Creating a Safe Home: A Simple Checklist
According to Our World in Data, people spend between 80-90% of their day at home. It’s where we do hobbies, housework, visit with family and friends, sleep, and simply relax. Ensuring that our home is the safest place possible is not only essential but also crucial to our wellbeing. At VitalCaring Group, we recognize the significance of a safe home for our patients. Our Home Health team has put together a home safety checklist that you can use on your own or with the assistance of your home health nurse. By following these tips and guidelines, you begin to make your home safer and help prevent falls.
Assess Your Risks
Collaborate with your home health nurse to identify potential risks in your home and create a proactive plan to address them. If you have vision problems, hearing difficulties, or balance issues, a trained professional can help secure problem areas and modify spaces to suit your needs better.
Eliminate Tripping Hazards
Falls are one of the leading causes of injuries at home. To prevent accidents, pick up cords in walkways, remove slippery or loose rugs, and always keep hallways and bathrooms well-lit at night.
Wear Proper Clothing
Avoid wearing ill-fitting shoes or shoes with inadequate grip or support. Also avoid, loose garments that could catch on something or cause falls.
Always Carry a Communication Device
As we age, the likelihood of injuries and health emergencies increases. It’s best to be prepared for any situation. Keep a phone or alert device with emergency numbers pre-programmed within reach in case you need assistance.
Keep Emergency Contacts Updated
Make sure your emergency contacts are ready to help if needed by providing them a list of your current medications, allergies, and doctors so they can help in case of an emergency. Keep your medical information list up-to-date and make sure your emergency contacts have a current copy, so they are prepared.
Our home health team can provide valuable tips and best practices for safely navigating your home, covering risk factors that you might overlook.
A safe home is the foundation for a happy and healthy life. By taking simple steps to eliminate hazards and prepare for emergencies, you can make your home a secure and comfortable environment for yourself and your loved ones.
