Chapter 5: Getting prepared: Safety and risks
The home: Space and place
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 assess the home space. Think about each and determine if it may pose a safety risk to you, the person who is ill, or anyone else living in or visiting in the home. An occupational therapist, if available, can conduct a home safety assessment. Speak with a healthcare provider to see if one is available.
*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 below for some questions to consider.
For each question below, answer yes or no, and consider any thoughts or comments you may have.
Are there any restrictions for health supports, emergency services, or community supports accessing the home?
Do stairs inside the home impact care?
Where is the person’s bedroom? 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 for external stairs?
For each question below, answer yes or no, and consider any thoughts or comments you may have.
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.
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.
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.
Are there pets that present a safety issue?
Are there any weapons in the home (or items that could become weapons)?
Are all essential utilities (heat, water, hydro) working?
