If You Can't Take the Heat, Stay Outta the Kitchen!
Splish Splash I was Takin' a Bath
Home Inspector
Not so Extreme Home Makeovers
100
Getting these checked at least once a year, especially if you notice changes in your vision, can help decrease risk for falls
What are your Eyes
100
Storing commonly used items here will help avoid bending below or reaching and climbing overhead, which can often cause a loss of balance.
What is on the countertop or within reach
100
Place this in the tub to avoid slipping while taking a shower.
What is a non-skid tub mat or adhesive strips.
100
Make sure this is adequate throughout your home and around entrances to ensure that you can see any obstacles that could trip you up.
What is lighting
100
Having these on at least one side of every staircase could help conserve energy and decrease risk for falls.
What are handrails
200
Having these around the house, especially in the bathroom, will help to avoid sudden changes in light that could cause a fall at night.
What is a Nightlight
200
Using one of these to pick up objects off the floor or retrieve items high overhead will make the job easier and reduce your risk of loosing your balance.
What is a reacher
200
You can decrease risk for burns and avoid scolding tap water by adjusting this to 120 degrees.
What is your water heater.
200
Checking the functioning and batteries of these, which should be located near all bedrooms, could save your life in the event of a fire.
What are smoke detectors
200
Ensuring all windows and doors have this secure feature will reduce risks of break-ins.
What are locks
300
Another way to reduce risk for falls is to secure all throw rugs, area rugs, and bathroom rugs with these.
What is Double-sided tape and/or non-skid padding
300
Wearing this type of shirt while cooking is risky, especially while leaning/reaching over a pot or pan cooking on the stove.
What is a long sleeved shirt
300
Having one of these in the shower will allow you to conserve energy and also decrease your risk for slipping while bathing.
What is a shower chair
300
Keeping bushes and foliage pruned around these areas will help decrease risk for falls.
What are walkways and doorways
300
Installing grab-bars in these areas will decrease your risk of falling, especially under wet/slippery conditions.
What is on the walls around the bathtub and next to the toilet.
400
Eliminating this on the floor especially in areas that you frequently walk through will reduce your risk of tripping.
What is Clutter, including electrical cords, telephone cords, newspapers/magazines, remotes etc.
400
Using one of these to move heavy or awkward objects will reduce risk of hurting yourself or having a fall.
What is a handcart or walker with a seat.
400
Having one of these in reach whether you sit or stand in the shower will help to avoid tripping over objects and losing your balance to reach for shampoo, soap, etc.
What is a shower caddy
400
Avoid storing objects or furniture near these, especially in the winter.
What is radiators or floor heating vents
400
Having this feature in your bathroom will make showering while seated much easier and help you conserve energy.
What is a handheld showerhead
500
Doing these three things to maintain your health and strength will put you at much less of a risk for falls.
What is eating healthy, exercising, and taking medications regularly.
500
Doing this while cooking is very unsafe, and can often occur if you get distracted by a TV show, phone call, or a visitor.
What is leaving food cooking on the stove or in the oven unattended.
500
Installing a lock with this feature can allow for speedy assistance during a medical emergency or fall.
What is can be opened with a key or remote from the outside.
500
Keeping these sturdy and textured inside and outside of the house could decrease the risk of a fall, especially during icy or wet weather.
What are staircases
500
Installing one of these, such as Slomin's Shield or ADT, will give you the piece of mind of knowing that your home is under 24 hour surveillance.