Connecticut Tech Act Project Newsletter

Assessing Your Home’s Safety

  Remaining in your home as long as possible is an achievable goal.  As we age or acquire certain conditions, however, the home we love may become a danger zone that threatens our own mobility and comfort.  The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) has a brochure to help you assess the condition of your home to determine if it is safe.  How does your home rate based on the following questions.

Doors

Are doors wide enough for a walker or a wheelchair?

 
Floors

Are there scatter rugs or doormats that may be dangerous?

Steps

Are handrails on both sides of the stairway?

Kitchen/bath

Are stove controls easy to use?

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

Storage

Can you easily reach closet item?

Electrical outlets/switches/alarms

Are outlets properly grounded to prevent electrical shock?

Are extension cords in good condition and out of the path of traffic?

Lighting

Is lighting bright enough for safety?

These questions are only a sample of the complete list.  The brochure also offers suggestions to improve safety, comfort and independence.  For example, eliminating the use of scatter rugs and using a non-skid surface for the bathtub and shower will increase your personal safety.

For the complete list of assessment questions and other information pertaining to home safety, write to AARP, 601 E Street, NW, Washington, DC 20049 or www.aarp.org.

New ADA Symbol