OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
General Recommendations
- Have adequate lighting in terms of number, strength (100 watts not 40 watts) and placement of lights especially in danger areas: halls, landings and stairs.
- Have easy access to light switches so that any dark space can be illuminated before entering (especially stairs).
- If electrical outlets are difficult to reach, move outlets to waist height or fasten a short extension cord up the wall.
- Do not have loose or torn throw rugs (very easy to slip on). Rug grippers or adhesive tape can fix rugs safely to the floor. Tape down or tack loose edges of carpet.
- Do not have raised ridges in the doorway to trip over between rooms.
Outside recommendations
- Watch closely for curbs, cracks in the pavement, and objects you could trip over. Have a smooth pathway surface to prevent tripping.
- Consider a hand railing (one which you can wrap your hand around) for outside steps and an outside shelf to hold packages (while you open the door).
- Consider a parking space with an adjacent 4 foot aisle that will allow a wheelchair to maneuver alongside the car.
- Do maintain the steps, pavement and lawn in good repair.
Bedroom recommendations
- Have a bed that is the correct height for you (low enough to sit on getting into bed though high enough to get out of easily).
- Have a lighted path from bedroom to bathroom at night (remote control switches or night lights).
- Consider a solid table next to your bed to store necessary items close by and to provide leverage if you have difficulty getting out of bed.
- Consider having a bedroom telephone in case of an emergency at night.
- Attach unstable chest of drawers or wardrobes to the wall for stabilization (so if you start to fall and grab for support, they will not fall on you).
- Do not use throw rugs.
- Consider a bedside urinal, bed pan or bedside commode if you have mobility difficulties and have to get up to urinate frequently at night.
Bathroom recommendations
- Have non-adhesive strips on the bottom of the tub and a non-skid mat or adhesive strips on the floor beside the tub.
- Consider a shower or tub seat and hand held shower for safer and easier washing.
- Consider grab bars for toilet/tub to prevent falls and to help you get in and out.
- Consider a raised toilet seat if it is difficult for you to get up or down.
- Do not use bath oils in the bath tub (very slippery); if necessary, for dry skin, apply oils or creams after the bath.
- Repair loose or broken floor tiles and toilet seats.
- Single lever faucets require less wrist and finger motions.
- Keep electrical appliances away from tub or sink.
Phone recommendations
- Do not have long telephone cords dragging across the floor (as they can trip you).
- Use a large push button telephone if you have any vision problems.
- Keep a list of emergency numbers near the telephone.
- Consider arranging with a friend or relative to telephone you daily to check that you’re okay.
Call us Today – (909) 527-3511
