Is your home safe and accessible to you and your loved ones?

The smallest modification or added feature can increase the safety and accessibility of your living space, making it possible to stay mobile and independent. These improvements can have a big impact on your quality of living and health.

Use the questions below to help you assess the condition of you or your loved one's home, as they may apply. Then, contact us at North State HRM to discuss how we may help you to develop a plan of action and make improvements for you, keeping you and your loved ones safe and independent in your home, ensuring peace of mind.

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»  Is the address to the home clear and easy to see from the street in any weather conditions, in case of emergency?

»  Is there at least one entrance into the home with less than a ¼” threshold (step)?

»  Are all exterior and interior entrances, stairs and walkways well lit?

»  Are all exterior and interior entrances, stairs and walkways clear of foliage, debris and clutter?

»  Are all exterior and interior entrances, stairs, hand rails and walkways sturdy, strong and in good condition, with no damage or breakage?

»  Is there a ramp available, or placed over the stairs at the entrance into the home?

»  Is the entry door into the home easy to open, close, lock and unlock?

»  Are all interior door handles easy to open, close, lock and unlock?

»  Can the alarm system be seen, accessed and heard clearly?

»  Do all stairs have slip resistant surfaces and extended hand railings at the top and bottom?

»  If a wheelchair is used, are the doorways at least 32” wide for a straight approach and 36” wide for a turn radius?

»  If there is carpeting, is all of it secure and in excellent condition, especially on stairs?

»  Is a stair lift available, if needed?

»  Have all loose area rugs been removed?

»  Does every room have adequate lighting?

»  Can the light switches and electrical outlets easily be reached?

»  Is there a night light in every room, or motion sensor lighting?

»  Is there an accessible non-electric light source in every room in case of emergency or power outage?

»  Is there an accessible corded phone or charged cell phone available at all times, in case of emergency or power outage?

»  Are there Smoke (dual) and Carbon Monoxide (CO) detector/alarms throughout the home?  Are they hard wired and battery powered, in case of power outage?

»  Is the furniture positioned so it can be used to hold onto when moving around the space? Is there enough room to use a walker or wheelchair in between the furniture safely? Is the space free of clutter (including too much furniture)?

»  Is all remaining furniture stable, secure and without sharp corners?

»  If needed, is the kitchen, a bedroom and full bathroom available on the main floor in the home?

»  Is there an appropriate surface and seating available for meals in the kitchen?

»  If a wheelchair is used, are the sink, counter, storage and cooking surfaces accessible from the chair?

»  Can the refrigerator be easily accessed and opened?

»  Are there cabinets and shelves available for use without assistance; are all items frequently used put in these locations?

»  Are all of the knobs on the appliances, cabinets and doors easy to use; access, turn on and off, open and close?

»  Do all of the sinks have a lever, touch or sensor style faucet available?

»  Are all of the water sources in good condition with no leaks and no standing water, including in the attic and basement?

»  Is the water heater temperature / thermostat set at 120° F, or lower, to avoid burns?

»  Are there accessible laundry facilities available?

»  Do the floors in the Bathrooms and Kitchen have slip resistant surfaces?

»  Is there slip resistant tape or slip resistant mats on the bathtub / shower floor?

»  Is the toilet a standard 17” or a 19” high ADA toilet, or is a secured raised seat available?

»  Are there secured grab bars within reach of the toilets, tub and shower areas?

»  Does the bed have secured rails within reach, for both safety and transfer?

»  Are clothing and items for daily hygiene easily accessible?

If you have any questions or concerns about the safety of your home or improving your accessibility and mobility, or if you have concerns about the home of a loved one, please give us a call at 530-840-7913, or send us an [Email] to discuss how we may be able to assist you.

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