Tips for Enhancing Safety and Accessibility in Your Home

Entry:

1. Adjust Step Depth: If you or frequent visitors use a walker, consider lengthening the run of your steps to a depth of at least 30 inches. This allows ample space for both your feet and the walker on each step, promoting safety and stability.
2. Improve Visibility: Mark the edges of your steps with reflective or brightly colored tape or paint to make them clearly visible. This helps prevent tripping or misjudging the step edges, especially in low-light conditions.

Kitchen – Fires:

1. Clothing Safety: When cooking, wear close-fitting or short sleeves to minimize the risk of loose clothing catching fire near hot burners. Additionally, avoid storing items above the stove that require reaching over hot burners, as this can increase the chances of accidents.

1. Clear Flammable Objects: Keep flammable objects, such as pot holders, dish towels, and curtains, away from the stove. Accidental contact with burners can ignite these items, leading to potential fires.
2. Grease Management: To reduce the risk of fire, ensure that broiler ovens, ventilation ducts, and hoods remain free of grease buildup. Regularly clean these areas to maintain a safe cooking environment.

Kitchen – Appliances:

1. Stove Selection: If purchasing a new stove, look for models with front or side controls for the range and oven, instead of having them located behind the burners. Stoves with staggered burners or alternative control placements minimize the need to reach across burners, improving safety. Consider brands like Magic Chef® and KitchenAid®, which offer such features.
2. Microwave Considerations: If reaching into an oven is challenging or unsafe, consider using countertop appliances like toaster ovens or broilers. These can serve as alternatives to a traditional stove, reducing the need for awkward bending. When selecting a microwave, opt for one with a digital readout for ease of use or a knob control if you have visual impairments.

Bathroom – Tub and Water Controls:

1. Water Temperature: Set your water heater temperature to a maximum of 120 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid scalding. Hot water heaters can reach temperatures that can cause burns within seconds, so it’s essential to regulate the water temperature accordingly.
2. Tub Safety: To prevent tripping when entering or exiting the tub, apply a contrasting-colored tape along the edge of the tub. This visually distinguishes the tub’s edge and reduces the risk of missteps. Alternatively, consider replacing the tub with a one-piece shower unit that features a fixed bench, grab bars, and a low base for easier access.

Bathroom – Door and Furniture:

1. Door Locks: Avoid locking the bathroom door to ensure quick access in case of emergencies. In urgent situations, valuable time can be saved by not having to unlock the door.
2. Door Swings: Whenever possible, configure your bathroom door to swing outward. This design prevents the risk of getting trapped behind a door if a fall occurs inside the bathroom. Consider changing the hinges or installing a sliding or folding door for improved safety.
3. Chair Safety: Use Velcro™ tabs to secure frequently used items, such as the television remote control, to a wall, table, or chair. This prevents them from falling on the floor and keeps them easily accessible.

Other Home Safety Considerations:

1. Secure Extension Cords: Avoid placing extension cords under rugs or runners where they can be walked on and create tripping hazards. Use tape or specialized clips to secure loose cords against baseboards or along the walls for safety.
2. Proper Window Opening: For casement windows that are difficult to open, attach a cord or use a pole or ratchet-like tool to assist with opening and closing.

To learn more about estate planning and elder law, visit Estate and Elder Planning by David Wingate at www.davidwingate.com. For an Initial Consultation, call (301) 663-9230. We can assist you with powers of attorneys, living wills, wills, trusts, Medicaid planning, and asset protection. With office locations in Frederick, Washington, and Montgomery Counties, Maryland, we are here to provide you with peace of mind.

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