Home Safety Measures
Home / Home Safety Measures
Patient’s Personal Checklist
Know Proper Transfer Techniques
- bed to chair
- chair to bed
- chair to toilet
- toilet to chair
Wheelchair Safety
- ramps (12ft. length for each 1 ft. rise)
- check furniture placement
- keep wheels locked when stationary
- keep feet on footrests
Staircase Safety
- have proper hand rails
- label first and last steps
- use non-skid treads on steps
- maintain sufficient lighting
Know Proper Ambulation Techniques
- use safety belt if indicated
- use walker when indicated
- use can when indicated
- use crutches when indicated
Poison Prevention
- label all poisons
- keep all substances in their original containers
- keep IPECAC syrup on hand
- store all cleaning agents away from food and medications
Safe Medication Use
- have a written medication schedule
- keep all medications in original containers
- know and watch for side effects of any medications in home
- clearly label medications
Bathroom Safety
- keep electrical equipment away from water
- maintain sufficient lighting
- handrails by tub and toilet
- skid proof floor covering
- use bathtub mats
- use only stable tub seats/benches
Fall Prevention
- Do not over way floors
- use non-skid wax
- lift feet when walking
- wear proper fitting shoes
- wear shoes with rubber soles
- watch out for oxygen tubing
- do leg strengthening exercises
- watch thresholds in doorway
- avoid or anchor throw rugs
- avoid gait barriers
- keep side rails on hospital bed up
- maintain proper lighting
- avoid extension cords
- work on balance
- avoid slippery surfaces
- remove all clutter
- use extra caution if using tranquilizers
- tape down telephone cords if on floor
Fire & Electrical Safety / Burn Prevention
- use caution when smoking
- check batteries in smoke detectors monthly
- practice fire drills
- unplug appliances after use
- store flammables properly
- use caution with heating pads
- Do Not smoke in bed
- Do Not sleep with heating pads turned on
- label hot and cold faucets
- keep oven and stove burners off
- turn pot handles to back of stove
- report faulty wiring and outlets
- have fire extinguishers handy
- avoid use of extension cords