Caddo Council On Aging
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SAFETYQUEST


HOME ASSESSMENT AND MODIFICATION

 

 

Home modifications are best described by a quote found in AARP’s Don’t Move! Improve! booklet

“Home modifications are adaptations
 to one’s home that can make it more
comfortable, safer, and easier to carry
out daily activities in the home.”

WHY HOME ASSESSMENT AND MODIFICATION?

Aging affects each individual differently.  Some experience physical limitations that seriously affect the level of activity, while others are able to remain quite active.  The natural process of growing older, however, generally includes changes in abilities.

The majority of seniors wish to continue to live in their own homes for as long as possible.  However, many homes are not designed to meet their changing needs.  Houses are designed for families and may be hazardous or downright unsafe for an aging or disabled individual.  Research suggests that home modifications can have a dramatic effect on the levels of independence attained by older persons and those with disabilities preventing one-third to one-half of all home accidents.

 

How Do I Know If A
Home Assessment Is Needed?

Is the individual having difficulty in any of the following areas?

·  Getting in and out of the home
·  Moving from one room to another or in individual         rooms
·  Using the kitchen and preparing meals
·  Using the bathtub/shower and bathing
·  Using the toilet
·  Getting in and out of a bed, chair or sofa
·  Getting dressed
·  Reaching items in closets or cabinets
·  Cleaning and doing laundry
·  Using the telephone
·  Answering the door
·  Operating light switches, faucets, kitchen appliances
·  Taking medicines

Does the individual have impairments in any of the
following areas?

·  Gait/mobility                   ·  Cognition/perception
·  Balance/coordination       ·  Vision/hearing
·  Sensation                       ·  Strength
·  Use of both hands           ·  Endurance

 

There are hundreds of home modifications products, assistive devices and easily learned techniques that are designed to make life easier, more enjoyable and safer.  Many of the products are not expensive and some
would make perfect gifts.  SafetyQuest’s occupational therapist can assess your individual needs, obtain the desired products or refer you to an appropriate vendor.  SafetyQuest can arrange and oversee home modifications and product installation.  More importantly, we will provide in-depth training and education as it pertains to the recommendations made.  Along with the individual, we will provide the family and/or caregiver training as well.

Some of these helpful products will include:

·   Ramps/Lifts ·   Lighted Doorbells
·   Grab Bars/Handrails ·   Non-Slip Tape/Treads
·   Bath/Shower Chairs ·  Lever-Type Faucets
·   Handheld Shower ·   Anti-Scald Device
·   Easy-Grasp Cabinet
     Handles

·   Adjustable Height
    Clothes Rod
·   Lighted Switches ·   Touch Control Lamps
·   Reachers ·   Button/Sock Aid
·   Clocks for Visually or
     Hearing impaired		 ·   Telephones For Visually
     or Hearing Impaired
·   Medication Reminders ·   Magnifiers
·   Kitchen tools  

 

 

 

 

 

 

HOME SAFETY
& FALL PREVENTION
CHECKLIST

 

 

GENERAL HOME SAFETY

YES
NO
  
O
O

Smoke detectors present
O
O
 Smoke detectors checked twice a
year using a cane or yardstick
O
O

Emergency phone numbers posted by
each telephone
O
O

Fire extinguisher accessible on each
floor
O
O

An emergency exit plan for each
room and floor of the house has been
devised
O
O

Windows and doors open easily
and are easy to reach
O
O

Small rugs and runners are tacked
down or slip resistant
O
O
 Bright lighting in all rooms
O
O

Electrical outlets and light switches
are easy to reach
O
O

Electrical cords and telephone
cords are not stretched across the
pathways or under rugs
O
O

The mail box is in a place where
mail can easily be retrieved

 

 

 

 

EXTERIOR

YES
NO
  
O
O

Is there a continuous, hard and
evenly smooth surface to the door
O
O

Is the pathway to the door free of
obstacles
O
O

Is the peephole at the door
at a usable height
O
O
 Are the pathways and steps well lit
O
O

Are the outside steps or stairs in
good condition with a sturdy hand rail
O
O
 Is a ramp needed
O
O

If ramp is present, is it in good
condition
O
O
 Do steps have a non-slip surface

 

 

 

KITCHEN

YES
NO
  
O
O
 Smoke detector present
O
O

Bright lighting is present without
creating a glare
O
O

Items used most often can be
reached without a step stool
O
O

You use a step stool or a reacher (not a
chair) for items that are out of reach
O
O

Controls for the stove are easy to reach
and operate
O
O

Loose fitting clothing, towels and curtains
that may catch fire are away from the
stove and oven areas

 

 

 

LIVING ROOM

YES
NO
  
O
O

Lights can be turned on without having
to walk into a dark room
O
O

Walkways are free of cords, pets and toys
that may cause you to trip
O
O

Small rugs and runners are secured with
carpet tape or nonskid backing
O
O

Your favorite chair is at a comfortable
height and has armrests that help you get
up and sit down

 

 

 

BEDROOM

YES
NO

O
O

There is a clear path to the bedroom and
around the bed and dressers
O
O

You can turn on the light without having
to walk around in a dark room
O
O

The bed is at a height that is low enough
to sit comfortably yet high enough to
permit easy standing
O
O

Lamp or light switch within reach of your
bed
O
O
 Telephone is easy to reach from your bed
O
O

A light is on at night between your bed
and the bathroom
O
O
 Items in the closet are easy to reach
O
O
 Smoke detector is present and working
O
O

Carbon Monoxide detector is nearby and
working

 

 

 

 

 

 

BATHROOM

YES
NO
  
O
O

The shower or bathtub has a nonskid
surface: mat, decals, abrasive strip, etc.
O
O

The shower or bathtub has a seat or
sturdy grab bar (not a towel or soap rack)
O
O

Hot water temperature is at 120 degrees
or lower
O
O
 You can get on/off the toilet easily
O
O
 Sinks and faucets are easy to control
O
O

Bright lighting is present

 

 

 

 

STAIRWAYS

YES
NO

O
O

Secure handrails are present on both
sides
O
O

Bright lighting with switches at top and
bottom of stairs
O
O

With the lights on, you can clearly see
the outline of each step as you go down
the stairs
O
O

All steps and stair coverings are in good
repair, without holes and are not loose or torn
O
O
 Stairs are free of objects and clutter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Most falls occur at home and most fractures result from a fall at home.  Falls can lead to tragic loss of an older person’s independence and mobility.  Simple modifications to the interior of your house can reduce your risk of falling by one-half.  Install safety devices where necessary.

          Each year, more than 734,000 people over the age of 65 are treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries associated with stairs, bathtubs, furniture, carpeting and other products seniors live with and use each day.

          Thousands of these injuries are related to falls: 3,000 seniors each year fall while standing on chairs and 6,800 seniors trip on rugs or carpet runners.  Many of these accidents could be prevented.  Changes in furniture arrangement, housekeeping and lighting will help reduce your risk of falling at home.  Use this checklist as a guide to making the necessary changes.

Source:  American Academy of Othopaedic Surgeons

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you or someone you know would benefit from a
home assessment and/or home modification, please
call SafetyQuest for more information.

(318) 422-5232
SafetyQuest, LLC
6658 Youree Drive
Suite 180 PMB 233
Shreveport, LA 71105

safetyquestla@aol.com