By Helen K. Pereira, PT, MPH, GCS, CHES

When caring for your loved one at home, it is important to consider the environment to ensure that it is the safest possible. Remember, you can hire a physical or occupational therapist, through a homecare agency, to come visit your home and offer tips to make the environment safe for your loved one.

Consider the following suggestions when modifying your loved one’s home to make it a safe environment:

• Remove any objects that may become tripping hazards. Remove throw rugs and minimize clutter.  If rugs are present, make sure that there is slip resistant backing on the rug to prevent it from moving.  Rearrange or remove electrical cords and anything else that may contribute to falls.   
• Adequate lighting can help minimize the risk of tripping or stumbling, especially at night.  Replace light bulbs that aren’t working and use night lights as needed.
• Make sure that smoke detectors are present in the home and functioning properly.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors, and make sure that they are working properly.
• Make the environment accessible.  For example, in the kitchen, keep dishes and food in easy to reach locations.
• Ensure that your loved one can call for help if needed.  There are many companies that offer a service that will enable your loved one to call for help.  A button worn as a necklace or on the wrist like a watch can be used if your loved one falls or needs help.  When they push the button, the service will alert and summon the police and an ambulance to the home. Consider installing an intercom system in the home.
• Install railings and grab bars as needed.  Railings can help your loved one safely maneuver up and down the stairs.  Grab bars in the bathroom and shower can help your loved one transfer themselves on and off the toilet, or in and out of the shower. You can even install bathtubs that you can simply walk into.
• Use adaptive equipment for everyday tasks as needed.  A physical or occupational therapist can direct you toward the most appropriate equipment, based on your loved one’s needs and home setup.  Raised toilet seats and tub benches often help a person safely accomplish the activities of daily living.
• Encourage your loved one to use an assistive device for walking, such as a cane or walker, as recommended by a physical or occupational therapist. 
• Maintain an adequate support system for your loved one.  Enlist help as needed, such as a home health aide to assist with bathing or a homemaker to assist with household tasks such as grocery shopping.  Set up a system where someone is available to check in on your loved one as needed, especially in very hot or cold weather, or during a storm.  Additionally, make sure to review medications with a health care professional, and develop a system so that you can be sure your loved one is appropriately taking his/her medications.

Remember, making changes to your loved one’s home will help to ensure safety within his/her environment.