Nursing 211 – Introduction to therapeutic Nursing Interventions

SENIOR SAFETY ASSESSMENT

Home Exterior

Are sidewalks even?

Are steps in good repair?

Do steps have securely fastened handrails?

Is there adequate lighting?

Is outdoor furniture sturdy?

Are clotheslines at proper height?

Is address visible?

Are garbage facilities present and secure?

Are outdoor electrical outlets covered?

Is yardwork/shoveling safely performed by resident? If not, does

someone else provide this services for them?

Do gates and door have proper locks?

Home Interior

Do all rooms, stairways, and halls have adequate lighting?

Are night-lights available?

Are area rugs secured?

Are wooden floors nonslippery?

Is furniture placed appropriately to permit mobility?

Is furniture sturdy enough to provide support for getting up and down?

Is temperature and humidity within normal range?

Are steps/thresholds hazard free?

Are all steps in good repair?

Are step edges clearly marked with colored tape?

Are handrails available and secure?

Are windows in good working order?

Are sharp corners on walls, furniture, etc. rounded or protected?

Is painted woodwork free of paint chips and dust?

Is there clear access to rooms?

Kitchen

Are hand washing facilities available?

Is the pilot light off and the area clean on a gas stove?

Are the dials on the stove readable?

Does oven door stay cool when using?

Are storage areas within easy reach?

Are cleaning fluids , bleach etc. in original containers and stored safely?

Is the water temperature within normal range (115-145 F)?

Are there clean areas for food storage and preparation?

Is refrigeration adequate?

Are outlets a safe distance from water sources?

Do rugs lay flat on floor?

Do small appliances have automatic shut-offs?

Are doorways wide enough for easy accessibility?

Do you have a vial of life? (keeps track of medical history)

Are shelves reachable to residents? If not, is equipment safe

(ladder?) that is used to reach shelves?

If chairs have wheels can they be locked into place?

Do chairs have armrests for support?

Are spoiled foods disposed of properly?

Bathroom

Are hand washing facilities available?

Are there skidproof strips or surfaces in the tub/shower?

Is there a shower hose for ease of showering?

Are bath mats secured?

Does the client need grab bars near the bathtub and toilet?

Does the client need an elevated toilet seat?

Are all medications current and in original containers?

Are medications out of children’s reach?

Is the poison control phone number visible and next to the phone?

Is there a telephone that can be taken into the bathroom for emergency calls?

Is the bathroom free of dirt, oils, or other substances that could pose hazards to clients or induce falls?

Bedroom

Are beds of adequate height to allow getting on and off easily?

Is day and night lighting adequate?

Are floor coverings nonskid?

Does the client have a telephone nearby?

If side rails are necessary, are they in good condition?

Is traffic path around bed clear?

Are heating pads/bottles used properly?

Electrical and Fire Hazards

Are all appliances in good working order?

Is equipment grounded?

Are electrical cords in good working condition?

Are extension cords used only when necessary?

Are the correct number of appliances plugged into one outlet?

Are electrical appliances kept away from the sink, tub, or shower?

Are the heating/cooling units and fireplace inspected annually?

Is there a guard or screen in front of the fireplace?

Are combustible materials stored properly?

Are there smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide detectors?

Is the emergency number for police and fire departments visible near the phone?

Has the family discussed and practiced an escape plan in case of fire?

Are fire extinguishers present and in working order?

Do residents know how to use fire extinguishers?

Are smoking/tobacco materials used and extinguished properly?

Are space heaters used appropriately?

If any, are firearms properly stored, locket and unloaded?

If so, is the ammunition stored separately from firearms?

Is resident able to read thermostat?

Are electrical cords out of traffic areas?

Is fireplace equipment and fireplace wood stored properly?

Are matches, lighters and candles available for emergency use?

Are flashlights accessible during power outages?

Are seatbelts used?

Are walking aids in good working order?

If hardwood floors, does the resident use non-skid shoes?

If pets in house:

Are pets properly vaccinated?

Are these pets kept clean and properly trained?

Is resident aware of the dangers/problems of phone solicitation?

Garage, Attic Basement

Is there clear access to these rooms?

Do automatic garage doors work properly and have safety mechanisms?

Is there easy access to appliances/washer/dryer?

Are hazardous chemicals disposed of properly?

Is there clear access to these rooms/areas?

Are hazardous chemicals disposed of properly?

Are hazardous chemicals labeled properly?

**Describe results in terms of strengths and areas for improvement.**

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