Slips, trips and falls can happen to anyone but as you get older the chance of it happening to you increases. With around half of all falls happening in and around the home it is important to make your home safer so you can get on with enjoying the fun things in life.
Spot the Hazard will help you find and make the changes needed to make your home safer, use the Stay On Your Feet® Home Safety Checklist to find simple and low cost tips.
Congratulations! You have identified all the hazards!
You can now view the 'safe room' where we have removed the hazards and added some safety features.
The following safety items/features will be added:
Adequate lighting
Grab bars in the shower, beside the tub and at the toilet.
Rubber backed non-slip mats
Appropriate shelving for toiletries
Hazard Spotted!
Frequently used items in hard to reach places
Have the soap holder or shower caddy within reaching distance. A shower chair may be useful. Store toiletries where they are easily accessible on shelves
Hazard Spotted!
Lighting
All rooms, passageways, stairwells and entrances to your home should be fitted with globes of at least 75 watts or 970-1100 lumens. Use a nightlight or motion-sensor lighting to ensure adequate light for night-time visits to the bathroom.
Hazard Spotted!
No grab rails in the bathroom
Grab rails are recommended in all positions around the bath, shower and toilet. Never use a towel rail to hold onto and don’t balance on one leg when washing or drying yourself – sit for these activities
Hazard Spotted!
Wrong height of the toilet seat or toilet seat not secure
Toilet seats should be at an adequate height to stand up and sit down safely. Grab rails or and a raised toilet seat are recommended for support.
Hazard Spotted!
Slippery surface in shower and bath
Take extra care in wet areas that are likely to be slippery. Use slip resistant treatments on the base of your bath or shower and grab rails or handles. Place non-slip mats on the bottom of baths and showers for grip.
Hazard Spotted!
Bathroom mat with no rubber back for grip
Rubber floor mats are designed to sit firm and flat on the floor to help prevent falls. Non-slip mats – rather than fluffy rugs – are recommended in front of the toilet and the sink.
Congratulations! You have identified all the hazards!
You can now view the 'safe room' where we have removed the hazards and added some safety features.
The following safety items/features will be added:
Appropriate height and stable be
Accessible lighting
Non-slip rubber backed rug or mat
Hazard Spotted!
Clutter on the floor
Keep floors free of clutter in the bedroom.
Hazard Spotted!
Lights switches hard to access
Light switches should be in easy to reach places such as room entrances and both ends of hallways. If you do not have a light switch next to your bed, ensure there is an accessible bedside lamp from your bed.
Hazard Spotted!
Important items not nearby
Keep items such as your glasses, medication and walking aids in easy to reach places where they will not be in your way. Keep your telephone beside your bed in case of an emergency.
Hazard Spotted!
Hard to get in and out of bed as mattress is too soft or the bed is at the wrong height
Beds should be at a good height for easy movement on and off, a firm mattress may help. Get out of bed slowly; sit up before you stand up.
Hazard Spotted!
Throws hanging over the bed or bedspread/sheets that overhang
Remove throws that hang over the edge of your bed. Avoid using bedspreads with looped fringes and make sure bed covers do not hang loosely on the ground.
Hazard Spotted!
Rugs
Take up any loose mats or rugs and ensure floor surface is level. Only use a rubber backed mat that does not move.