Today’s post is part of our ongoing series, The Physicians Choice Way. Here, we’ll go over many of the steps involved in setting up a comprehensive care plan, which helps us to provide seniors and their families a complete understanding of the available care options and helps them maneuver through the challenges of the system.

When determining whether or not a senior should remain at home, your loved one’s safety is our primary concern. For each client, Physicians Choice Private Duty conducts a home safety evaluation that examines all portions of the home while aiming to identify possible safety hazards. Oftentimes, with a little rearranging and/or modifications, your elderly parents can happily remain in their home.

Below is a sampling of our safety evaluation. We ask our clients to answer each question with a Yes, No or N/A.

Windows/doors

• • Are windows/doors easy to open/close?

• • Are locks sturdy/easy to operate?

• • Are doors wide enough for a walker/wheelchair?

• • Are door thresholds raised too high?

• • Is there space to maneuver while opening/closing doors?

• • Does the front door have a view panel?

• • Is so, is it at a proper height for you?

Floor surfaces

• • Is the surface safe? Non-slip?

• • Are there scatter rugs or door mats that may be dangerous?

• • If so are they obvious or marked in some way?

Steps/stairways/walkways

• • Are they in good repair? Smooth/safe surfaces?

• • Are there hand rails on both sides of stairway?

• • Is there grasping space for both knuckles and fingers on railings?

• • Are the stair treads deep enough for your whole foot?

• • Are there any hazardous open risers on stairs?

• • Would a ramp be feasible in any of these areas if it became necessary?

• • Are stairs clear of clutter?

• • Are stairs uneven in depth/height?

• • Are stairways poorly lighted?

Appliances/kitchen/bath

• • Is arrangement convenient and safe?

• • Can oven/refrigerator be opened easily?

• • Are stove controls easy to use?

• • Are they clearly marked?

• • Is counter height/depth good for you?

• • Can you sit while working?

• • Are door cabinet knobs easy to use?

• • Are faucets easy to use?

• • Do you have convenience items such as a garbage disposal?

• • A trash compactor?

• • A hand-held shower head?

• • Can you get in and out of tub/shower with ease?

• • Do you have bath/shower seat?

• • Are there grab bars where needed?

• • Are there non-skid mats or abrasive strips for footing?

• • Is there a light switch near entrance of the bathroom?

• • Is there an nightlight in the bathroom?

• • Is hot water heater regulated to prevent scalding/burning?

• • Are there towels, curtains or other items too close to range?

Bedroom

• • Is there a light/switch within reach of the bed?

• • Evidence of smoking near/in bed?

• • Heating pad/electric blanked in use in bed?

• • Is there a telephone within reach of bed?

Medicine cabinet

• • Is medicine kept in a locked cabinet?

• • Are there old/outdated medicines in the cabinet?

• • Is medication clearly marked?

Storage

• • Is storage located conveniently?

• • Is storage adequate and usable?

• • Can you easily reach closet items?

• • Have you maximized your storage space with innovative products?

Electrical outlets/switches/alarms

• • Are outlets/switches easy to turn on/off?

• • Are outlets properly grounded to prevent electrical shock?

• • Are extension cords in good condition?

• • Are they needed?

• • Do you have smoke detectors in all necessary areas?

• • Do you have an alarm system?

• • Is the telephone readily available for emergencies?

• • Are emergency numbers locate by the phone?

• • Is the telephone equipped for hearing enhancement if necessary?

• • Can you hear the doorbell in every part of the house?

• • Do you have a carbon monoxide detector?

Lighting/ventilation

• • Is lighting sufficient for purpose of area?

• • Is lighting bright enough for safety?

• • Do you have night lights where needed?

• • Is area well ventilated?

Driveway/garage

• • Is parking space available?

• • Is it convenient to entrance way?

• • Does garage door have an automatic opener?

• • Easily accessible lighting in/out of garage?

Gun safety

• • Are firearms kept in locked storage?

• • Are firearms and ammunition stored together?

• • Do firearms have safety locks?

Child safety concerns

• • Is home child-proofed?

• • Are outlet covers in place?

• • Are medicines, poisons and other hazards out of reach?

• • Are matches/lighters available?

Emergency plan

• • Do you have an emergency plan?

• • Do you have ladders or other escapes from upper floors?

• • Do you have a first aid kit?

• • Do you have working flashlights?

• • Do you have fire extinguishers?

• • Are house numbers visible from street?

Currently serving Omaha and surrounding areas, all Encompass services are directed by registered nurses or social workers with no long-term contracts. Contact us today for help with your senior care needs.

“Physicians Choice Private Duty solves the challenges families face in caring for aging parents, with a focus on strategies that keep them in their homes. To learn more about our solutions, visit us today..”