Chapter 5: Getting prepared: Safety and risks
The home: Space and place
She moved to the bedroom on the main floor because the stairs were a problem. I slept upstairs.
Ensuring that the home is safe and comfortable for the person who is ill and for you is an important first step in caregiving. Some simple changes to the home may help to:
- Increase safety for you and the person who is ill.
- Streamline or simplify care.
Below are several considerations and questions to help you assess your home space. Think about each one and determine if it may pose a safety risk to either you, the person who is ill, or anyone else living or visiting in the home. *In the “Helpful resources” section, you will find a summary PDF of this assessment (Assessing the home for safety) that you can download and print for future use.
Click each category phrase below for some questions to consider.
For each question below, answer yes or no, and consider any thoughts or comments you may have about it.
Are there any restrictions for health and emergency services and community supports accessing the home?
Do stairs inside the home impact care?
Where is the person’s bedroom located? Is the bathroom on the same level? Does the person’s bedroom need to be relocated to the main floor?
Where can equipment be stored so it is out of the way? (Wheelchairs, walkers, lifts, etc.)
Are ramps needed to external stairs?
For each question below, answer yes or no, and consider any thoughts or comments you may have about it.
Are there slippery floors that may be a hazard for the person who is ill or for you as a caregiver?
Are there clear pathways around furniture?
Are there scatter rugs that are a tripping hazard?
Is there carpet that may make moving a Hoyer or other lift difficult?
For each question below, answer yes or no, and consider any thoughts or comments you may have about it.
Is there clutter that affects safety?
Are there tripping hazards, such as kids’ toys or cords, in traffic areas?
Is there unstable furniture, such as a chair that may topple or an unsecured bookcase that may fall?
Are there items on counters that may fall?
For each question below, answer yes or no, and consider any thoughts or comments you may have about it.
Are there grip bars to prevent falls in the shower, bathroom, and bedroom?
For each question below, answer yes or no, and consider any thoughts or comments you may have about it.
Are there pets that present a safety issue?
Are there any weapons (or items that could become weapons)?
Are all essential utilities (heat, water, hydro) working?
