Performing a home safety review is a quick and inexpensive way to make aging in place safer and to prevent injuries that could lead to hospitalization and eventual transition to residential care.
Home Safety Checklist from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission publishes a Home Safety Checklist especially for senior citizens, which you can download at this link.
The CPSC states:
“Falls in and around the home are a top cause of injuries to older adults. Older adults also are at greater risk than others of dying in a house fire. Many of these and other injuries result from hazards that are easy to overlook, but also easy to fix. By spotting these hazards and taking simple steps to correct them, you can prevent injuries to yourself or visitors to your home.”
The CPSC guide includes:
- A Top Ten Safety Checklist for Older Consumers
- Instructions for Preparing for an Emergency
- Specific checklists for
- General home safety
- Kitchen
- Living room and family rooms
- Bedrooms
- Entryways and hallways
Avoiding Home Improvement Scams
When hiring professionals to make home repairs, beware of scams. The Federal Trade Commission recommends:
- Ask these questions before choosing a contractor:
- How many projects like mine have you completed in the last year?
- Will my project require a permit?
- What types of insurance do you carry?
- Be sure to get a written contract
- Watch out for a contractor who:
- Knocks on your door for business
- Just happens to have materials left over from a previous job
- Pressures you for an immediate decision
- Only accepts cash
- Asks you to pay everything up-front, or
- Asks you to get the required building permits.
Care is There Can Help by:
- Using the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Home Safety Checklist to review your home for potential safety concerns
- Help hire reputable professionals to correct home safety problems
- Be present when repairs are being made
- Help prepare an Emergency Plan (See our articles on Emergency Preparedness)
- If an emergency occurs, being present to advocate for you or your loved one
Resources for Home Safety
Next Steps
Contact Care is There today for a free consultation!
Central Virginia: 434.326.5323
Toll Free: 800.434.1633
Email: Info@CareisThere.com