home safety

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Procedure

Special considerations for demented elderly:

Exits & entrances to the house

put a slide bolt lock at top &/or bottom of exit doors where it will be least noticeable
lock sliding glass doors
- a wooden dowel in the runner at the bottom generally works well
use a motion sensor in addition to the locks at the exits
- especially useful for elderly that wander at night
identification bracelet
- Alzheimer's Association Safe Return program
give name & picture of patient to local police
hide a spare key outside of the house, give key to trusted neighbor, family, friend
clear walkways and staircases throughout the house
install railings on both sides of the stairs
highlight steps with contrasting tape

Kitchen safety

remove the knobs from the stove
- hide knobs in a nearby drawer or use stove knob covers to hide appearance of knobs
remove medicines for all counter tops
- hide medicines in a cabinet that is out of reach or use cabinet slide lock
reset faucet temperatures to 110-120 degrees F
remove scissors & knives from counters & drawers
disable garbage disposal
remove cleaning supplies & all other toxic items from reach
- place them in a cabinet that is locked or used infrequently
- discard old toxic supplies
unplug electrical appliances not in use
unplug microwave when not in use, or install a hidden switch
- liquids can get very hot
- some non microwavable materials can catch fire

Bathroom safety

use nonskid mats in shower & tub
install tub safety rail
consider toilet safety rail
install grab bars at front & side wall of shower
- the screws must go into wall studs
use shower bench in shower or tub for stability 'Universal Bath Bench with Back' more stable than other brands (Sammons Preston)
remove glass shower doors & replace then with a shower curtain on a tension rod
- glass doors may pop out easily if they are used for support
- if replacing glass doors with a shower curtain, leave framework for doors in place so that they may be easily restored
remove medications & cleaning supplies from cabinets
- hide or lock items in a drawer or cabinet that is infrequently used
- cabinet slide locks are convenient
use a rechargeble, cordless electric shaver
- a cordless shaver is safer because it will not cause a shock if dropped into water
remove & hide personal electric equipment such as hair dryers & curling irons
replace doorknobs in bathroom & bedroom if they lock & cannot be unlocked easily from outside the room

General Home Safety

remove scatter rugs except for nonskid rugs in bathroom
- people of all ages tend to trip on scatter rugs
- use rugs with nonskid backing or apply 2 way carpet tape if scatter rugs must be used
use nightlights in bathroom, hallway & bedroom
increase the brightness of your current lamps & fixtures
- do not exceed the watts recommended by the manufacturer
replace extension cords with surge protectors
- keep electrical wires out of walkways
- repair frayed wires
install smoke detectors on each level of home
- check batteries for function monthly
- replace batteries yearly
have a working fire extinguisher
- place as fire extinguisher in the kitchen, but not over the stove
- check the gauge (for charge) yearly

identify the bedrooms, to help the fire department find them during a fire, by placing a sticker on the windows

ask your fire department for further directions or stickers
plan & practice an escape route in the event of a fire, especially at night when most fatal fires occur

place emergency phone numbers at every telephone

keep a telephone and flashlight at your bedside

Resources

Items from Hardware store

item	Average Price (2003)
9 volt smoke alarm	$17
9 volt batteries	$2
surge protector	$7
2 pack Auto night light	$4
flashlight	$1
Safety First cabinet slide lock	$3
surface bolt 4 inches	$6
Safety First stove knob covers	$8
2 inch carpet tape	$4
Duct tape: white &/or yellow	$3
fire extinguisher	$10
tub & shower safety treads	$5
hand-held shower with diverter valve	$24
door knob with one-way lock	$16
medication dispensor	$7

Radio Shack

Motion Sensor (Mini PIR Alarm, Item No 49-425) $25 (has chime sound & alarm, very easy to set up)

AliMed 'Help at Home' 1-800-225-2610 (a mail order company that will deliver)

18 inch toilet/tub grab bars: $24
tub safety rail: $50
- clamp-on rail clamps to any tub with the twist of a dial
- solid handle will hold full weight
- fits tub wall widths from 3-7 inches
adjustable toilet safety rails: $45
- helps with occasional balance problems
- attaches easily to standard toilet without tools

Sammons Preston: 1-800-323-5547 (a mail order company that will deliver)