Ask any senior, would you rather stay at home or go to a senior living community?

I’m sure you will agree, most people want to stay home!    Our concern……. the home is safe.

Safety checklist for seniors at home

 

FLOORS:  Look at the floor in each room.

	When you walk through a room, do you have to walk around   furniture? Ask   someone to move the furniture so your path is clear.
	Do you have throw rugs on the floor? Remove   the rugs or use double-sided tape or a non-slip backing so the rugs won’t   slip.
	Are there papers, books, towels, shoes, magazines, boxes,   blankets or other objects on the floor? Pick   up things that are on the floor. Always keep objects off the floor.
	Do you have to walk over or around wires or cords (like lamp,   telephone or extension cords)? Coil   or tape cords and wires next to the wall so you can’t trip over them. If   needed, have an electrician put in another outlet.

STAIRS AND STEPS:    Look at the stairs you use both inside and outside your home.

	Are there papers, shoes, books or other objects on the stairs? Pick   up things on the stairs. Always keep objects off stairs.
	Are some steps broken or uneven? Have   loose or uneven steps fixed.
	Are you missing a light over the stairway? Have   an electrician put in an overhead light at the top and bottom of the stairs.
	Do you have only one light switch for your stairs (only at the   top or only at the bottom of the stairs)? Have   an electrician put in a light switch at both the top and bottom of the   stairs. You can get light switches that glow.
	Has the stairway light bulb burned out? Have   a friend or family member change the light bulb.
	Is the carpet on the steps loose or torn? Make   sure the carpet is firmly attached to every step or have the carpet removed   and replaced with non-slip rubber treads that are attached to the stairs.
	Are the handrails loose or broken? Is   there a handrail on only one side of the stairs? Have loose handrails fixed   or have new ones installed. Make sure handrails are on both sides of the   stairs and are as long as the stairs.

 

KITCHEN:  Look at your kitchen and eating area.

	Are the things you use often up on high shelves? Have a family member or friend help you move items in your cabinets. Keep   things you use often on the lower shelves (about waist level).
	Is your step stool unsteady? If you must use a step stool, get one with a bar to hold on to. Never use a   chair as a step stool.

 

 

BATHROOMS:  Look at all your bathrooms.

	Is the tub or shower floor slippery? Put a non-slip rubber mat or self-stick strips on the floor of the tub or   shower.
	Do you need some support when you get in and out of the tub or   up from the toilet? Have a licensed contractor install grab bars inside the tub and next to the   toilet.

 

BEDROOMS: Look at all your bedrooms.

	Is the light near the bed hard to reach? Place a lamp close to the bed where it’s easy to reach.
	Is the path from your bed to the bathroom dark? Put in nightlights so you can see where you’re walking. (You can buy   nightlights that go on automatically after dark.) Put nightlights in   hallways, bedrooms and bathrooms.

 

From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC).

There can be costs associated with living home, specifically if there is need of Care Givers assisting with Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s).

Did you know that Veteran’s or their Surviving Spouse may be eligible for a VA program called the Improved Pension, Aid and Attendance.  The spouse may receive approximately $1,000.00 tax free per month, while a Veteran and Spouse both needing help would be just over $2,000.00.

We would be happy to speak with you and find out if you are eligible for the wonderful Veterans benefit.

Both Bill Alexander and Tovah McDonald Mitchell are VA Accredited Attorneys.

919-256-7000  or write rick.messemer@wgalaw.com