Safety in the Home: A Checklist for the Caregiver

Fire Safety

• Check the batteries in your smoke detector every month. If you don't have a smoke detector, contact the Southern Home Care social worker or the fire department for help in getting one.
• Plan two exit routes from your home in case of fire. Your nurse can help you with this.
• Turn off the stove when not in use - and NEVER use your gas stove as a heat source in the winter.
• Do not smoke in bed.
• Keep portable heaters away from curtains and any flammable material (newspapers, bed linens, etc.).

Electrical Safety

• Use only three-pronged plugs - these are grounded to prevent shocks. An inexpensive adapter is available. Never force a plug into an outlet.
• Avoid extension cords. If one must be used, don't stretch it across a pathway; tape it to the floor to prevent tripping.
• Discard or replace any frayed electrical cords.

Bathroom Safety

• Keep a dry, non-skid rug next to the tub or shower.
• Use a non-skid bath mat or self-adhering decals in the shower or tub.
• If the patient is unsteady, have grab bars installed near the shower or tub.
• Never use a hair dryer or electric shaver while in the shower or tub.

General Safety Tips

• Remove all throw rugs to prevent falls.
• Keep pathways clear of furniture and clutter.
• Insure that there is adequate lighting in the bathroom, kitchen and stairways.

Universal Precautions

• The best way to prevent the spread of infection is handwashing. Wash your hands before and after caring for the patient, after using the toilet and before preparing food. Use antiseptic soap such as Dial or Safeguard.
• Soiled dressings used in wound care should be placed into securely fastened plastic bags before being thrown out. Intravenous bags and tubing should be treated the same way.

Needle Safety

• If you use needles, place used ones in the red "sharps" container provided by your nurse.
• DO NOT re-cap, bend or break the needle from the syringe.
• DO NOT force additional needles/syringes into a full sharps container.
• DO NOT put your hand inside the container and don't remove used needles or syringes. Your nurse can provide you with additional information on disposal of sharp containers.

Medication Safety

• If you are taking a medically prescribed narcotic, keep the medication out of sight in a safe - preferably locked - place. Do not tell anyone other than your immediate family that you have narcotics in the home.
• Keep all medications out of reach of children.
• Take your medications exactly as your physician prescribed them.
• Never take an extra dose or skip doses. If you have any questions about medications, ask your physician, your pharmacist or your Southern Home Care nurse.

Oxygen Safety

1. Talk with your physician and your supplier. They can help you make the needed arrangements.
2. Be sure the area where you use your oxygen is well ventilated.
3. Secure a portable tank in an upright position.
4. Check with your travel agent, airline company, etc., about any restrictions that may apply.

For further information on any of these subjects, call Southern Home Care@ 1-800-582-7655. Special handouts are available on these subjects.

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