Bedroom/Bathroom Safety Checklist for Seniors at Home

Falls in and around the home can seriously threaten the independence and health of the elderly. Any injury or fall can halt their mobility and limit their ability to handle routine activities. This change in mobility can lead to having to leave home for more controlled living quarters.

To assist seniors with their safety at home, it is crucial to go through the safety checklist and make necessary changes to your home:

Make Adjustments To All Rooms

1. Ensure to de-clutter floors to provide an easy and safe space for the seniors to walk.
2. Move boxes, newspapers, plants, phones, electrical cords, furniture, and decorative items out of the walking areas.
3. Do not place bed coverings, clothing, and other household items in the traffic areas, as they prevent seniors from walking around, which otherwise could lead to falls.

Rugs and Floors

1. Ensure the flooring is even and properly repaired
2. Do not opt for loose area rugs which can cause falls and trips. If you intend to place rugs, secure them to the floor with dual-sided tape. Ensure to check the adhesive regularly.
3. Ensure to place all the decorative items on the shelves instead of on the floors. Even the furniture items should not be placed in traffic areas, as it may cause the seniors to trip and fall.

Bedroom

1. Always keep a telephone and a lamp near the beds. Both these items should be easy to reach and operate while the elderly are in the bed. Opt for a cordless phone with large and lighted buttons for better visibility.
2. Do not place throw rugs and mats near the bed.
3. Always keep a flashy light by the bedside.

Bathroom

1. Ensure to keep anti-slip Matts and shows in the bathroom.
2. Take extra care when it comes to using ‘daily cleaning sprays’, which make the flooring extremely slippery
3. Mount grab bars at the bath, toilet, and shower on walls with secure reinforcements, to prevent the bars from falling off.
4. Keep the cleaning products off the bathroom shelves where they could be confused with other items.
5. Ensure to install a telephone extension is near the toilet.
6. Ensure proper lighting in the area.

Ensure to look around for obstacles exclusive to your home and make necessary changes for the safety of seniors in the house. It is best to go through the checklist every 2 months to ensure you keep your home the safest place possible.