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#1. Bathroom

Medications:

Are medications stored properly? Are they too high or too low for the senior to reach?

Toilet:

Is the toilet the correct height? This is often overlooked and many times a senior will tell you it’s fine

until you show them how much easier things can be and safe.

Mobility:

Are mobility, joint problems, or injury making it difficult for the senior to reach into overhead cabinets,

brush hair or lift their leg to get into a bathtub? ? Are there handheld shower heads or grab bars in

shower?

The Floor:

Is the floor slippery? Are bath mats sufficient? Do they grip the floor?

Grab Bars:

Are grab bars available near the tub, shower and toilet?

Scalding Water:

Is there the potential for bath water to be too hot? Consider turning down water heater.

Bathtub:

Is the bathtub or lip on a shower too high?

#2. Bedroom

Phone Access:

Does the senior have access to a telephone or cell phone, especially at night? Are there emergency

numbers programmed or listed next to phone?

Balance:

Is the senior unsteady when getting up at night or dressing during the morning? Do you need

additional walkers or canes?

The Bed:

Is the bed too high or low?

Flooring:

Do throw rugs create a tripping hazard? Is the carpet torn? Do mats grip the floor?

Lighting:

Is there enough light? Is there enough light to get to bathroom?

Clutter:

Is the room cluttered with clothing, magazines and newspaper? Or is there too much furniture?

Walkways:

Do tangled electrical cords obstruct pathways?

#3. Kitchen

Food Spoilage:

Is there spoiled food in the refrigerator?

Cuts and Burns:

Is the senior at risk or harming herself with a sharp utensil or causing a fire?

Chemicals:

Are dangerous chemicals secured?

Contacts:

Is emergency contact information within easy access?

Storage:

Are cabinets too high or low? Is there clutter on countertops or throughout the kitchen? Are pathways

obstructed?

Floor:

Is the floor slippery? Are there throw rugs?

#4. Stairs

Evaluate how easy or difficult stairs are for elderly. Do you need a stair lift?