Make Your Home Safe
Even in the familiar surroundings of your home, there are many potential hazards that could lead to debilitating accidents. Fortunately, practical, simple precautions can be taken to prevent such accidents and help you remain safe and secure in your home.
General
- Remind your family to keep furniture in the same place, and to put
kitchen and other items back in their places. Family members and others
should discuss possible changes with you so you know that items have
been rearranged.
- Keep cabinet/closet doors either fully closed or fully open.
Doors left partially open are unsafe and can cause accidents. Place
contrasting tape on the insides or backs of cabinet doors to help
identify one that is open.
- Thresholds and steps sometimes are hard to see. Use
contrasting paint, safety tape or tread strips to highlight these areas
- especially the first and last steps on a stairway.
- Doorknobs can be marked with a piece of yarn, tape or a rubber band to help identify a particular room or apartment door.
Kitchen
- Push chairs under tables and keep cupboard doors closed.
- Paint cabinet doors to contrast with the countertop. Install contrasting knobs or handles.
- Use contrasting plates, tablecloths, placemats, and napkins.
Use light or dark colored plates, glasses, or cups to contrast with
food and beverages. Use a cutting board that contrasts in color with
the items that you are cutting.
- When purchasing appliances and devices, look for those with
control buttons or dials because they can be marked or labeled, rather
than those with digital displays. Mark frequently used or critical
settings on your appliances (e.g., 350 degrees on the oven, start
position on the dishwasher or washer/dryer). Use tape, nail polish,
paint, or commercial products such as Loc Dots or Hi-Marks. Many
appliance manufacturers offer large-print or braille dials, overlays,
contrasting color features and marking kits, so ask before you buy.
- To know when food is done, use an "adapted" timer that has been marked or your own sense of smell or touch.
- A popular addition to many kitchens, the George Foreman Grill
allows you to cook food on both sides simultaneously, without setting
any dials.
- Easy-to-set bread machines and rotisseries can simplify the cooking process, too.
- Install counter-level outlets for easy access, or use
battery-operated appliances. Some people find they have more control
when using manual appliances.
- Place tall milk and juice containers in the back of the refrigerator so you don't knock them over.
Cleaning Tips
- Cleaning products, such as improved bag-less vacuums and
disposable, all-purpose cleaning cloths help make cleaning easier and
more efficient.
- Consider specialized cleaning cloths for silver, jewelry, makeup and nail polish removal.
- Use clear shoe polish for all shoe colors.
Living Room
- Arrange furniture to accommodate your normal route.
- Place white doilies on the arms and backs of chairs.
- Consider using folding snack or television tables instead of coffee tables.
- Cover coffee tables with a bright fabric or centerpiece. Place
the table on a different floor surface like a contrasting area rug so
that you can feel the difference as you near the table.
- Place a design on your footstool so it contrasts with the carpet.
- Remove throw rugs or use non-skid rubber backing or double-sided tape.
- Put white tape around the television remote control.
- Get a replacement dial with large print numbers for your thermostat.
Bedroom
- Organize clothes by color or by matching outfits. Use a safety pin
to distinguish black from navy. Identify garments by feeling details
such as textures and style.
- Get a talking alarm clock.
Bathroom
- Select brightly colored towels to contrast with your walls. Keep
contrast in mind for accessories like toilet seat covers, toilet paper,
and tissue boxes.
- Label medicine caps using a bright color code system with nail polish.
- Label each pill bottle with a large print number, and tape
each pill onto an index card with the same number. You can identify
each pill by the number or by its shape and size.
- Install a grab rail in the tub for safety. Use non-skid rubber mats in the tub or shower.
- Opt for a talking weight scale or one with a waist-high dial.
- Buy bright or dark-colored soap that contrasts with your tub, or use liquid soap.
Lighting
Lighting solutions vary according to visual conditions and needs. It is helpful to use halogen floor lamps that throw light up toward the ceiling and touch on / touch off lamps so you avoid knocking them over when trying to find the light switch.
Indoor and Outdoor Stairs
- Install banisters or grab rails that contrast with the wall.
- Use contrasting paint, tread strips, or safety tape on the edges of your steps, or at least the top and bottom steps.
- Make sure your staircases are well lit.
- Paint the edges of your porch and steps with yellow paint. Install a railing for safety.