
• cabinet slide locks are convenient

• use a rechargeble, cordless electric shaver

• a cordless shaver is safer because it will not cause a shock if dropped into water

• remove & hide personal electric equipment such as hair dryers & curling irons
• replace doorknobs in bathroom & bedroom if they lock & cannot be unlocked easily from outside the room
  

• General Home Safety

• remove scatter rugs except for nonskid rugs in bathroom

• people of all ages tend to trip on scatter rugs
• use rugs with nonskid backing or apply 2 way carpet tape if scatter rugs must be used

• use nightlights in bathroom, hallway & bedroom
• increase the brightness of your current lamps & fixtures

• do not exceed the watts recommended by the manufacturer

• replace extension cords with surge protectors

• keep electrical wires out of walkways
• repair frayed wires

• install smoke detectors on each level of home

• check batteries for function monthly
• replace batteries yearly

• have a working fire extinguisher

• place as fire extinguisher in the kitchen, but not over the stove
• check the gauge (for charge) yearly

• identify the bedrooms, to help the fire department find them during a fire, by placing a sticker on the windows

• ask your fire department for further directions or stickers
• plan & practive an escape route in the event of a fire, especially at night when most fatal fires occur

• place emergency phone numbers at every telephone
• keep a telephone and flashlight at your bedside
• Resources

*                                          Average Price 
*  Hardware Store 
* 9 volt smoke alarm    .......................   $17 
* 9 volt batteries      .......................   $2 
* surge protector       .......................   $7 
* 2 pack Auto night light .....................   $4 
* flashlight              .....................   $1 
* Safety First cabinet slide lock .............   $3 
* surface bolt 4 inches   .....................   $6 
* Safety First stove knob covers  .............   $8 
* 2 inch carpet tape         ..................   $4 
* Duct tape: white &/or yellow   ..............   $3 
* fire extinguisher     .......................   $10 
* tub & shower safety treads  .................   $5 
* hand-held shower with diverter valve  .......   $24 
* door knob with one-way lock   ...............   $16 
* medication dispensor  .......................   $7

• Radio Shack
  
• Motion Sensor (Mini PIR Alarm, Item No 49-425) $25 (has chime sound & alarm, very easy to set up)
  
• AliMed 'Help at Home' 1-800-225-2610 (a mail order company that will deliver)

<br>  
* 18 inch toilet/tub grab bars  ...............   $24 <br> 
* tub safety rail       .......................   $50 
* clamp-on rail clamps to any tub with the twist of a dial 
* solid handle will hold full weight 
* fits tub wall widths from 3-7 inches <br> 
* adjustable toilet safety rails ..............   $45 
* helps with occasional balance problems 
* attaches easily to standard toilet without tools 

• Sammons Preston 1-800-323-5547 (a mail order company that will deliver)

<br>  
* Universal Bath Bench with Back ..............   $58 

More General Terms

• occupational therapy (OT)
• geriatrics

Additional Terms

• red flags of home safety

References

1. Department of Veterans Affairs
2. Alzheimer's Association [1]

home safety