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General Safety precautions
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Make sure that there are
working smoke detectors on
every floor.
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Find a phone with large
number pads and large
speed-dial keys that can be
programmed with important
numbers.
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Post emergency phone numbers
in large print on or near
the telephone.
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Supply telephone with direct
dialing system for
emergency/important numbers.
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Hide house key outside or
give to neighbor for
emergencies.
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Put automatic door closing
devices on doors to outside
and alarms when needed.
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Notify local police
department that if your
family member is memory
impaired.
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Be certain that there is
adequate lighting throughout
the house and install
nightlights.
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Check that all electrical
cords are free of frays. Put
childproof plugs in outlets.
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Be certain that no outlets
or switches are unusually
warm or hot to touch.
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Reduce clutter; Remove
furniture that is hazardous
and may move when leaned on.
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Put reflector tape on
furniture corners, hallways,
bedrooms to create a path to
follow at night.
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Avoid polished floors that
may be slippery and remove
all non skid resistant rugs
and runners.
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Put opaque tape on glass
door and picture windows
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Remove or lock up sharp
objects/breakable ones and
remove all firearms from
home.
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Keep electric fans out of
reach. Cover radiators with
radiator guards.
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Supervise or restrict
smoking, use safety ashtrays
and keep matches/lighters
out of reach.
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Use flame-retardant
mattresses, pillows, and
sheets and plan procedure
for fire evacuation.
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Store all prescription and
over the counter medications
safely away and clearly
labeled.
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Lock up cleaning supplies,
chemicals and poisons and
install a carbon monoxide
detector.
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Lock up valuables, important
papers and documents and
have system for safe mail
retrieval.
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Be certain plumbing and
utilities are working.
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Remove poisonous houseplants
and have first aid kit
easily accessible.
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Take away car keys when
necessary and disarm/hide
controls for automatic
garage doors.
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Inform neighbors of any
safety features in home that
may restrict entry.
Entrance
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Ensure walkway is
uncluttered and doorway
accessible.
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Provide safe entry into the
house or apartment with
secure railing present.
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Provide viewing of visitors
prior to entry when
possible.
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Secure doors to outside with
double key locks, or high or
low locks.
Living Area
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Furnish with chairs/sofas
that can safely get up/down.
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Adapt seating with
additional firm cushions to
raise seat.
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Provide auto raising lift
chair to assist getting up
when necessary.
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Be certain safe
opening/closing of windows
or key locked windows
installed.
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Ascertain ability to operate
the television and light
switches.
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Keep cords out from under
carpeting and furniture and
clear of walkways.
Kitchen
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Maintain appliances in
working order.
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Ascertain ability to
manipulate sink faucets with
hot water temperature
settings reduced.
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Make sure electrical cords
aren't dangling near water.
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Ascertain ability to
open/close
refrigerator/freezer/stove
door/ and cabinets.
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Ascertain ability to reach
dishes, pots, utensils, and
outlets.
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Store sharp objects are
safely away.
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Keep flammables away from
the stove area.
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Remove small non-food items
that could be swallowed.
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Cover stove burners, remove
knobs/shut-off valves/ and
install auto-pilots when
needed.
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Unplug or put away kitchen
appliances not in use.
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Disconnect or camouflage
garbage disposals.
Bedroom
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Locate bedroom near bathroom
or furnish bedside commode.
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Use night-lights to provide
nighttime orientation.
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Ensure safe transfer in/out
bed and remove bed frame if
bed is too high.
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Rent or purchase a hospital
bed if needed.
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Supply bumpers or padding to
surround bed if needed.
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Install reverse locks on
doors when needed.
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Use monitor to listen to
activity especially at
night.
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Remove carpeting if
incontinence becomes a
problem
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Install room darkening
blinds or shades when
needed.
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Be certain that phone and
light is accessible from
bed.
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Be certain that clothes in
the closet/dresser are
reachable.
Bathroom
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Install grab rails in tub or
shower.
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Provide a tub bench or tub
chair for sitting in tub.
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Install hand held shower
nozzle.
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Remove any scatter rugs and
furnish bath mat and
non-skid strips in tub.
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Replace glass shower doors
with unbreakable plastic.
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Install grab bars, safety
frame, and/or raised seat on
or near toilet
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Lock up razor blades, sharp
objects, and store away
electrical devices.
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Be certain that light
switches, outlets and toilet
paper are accessible.
Stairways
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Widen treads or shorten
risers.
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Replace outdoor stairs with
ramps.
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Install sturdy handrail or
grab rails along both sides
of stairs.
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Put reflector tape on edge
of treads.
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Install barriers or gates at
stairs if needed.
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Provide adequate lighting
and ensure steps are free of
clutter.
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