Parent Proofing the Home continued

Clean:
• Clean and reorganize your parent’s home and remove any obstacles to
safety
• Clear out closets crammed with an accumulation of possessions

Lighting:
• Install non-glare lighting throughout the home
• Make sure that the hallways and walk areas in and around the home
are evenly lit
• Use the highest allowable wattage bulbs in all light fixtures and
lamps
• Make sure that all rooms have a light near the door so that your
parent will never walk into a dark room
• Have a light switch or lamp by your parent’s bed and by his/her
favorite chair

In the bathroom:
• Apply textured vinyl strips to the tub and shower floors, or use
nonslip mats
• Do not use scatter rugs
• Install grip bars beside your parent’s tub, above the sink, and
beside the toilet as necessary
• Encourage your parent to use a long handled scrubber for cleaning
the tub, shower, sink, toilets

In the kitchen:
• Have your parent wipe up all spills immediately
• Be sure he or she uses only a sturdy step stool with handrails to reach higher places
• Or provide long, lightweight tongs to reach for items

Security
To keep your parent safe from crime:
• An emergency response system is a very good way of keeping your parent safe. He or she is able to summon help quickly in case of a medical emergency as well. (See Caregiver Resources, page193)
• Install good lighting around the perimeter of the home so that anyone approaching the building is visible to neighbors and passerby

Here is an additional list of items that will help make your parent’s
home safer:
• Raised toilet seats
• Hand held shower head
• Bedside commode for nighttime
• Night light in bedroom and bathroom
• Cordless phone
• Replace door knobs with levers
• Telephone with large numbers
• Mediset for organizing medications for a week
• Nonbreakable glasses and dinnerware

To order Parent Care call (877) 331-8105

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