Summary of Home Safety Checklist
Speaker: Carolyn Rubino, M.Ed., LOTR
Occupational Therapist, OLOL
Ms. Rubino outlined safety steps that caregivers should take to assist those who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or related dementia.
IN THE HOME:
* The bathroom is the place where most falls and accidents occur. Therefore, use handrails whenever possible.
* Remove throw rugs that could cause falls.
* Use grab bars when getting in and out of the tub or shower.
* Plastic bathtub/shower mats are not recommended. Use soft rubber mats for safety.
* Test the temperature of bath water. Keep it lower than 120 degrees.
* Soap-on-a-rope is great for patients who have difficulty in locating the soap. If unable to find soap- on-a-rope in stores, you may have to design your own.
* Apply colored decals to windows and glass doors so that patients can clearly see the area in front of them.
* Remove objects that block walking paths.
* Use handrails to give directions to various room, e.g. to bathroom; to bedroom, etc.
* Place phones within easy reach. Cell phones are for use anywhere in the home.
* Arrange furniture for the convenience of the patient.
* Be sure extension cords and electrical wires are not under carpets or throw rugs and never in walkways.
* Night lights should be used in hallways, or, where extra low-light is needed.
* Deep pile rugs can be hazardous for people who use a cane, walker or wheelchair.
* Avoid carpeting/flooring with dark patterns. These may look like holes to a patient.
* Use frosted bulbs to reduce glare in walking areas to prevent accidents.
* Smoke alarms should be in all areas of the home and checked regularly to be sure batteries are working.
* If step stools are needed, be sure they are placed out of the way when not in use.
* Label cabinets with pictures of what is inside.
* If stairs are in the home, be sure handrails are used. The stairs should be well lit and colored tape can be used to identify each step, especially the top and bottom steps. Some caregivers install a green tape at the top step and a red tape at the bottom step.
* Lay out clothes for the patient in the order in which they are to be worn; e.g. undergarments first, shoes last, etc.
* Every home should have an evacuation plan in case of emergency.
NOTE:
Ms. Rubino had a table display of various items that could be used by patients with dementia; e.g. table
utensils with the handles wrapped in a wash cloth to make holding easier; extension poles with grippers for
items that are normally out of reach; cloth or vinyl aprons to catch spills; plates that are divided into sections
to separate the food, etc., etc., etc.
Speaker: Carolyn Rubino, M.Ed., LOTR
Occupational Therapist, OLOL
Ms. Rubino outlined safety steps that caregivers should take to assist those who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or related dementia.
IN THE HOME:
* The bathroom is the place where most falls and accidents occur. Therefore, use handrails whenever possible.
* Remove throw rugs that could cause falls.
* Use grab bars when getting in and out of the tub or shower.
* Plastic bathtub/shower mats are not recommended. Use soft rubber mats for safety.
* Test the temperature of bath water. Keep it lower than 120 degrees.
* Soap-on-a-rope is great for patients who have difficulty in locating the soap. If unable to find soap- on-a-rope in stores, you may have to design your own.
* Apply colored decals to windows and glass doors so that patients can clearly see the area in front of them.
* Remove objects that block walking paths.
* Use handrails to give directions to various room, e.g. to bathroom; to bedroom, etc.
* Place phones within easy reach. Cell phones are for use anywhere in the home.
* Arrange furniture for the convenience of the patient.
* Be sure extension cords and electrical wires are not under carpets or throw rugs and never in walkways.
* Night lights should be used in hallways, or, where extra low-light is needed.
* Deep pile rugs can be hazardous for people who use a cane, walker or wheelchair.
* Avoid carpeting/flooring with dark patterns. These may look like holes to a patient.
* Use frosted bulbs to reduce glare in walking areas to prevent accidents.
* Smoke alarms should be in all areas of the home and checked regularly to be sure batteries are working.
* If step stools are needed, be sure they are placed out of the way when not in use.
* Label cabinets with pictures of what is inside.
* If stairs are in the home, be sure handrails are used. The stairs should be well lit and colored tape can be used to identify each step, especially the top and bottom steps. Some caregivers install a green tape at the top step and a red tape at the bottom step.
* Lay out clothes for the patient in the order in which they are to be worn; e.g. undergarments first, shoes last, etc.
* Every home should have an evacuation plan in case of emergency.
NOTE:
Ms. Rubino had a table display of various items that could be used by patients with dementia; e.g. table
utensils with the handles wrapped in a wash cloth to make holding easier; extension poles with grippers for
items that are normally out of reach; cloth or vinyl aprons to catch spills; plates that are divided into sections
to separate the food, etc., etc., etc.
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