Bathroom

Install grab rails in tub, shower, and near toilet

Install handheld shower

Install nonskid surfaces on tub or shower

Install tub chair or bench to sit while showering or bathing

Place sign on bathroom door, keep door open

Raise toilet seat or commode to higher level

Remove or reverse inner door locks or keep keys accessible

Remove rugs and electrical appliances

Replace glass shower doors with plastic doors or curtains

Bedroom

Add night-lights

Consider bedside commode

Consider hospital bed

Install room-darkening shades or curtains

Lower bed to floor level if patient is falling out of bed

Remove carpeting if patient has trouble with incontinence

Use baby monitor to monitor activities

Car

Install driver-controlled door locks and window

Notify police of patient's disability

Secure garage door opener out of patient's reach

Take away patient's car keys or disable car

Fire prevention

Add firefighter sticker at bedroom window

Conduct fire drills

Install smoke alarms

Notify fire department of patient's disability and home measures

Remove lighters and matches

Restrict smoking

Use flame-retardant bedding materials

Kitchen

Consider electric stove or install hidden shut-off valves or auto-pilots

Consider locks on cabinets, refrigerators, and freezers

Cover stove burners

Disable garbage disposal

Install locks on oven doors

Lock up sharp objects and glassware

Remove small, nonfood items that could be consumed

Remove stove knobs

Secure garbage out of patient's sight and reach

Unplug or store electrical appliances out of patient's reach

Outdoors

Be aware of danger areas, such as embankments, streams, lakes, and busy streets

Consider fences or hedges around yard

Remove poisonous plants

Secure outdoor equipment

Stairs

Add contrasting color on edge of treads

Consider barriers or gates at top and bottom

Install banisters on both sides

Replace stairs with ramp

General precautions

Childproof electrical outlets

Cover radiators

Cover shiny or reflective surfaces

Install door alarms

Install double key locks

Install scald-proof faucets or reduce water temperature

Install spring-loaded door closers

Keep first-aid kit accessible

Keep legal documents accessible

Lock up cleaning supplies, chemicals, poisons, and medications

Make a list of patient's medications and health conditions

Notify police and emergency medical services of patient's disability

Program emergency phone numbers on speed dial

Provide neighbors with set of house keys

Provide patient with identification card and bracelet

Reduce clutter

Remove free-standing floor and table fans

Remove hazardous furniture (e.g., high-back chairs, pedestal tables, easily moved furniture)

Remove mirrors if they cause delusions or hallucinations

Remove or lock up sharp or breakable objects

Remove or reverse inner door locks or keep keys accessible

Remove small rugs without nonskid backing