Nursing Home Blog

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A Nursing Home, or Your Home?

Posted on Sun, July 6, 2008 at 3:59 pm

As we grow older, physical challenges and disabilities can make it difficult to live in our own homes and maintain a sense of independence. A home that was once a refuge, sanctuary, and safe haven slowly transitions to a home that is filled with obstacles, frustrations, and even threats to an older person's safety.

By changing aspects of a home environment, an older adult will be better able to manipulate their surroundings to compensate for age related changes, and either delay admission into a nursing home, or prevent it all together.

Below is a list of tips to make a home safer for an older adult.

HOME SAFETY CHECKLIST FOR ELDERLY PERSONS

BATHROOM

- Hot water temperature setting should not exceed 120F. If an older adult falls in a shower or bathtub and is unable to adjust the faucet, hot water exceeding 120F could serious harm him/her.

- A non-slip surface in the shower or bath minimizes the risk of falls.

- Grab bars in the bath, shower, and beside the toilet reduce the risk of falls. The bars should be properly installed and fastened to wall studs.

- Lever handles are easier to grasp compared to traditional knobs. Levers should curve back towards to the door to reduce the risk that something can get caught.

- A bathroom telephone that is easily accessible from the bath or shower will enable an older adult to call for help in the event of a fall. The telephone should have large numbers and stored emergency phone numbers.

- Walk-in tubs ease the transfer into, and the exit from, a tub.

- Non-slip mats outside of the bathtub and shower help diminish the risk of falls.

- Pocket doors (doors that retract into the wall) are much easier to open for those using a walker or wheelchair and take up less room that traditional swing doors.

- Raised toilets (17” above the floor) put much less strain on back, knees, and legs. A less expensive way to elevate the height of the toilet is to purchase a raised toilet seat, which will have the same effect.

- Leave 42” of free space beside one side of the toilet and 18” in front. This will make transferring from a walker or wheelchair easier because there is adequate space for the mobility aid.

STAIRS

- Ensure that all areas of a staircase, including landing, are properly lit.

- The staircase should be contrasted from landing to draw attention to the stairs.

- The stairs should have a non-slip surface.

- Handrails, properly secured to wall studs, should be installed on both sides of the staircase.

- A light switch and the top and bottom of the stairs minimizes unnecessary use of the stairs to turn a light on and off, and it ensure that the older adult can easily turn on a light when using the stairs.

- Ensure that carpet is firmly attached to the stairs to minimize falls.

- Handrails with tactile indicators at the top and the bottom of stairs will be a sign that the stairs are beginning or ending.

KITCHEN

- Stove controls at the front of the stove are easier to reach. Controls that are located at the back of the stove are a safety hazard because older adults have to reach over hot elements and loose clothing can easily catch fire.

- Lazy Susans make it easier to reach items that would otherwise be located at the back of a cupboard, and therefore require an older adult to climb up a small ladder or chair.

- Replace knobs with levers.

- Rounded edged countertops reduce injuries in the event of a fall.

- Side-by-side fridges make it easier to reach items in both the fridge and freezer.

- Older adults will be better able to reach faucets if they are located to the side of the sink.

- Oven doors that swing open to the side are easier to use for those in a wheelchair or walker. Fridges with sliding shelves eliminate bending and reach.

AROUND THE HOUSE

- All floor surfaces should be even. Changes in floor surfaces (i.e., carpet to hardwood) should be level.

- Electric outlets should be at a height that is easily accessible and that minimizes bending.

- All cords should be out of the way and securely fastened.

- Front loader laundry and dryer machines minimize bending and make it possible for those in a wheelchair to do their own laundry.

- Install at least one smoke detector per floor.

- Telephones should have large numbers.

- Kitchen utensils must be ergonomically appropriate according to the dexterity and mobility of an older adult.

- An easily accessible magnifying glass can make reading easier.

- Eliminate or reduce the use of area rugs to prevent tripping and falls. If you choose to have an area rug, make certain that the rug is secured to the floor using double sided tape or fasteners.

- The pathway from the bed to the bathroom should be well lit and unobstructed.

- Ensure that light switches are accessible to those in a wheelchair.

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