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Safety Questions

Safety questions

Is it possible to safely check who is at the door?

TIP: Consider installation of screen door, peephole or doorbell with camera.

Are there telephones in multiple locations in the house or a mobile phone?

TIP: Use a mobile phone or consider phone placement.

Are smoke alarms in place and in working order?

TIP: Replace or install smoke alarms.

Are sensor lights in place to assist walking indoors and outdoors overnight?

TIP: Install sensor lights where needed.

Is an electrical safety switch installed?

TIP: Arrange installation of electrical safety switch.

Is there a small fire hydrant and fire blanket in the house?

TIP: Consider purchase of small fire hydrant and fire blanket.

Are there spare keys to access the house? Either hidden outside, in a locked key box or with a trusted family member or friend.

TIP: Consider best option for spare keys including a locked key box with code entry installed outside the home.

Are there torches accessible and working in case of a blackout?

TIP: Place torches in good working order in an accessible spot.

Is there a well stocked first aid kit which is regularly checked for out-of-date medications?

TIP: Update your first aid kit and clean out yearly.

Are clotheslines easy to access (height? Location?)

TIP: Consider lowering or relocating clothesline or installing an alternative line for small amounts of washing.

Is there an irrigation system in place to assist with ease of watering?

TIP: Consider having an irrigation system installed.

Are there strategies to change lightbulbs, access high cupboards and clean gutters which don't require use of a ladder?

TIP: Consider purchase of a supportive step stool. Investigate options to assist with home maintenance such as the local council services.

Are long lasting lightbulbs (LED) installed to reduce the need for frequent changing?

TIP: Consider organising an electrician to change over to LED lightbulbs.

Is the home largely clutter free?

TIP: Have a large clean out where you donate or dispose of unwanted or unnecessary belongings. If you need help, organise a decluttering service to do so.

Is there a supportive stepstool available to access items which are just out of reach?

TIP: Purchase a supportive step stool.

Are paths completely flat and at least 100cm wide?

TIP: Consider landscaping to improve path gradient and width.

Do paths and driveways have a non-slip texture and are they free of moss?

TIP: Maintain paths and consider resurfacing if slippery.

Is the gate easy to open?

TIP: Replace, remove or fix gate.

Are steps a suitable height (115-190mm) and depth (240-355mm), and stable?

TIP: Arrange modification of steps with help from a tradesperson if needed.

Is it easy to unlock the front door and use the door handle?

TIP: Replace or fix front door lock and handle.

Is a lockable screen door in place to enable access to fresh air and maintain security?

TIP: Install lockable screen door.

Is there space within the garage or carport to easily open the car door and get out?

TIP: Clear garage space or consider an alternative place to park.

Is the letterbox easy to access and open?

TIP: Replace, relocate or fix the letterbox.

Is there at least one way to access the home without a step?

TIP: Consider modifying one of the entries to be step free.

Are hallways free of clutter and unnecessary furniture?

TIP: Remove unnecessary clutter and furniture.

Are rugs or mats in good condition (no curled edges or fraying) AND well secured to the ground so that there is no movement when they are walked upon?

TIP: Remove or repair floor coverings.

Is the house free of internal steps?

TIP: Consider whether the steps can be modified or whether a rail next to the steps is required.

Is there room within the kitchen to easily manoeuvre?

TIP: Consider reorganising the space and removing unnecessary items.

Are benches clear?

TIP: Clear benchtops of unnecessary objects.

Are rugs or mats in good condition (no curled edges or fraying) AND well secured to the ground so that there is no movement when they are walked upon?

TIP: Remove or repair floor coverings.

Are you able to easily reach commonly used items without tiptoes, a stepladder, or bending too low?

TIP: Move commonly used items to between knee and shoulder height.

Are taps easy to turn on, off and adjust?

TIP: Consider repairing taps or replacing with lever taps.

Can appliance controls easily be accessed?

TIP: Move objects or controls so that they are easily accessible.

Is there space next to the microwave, oven and stove top to place hot food?

TIP: Clear or create a space to place hot food.

Is there a carbon monoxide detector installed to detect carbon monixide and prevent poisoning?

TIP: Consider installation of carbon monoxide detector.

Is there a space in the kitchen area where you could sit if needed to prepare food?

TIP: Create a space in the kitchen or dining room that could be used for sitting to prepare food.

Are stools a comfortable height and stable?

TIP: Replace stools with ones that are easy to get on and off.

Are the oven and microwave located at a suitable height? With access between knee and shoulder height?

TIP: Relocate oven or microwave to height between shoulders and knees.

Are bench tops a suitable height (850mm to 1050mm)?

TIP: Consider modification to bench tops to improve height.

Is there room within the bathroom to easily manoeuvre?

TIP: Consider rearranging items within the bathroom to create space.

Are rugs or mats in good condition (no curled edges or fraying) AND well secured to the ground so that there is no movement when they are walked upon?

TIP: Remove or repair floor coverings.

Is there adequate ventilation with presence of a fan or easily opened window?

TIP: Consider installing fan or repairing window.

Is the shower cubicle a minimum of 900mm x 900mm?

TIP: Consider modifying shower cubicle to increase size.

Is the transition between the floor and shower completely level and flat? (with no step, ledge or shower frame present)

TIP: Consider whether a rail in the shower would be helpful to hold when stepping over the step or lip.

Is a shower hose in place?

TIP: Consider installation of shower hose.

Are taps easy to turn on, off and adjust?

TIP: Consider repairing taps or replacing with lever taps.

Is water thermostatically controlled to a delivery temperature of 45 degrees?

TIP: Adjust thermostat to deliver temperature of 45 degrees.

Is the floor surface non-slip?

TIP: Consider modifying flooring or adding non-slip coating.

Is the toilet a suitable height? (460-480mm)

TIP: Consider installation of a rail next to the toilet or replacing the toilet to one with a higher seat.

Are rugs or mats in good condition (no curled edges or fraying) AND well secured to the ground so that there is no movement when they are walked upon?

TIP: Remove or repair floor coverings.

Does the door swing outwards?

TIP: Consider having the door re-hung so that it opens outwards.

Is the bed a comfortable height to access and rise from?

TIP: Consider raising the height of the bed.

Is there space to easily manoeuvre within the bedroom?

TIP: Rearrange furniture to improve access.

Is there access to a light and phone next to the bed?

TIP: Ensure light and phone is next to bed.

Are rugs or mats in good condition (no curled edges or fraying) AND well secured to the ground so that there is no movement when they are walked upon?

TIP: Remove or repair floor coverings.

Is there somewhere to sit while dressing and putting on shoes?

TIP: Consider placing a chair in the bedroom.

Is it easy to access clothing and shoes without excessive reaching or bending?

TIP: Rearrange clothes and shoes so that they can be easily accessed.

Is it easy to open and close windows and blinds?

TIP: Move furniture if required or modify windows and blinds to be able to open and close easily.

Can the temperature in the bedroom be easily adjusted?

TIP: Consider heating and cooling options in the bedroom.

Is there space to easily manoeuvre within the living area?

TIP: Rearrange furniture to create space.

Are rugs or mats in good condition (no curled edges or fraying) AND well secured to the ground so that there is no movement when they are walked upon?

TIP: Remove or repair floor coverings.

Is there good storage so that all items have a spot?

TIP: Clean out area, reorganise items and consider improving storage options.

Is the room free of cords in walkways which may cause trips?

TIP: Rearrange cords and furniture. Consider installation of new power points.

Is it easy to access heating and cooling controls?

TIP: Move heating and cooling controls if required.

Is it easy to open and close windows and blinds?

TIP: Move furniture if required or modify windows and blinds to be able to open and close easily.

Are sofas or armchairs an appropriate height (with sitting surface approximately 430mm high)?

TIP: Increase the height of chairs with firm cushions or replace furniture with more supportive options with firm, high cushions and arm rests.

Is there adequate benchspace in the laundry?

TIP: Clear benches and consider adding more bench space if required.

Can all appliances be easily accessed and plugged in when needed?

TIP: Rearrange items so that they can be easily accessed.

Is there room in the house to hang small items of laundry to dry when needed?

TIP: Use a clothes horse or install hooks where a washing line could be assembled if required.

Is the washing machine front loading?

TIP: Consider purchasing front loading washing machine in future.

Are paths relatively flat and approximately 1000mm wide?

TIP: Modify landscaping so that paths are relatively flat and widen as needed.

Are there raised garden beds in place to support gardening as a hobby?

TIP: Consider adding raised garden beds which will support gardening regardless of age and ability.

Is it possible to access the clothesline without excessive reaching?

TIP: Consider moving or lowering the clothesline.

Is the garden low maintenance in terms of watering requirements, lawn mowing and management of autumn leaves?

TIP: Consider landscaping options to reduce maintenance required in garden.

Are there shady areas outside to sit?

TIP: Consider creating shady outside areas in the garden for sitting.

Is outdoor furniture sturdy, comfortable and easy to get on/off?

TIP: Consider repairing or replacing outdoor furniture.

Is there access to public transport nearby?

TIP: Investigate best transport options.

Are there shops nearby?

TIP: Investigate best local shopping options.

Are there local parks or pleasant walking areas nearby?

TIP: Explore area for local parks or walks.

Is there a medical clinic and pharmacy nearby?

TIP: Investigate best clinic and/or pharmacy nearby.

Are there local council facilities nearby that are of interest?

TIP: Explore what the local council offers.

Are there cafes and restaurants nearby?

TIP: Explore area for local cafes and restaurants.

Are neighbourhood footpaths present and in good condition?

TIP: Inform local council of footpaths in need of repair.

Is it possible to safely cross main roads nearby?

TIP: Investigate best options for crossing main roads.

Do internal stairs have a sturdy rail in place?

TIP: Repair, replace or install a handrail for stairs.

Are doorways a minimum of 850mm wide?

TIP: Consider having narrow doorways widened.

Are door handles lever style?

TIP: Consider replacing door knob style handles with levers.

Can doors and windows be easily opened to allow for fresh air?

TIP: Repair or upgrade windows so that they can be easily opened and allow fresh air inside.

Have Smart Home options been considered?

TIP: Technology is always changing. Do some research into simple home automation features that are available.
Safety questions
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