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Safety questions
Summary
Assessment
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Safety Questions
Safety questions
Is it possible to safely check who is at the door?
Yes
No
Not applicable
TIP: Consider installation of screen door, peephole or doorbell with camera.
Are there telephones in multiple locations in the house or a mobile phone?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Use a mobile phone or consider phone placement.
Are smoke alarms in place and in working order?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Replace or install smoke alarms.
Are sensor lights in place to assist walking indoors and outdoors overnight?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Install sensor lights where needed.
Is an electrical safety switch installed?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Arrange installation of electrical safety switch.
Is there a small fire hydrant and fire blanket in the house?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
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.
Yes
No
Not Applicable
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?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
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Is there a well stocked first aid kit which is regularly checked for out-of-date medications?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Update your first aid kit and clean out yearly.
Are clotheslines easy to access (height? Location?)
Yes
No
Not Applicable
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?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
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?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
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?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Consider organising an electrician to change over to LED lightbulbs.
Is the home largely clutter free?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
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?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Purchase a supportive step stool.
Are paths completely flat and at least 100cm wide?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Consider landscaping to improve path gradient and width.
Do paths and driveways have a non-slip texture and are they free of moss?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Maintain paths and consider resurfacing if slippery.
Is the gate easy to open?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Replace, remove or fix gate.
Are steps a suitable height (115-190mm) and depth (240-355mm), and stable?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
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?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
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?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Install lockable screen door.
Is there space within the garage or carport to easily open the car door and get out?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Clear garage space or consider an alternative place to park.
Is the letterbox easy to access and open?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Replace, relocate or fix the letterbox.
Is there at least one way to access the home without a step?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Consider modifying one of the entries to be step free.
Are hallways free of clutter and unnecessary furniture?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
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?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Remove or repair floor coverings.
Is the house free of internal steps?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
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?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Consider reorganising the space and removing unnecessary items.
Are benches clear?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
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?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Remove or repair floor coverings.
Are you able to easily reach commonly used items without tiptoes, a stepladder, or bending too low?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Move commonly used items to between knee and shoulder height.
Are taps easy to turn on, off and adjust?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Consider repairing taps or replacing with lever taps.
Can appliance controls easily be accessed?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
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?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Clear or create a space to place hot food.
Is there a carbon monoxide detector installed to detect carbon monixide and prevent poisoning?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Consider installation of carbon monoxide detector.
Is there a space in the kitchen area where you could sit if needed to prepare food?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
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?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
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?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Relocate oven or microwave to height between shoulders and knees.
Are bench tops a suitable height (850mm to 1050mm)?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Consider modification to bench tops to improve height.
Is there room within the bathroom to easily manoeuvre?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
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?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Remove or repair floor coverings.
Is there adequate ventilation with presence of a fan or easily opened window?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Consider installing fan or repairing window.
Is the shower cubicle a minimum of 900mm x 900mm?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
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)
Yes
No
Not Applicable
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?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Consider installation of shower hose.
Are taps easy to turn on, off and adjust?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Consider repairing taps or replacing with lever taps.
Is water thermostatically controlled to a delivery temperature of 45 degrees?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Adjust thermostat to deliver temperature of 45 degrees.
Is the floor surface non-slip?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Consider modifying flooring or adding non-slip coating.
Is the toilet a suitable height? (460-480mm)
Yes
No
Not Applicable
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?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Remove or repair floor coverings.
Does the door swing outwards?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Consider having the door re-hung so that it opens outwards.
Is the bed a comfortable height to access and rise from?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Consider raising the height of the bed.
Is there space to easily manoeuvre within the bedroom?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Rearrange furniture to improve access.
Is there access to a light and phone next to the bed?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
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?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Remove or repair floor coverings.
Is there somewhere to sit while dressing and putting on shoes?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Consider placing a chair in the bedroom.
Is it easy to access clothing and shoes without excessive reaching or bending?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Rearrange clothes and shoes so that they can be easily accessed.
Is it easy to open and close windows and blinds?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
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?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Consider heating and cooling options in the bedroom.
Is there space to easily manoeuvre within the living area?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
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?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Remove or repair floor coverings.
Is there good storage so that all items have a spot?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Clean out area, reorganise items and consider improving storage options.
Is the room free of cords in walkways which may cause trips?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Rearrange cords and furniture. Consider installation of new power points.
Is it easy to access heating and cooling controls?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Move heating and cooling controls if required.
Is it easy to open and close windows and blinds?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
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)?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
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?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Clear benches and consider adding more bench space if required.
Can all appliances be easily accessed and plugged in when needed?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
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?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Use a clothes horse or install hooks where a washing line could be assembled if required.
Is the washing machine front loading?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Consider purchasing front loading washing machine in future.
Are paths relatively flat and approximately 1000mm wide?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
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?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
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?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Consider moving or lowering the clothesline.
Is the garden low maintenance in terms of watering requirements, lawn mowing and management of autumn leaves?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Consider landscaping options to reduce maintenance required in garden.
Are there shady areas outside to sit?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Consider creating shady outside areas in the garden for sitting.
Is outdoor furniture sturdy, comfortable and easy to get on/off?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Consider repairing or replacing outdoor furniture.
Is there access to public transport nearby?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Investigate best transport options.
Are there shops nearby?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Investigate best local shopping options.
Are there local parks or pleasant walking areas nearby?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Explore area for local parks or walks.
Is there a medical clinic and pharmacy nearby?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Investigate best clinic and/or pharmacy nearby.
Are there local council facilities nearby that are of interest?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Explore what the local council offers.
Are there cafes and restaurants nearby?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Explore area for local cafes and restaurants.
Are neighbourhood footpaths present and in good condition?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Inform local council of footpaths in need of repair.
Is it possible to safely cross main roads nearby?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Investigate best options for crossing main roads.
Do internal stairs have a sturdy rail in place?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Repair, replace or install a handrail for stairs.
Are doorways a minimum of 850mm wide?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Consider having narrow doorways widened.
Are door handles lever style?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Consider replacing door knob style handles with levers.
Can doors and windows be easily opened to allow for fresh air?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Repair or upgrade windows so that they can be easily opened and allow fresh air inside.
Have Smart Home options been considered?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
TIP: Technology is always changing. Do some research into simple home automation features that are available.
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Who will be completing the form today?
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Carer
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