checklist Staying safe at home

Being an adult child is a big responsibility. One of the most important is making sure that your aging parent’s home is safe and does not pose risks. Here’s a checklist, courtesy of Home Instead Senior Care, a family network of locally owned franchise offices developed to help families keep aging parents and friends safe in their homes.

Examine dark pathways, corners and other areas where seniors regularly walk or read. Make sure all areas of the home have adequate lighting. Timed and motion-sensor lights outdoors can illuminate potentially dangerous pathways.

Avoid monochromatic color schemes. Contrast can help seniors with failing eyesight better navigate their homes. Large red and blue buttons over hot and cold water faucet controls can help prevent dangerous mistakes. A dark-green or brown toilet seat and vinyl tape around the shower make those fixtures more easily distinguished. Kitchen countertops should contrast with floors as well.

Look behind closed doors. Many seniors will close off parts of a house they no longer use. Check those areas regularly for mold or water damage. Don’t close vents to crawl spaces.

Keep an eye out for damage. Look for towel bars or windowsills that are pulling away or shower curtains that have torn from seniors using them to grab onto.