Home Medical Equipment > General Home Safety Info

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Modifications

Make adaptations to your home to make it a safer environment.

In the bathroom, install grab bars and a toilet seat riser, switch to a hand-held shower, replace bar soap with liquid soap and make sure all towel bars and faucets can be easily reached.

In the bedroom use a hospital bed equipped with side rails or obtain side rails for your own bed. An over-the-bed trapeze may help a patient lift him or herself. If transferring patients to the bathroom is difficult, consider a bedside commode.

On stairs, you may need to build ramps, install new railings, secure old railings and repair or replace steps. Make all exits, especially emergency exits, easier for patients to use.

Maintain clean, bright surroundings throughout your home. Make sure that furniture is comfortable and sturdy. Lower water temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid accidental scalding.

Prevention of Falls

Take the following "safe steps" to prevent slips, trips and falls in your home. Keep all walking areas free of clutter. Keep stairways well lit. Secure all area rugs using tacks, rubber pads or carpet tape to keep them in place. Remove any area rugs in the bathroom and kitchen. Repair any holes in carpeting and flooring. Additionally, repair any flooring that is warped or buckled. Install non-skid treads on stairs and doorways. Always use railings when available. Use nightlights in bedrooms, bathrooms and hallways.

Tips for Fire Safety

With patients in the home, fire safety takes on an added importance. Make sure to heat your home safely. Have all heating equipment cleaned and maintained regularly. Keep portable heaters at least three (3) feet from people and objects. Never dry clothes on heaters.

Avoid smoking!!! It's best not to smoke, but if you do, never smoke in bed, when you're drowsy or when oxygen is being used. Use large deep ashtrays. Never leave smoking materials unattended. Never throw out smoking materials that are still hot or burning.

Have smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors installed on every level of your home. Test all detectors once a month. Maintain them according to manufacturer's instructions and change the batteries twice a year when the clocks are moved forward or back. Keep a whistle and flashlight at your bedside where it can be easily reached.

Throw out or repair frayed or damaged electrical cords. Never overload electrical outlets. Unplug appliances when not in use. Keep electrical appliances away from tub and shower areas. Consider having outlets near sinks replaced with ground fault outlets.

Prepare a fire escape plan that includes at least two (2) ways out of the home from each room. Pick a meeting place outside your home and then practice your escape plan at least twice each year. Inform the local fire department that a patient resides in your home!