Creating a Safe Home Environment

• Bathroom

• Kitchen

• Stairs

• Windows and Doors

• Fire, Burn and Electrical Shock Safety

• Personal Safety

Bathroom

• Place a bathmat or adhesive strips in tub and/or shower.
• Install grab bars in tub.
• Install a chair or stool in shower.
• Install sturdy grab bars around toilet facilities.
• Install raised toilet seats.
• Use a hand-held shower nozzle.
• Use a padlock or childproof latches on cabinets containing medicine, cleaning fluids and other dangerous products.
• Cover the faucet in the tub with a soft material like a sponge to help prevent injury if the patient falls in the tub.
• Color-code faucet handles, red for hot and blue for cold.
• Put a sign on the outside of the door identifying the bathroom.

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• Remove knobs from the stove.
• Use a padlock or childproof latches on cabinets that contain cleaning supplies or other hazardous materials.
• Lock up knives, scissors and other potentially dangerous utensils.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen.
• Keep handles of pots and pans facing towards the back of the stove.
• Place emergency numbers on the refrigerator.
• Remove area rugs in front of sink or under the table.

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• Mark the top and bottom of the stairs with bright yellow tape.
• Install gates at the top and bottom of the stairs.
• Install a handrail on both sides of the stairs (if possible).

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• Install childproof doorknobs.
• Install locks high on the doors, out of the reach of the patient. You can also install a lock that can only be opened with a key. Secure locks with screw from opposite side of door so they cannot be unscrewed by the patient.
• Use double locks or two-step locks.
• Use alarm mats in front of doors, install portable alarms on doors, or place bells on exit doors.
• If you can't afford an alarm, place bells on exit doors.
• Disguise the door by painting it the same color as the wall and hanging a scenic picture on it.
• Put signs and/or pictures on doors describing room (bathroom, closet, bedroom, etc.).
• Disarm automatic garage door opener.
• Install locks on windows.
• Give a spare key to a neighbor or hide one outside in case your patient locks you out.

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• Purchase a fire extinguisher and smoke detectors for each level of the home (including the basement).
• Put a smoke detector in the patient's bedroom.
• Determine a fire emergency exit route and practice using it with your patient.
• Post the fire department emergency number in a prominent place.
• Keep hot water temperature below 120 degrees.
• Keep lighters and matches locked up.
• Avoid the use of portable heaters.
• Guard radiators.
• Avoid running electrical cords in open spaces where

patient can reach them.
• Place childproof covers over plugs.

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Personal safety

• Get an ID bracelet for your patient that would notify rescuers, local police, medical staff, and others of the patient's condition in the event of an emergency.
• Keep a recent photo and video of your patient on hand.
• Place iron-on labels with your patient's name, address and phone number in clothing to aid in identification in case your patient gets lost.
• Arrange furniture so your patient can move around easily.
• Remove or firmly tape down any scatter rugs, area rugs or moveable carpets.
• Purchase rubber-soled shoes or slippers for your loved one to avoid falls.
• Keep a working flashlight by your bed.
• Use nightlights, especially for your patient to find the bathroom at night.
• Remove firearms and weapons from your home.
• Lock up over-the-counter medicines, prescription medicines and cleaning fluids.
• Keep alcohol in a locked cabinet and away from your patient.
• If necessary, build a wheelchair ramp.
• Use bed rails or place a comforter or pillows on the floor around the patient's bed.
• Hide car keys and, if necessary, disconnect the car battery if patient is not allowed to drive but still wants to
• If patient hallucinates or is bothered by his or her reflection, cover or remove mirrors.
• Keep medical records on hand at all times.
• Use a sound monitor in the room where your patient is if you are in a different part of the house (can be purchased at a toy or children's store).
• Do not leave your patient alone in a parked car.
• If you use fans in your home, make sure the slats in the cover are small enough to keep fingers out. Also, use fans with plastic instead of metal blades

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