Print this list and answer the following questions for each room/area of the house.
| Windows/Doors | Yes | No |
| Are windows/doors easy to open/close? |  |
|
| Are locks sturdy/easy to operate? | |
|
| Are doors wide enough for a walker/wheelchair? | |
|
| Are door thresholds raised too high? | |
|
| Is there space to maneuver while opening/closing doors? | |
|
| Does the front door have a view panel? | |
|
| If so, is it at a proper height for you? | |
|
| Floor Surfaces | Yes | No |
| Is the surface safe? Non-slip? | |
|
| Are there scatter rugs or door mats that may be dangerous? | |
|
| Are there changes in levels? | |
|
| If so, are they obvious or marked in some way? | |
|
| Steps/Stairways/Walkways | Yes | No |
| Are they in good repair? Smooth/safe surfaces? | |
|
| Are there handrails on both sides of stairway? | |
|
| Is there grasping space for both knuckles and fingers on railings? | |
|
| Are the stair treads deep enough for your whole foot? | |
|
| Would a ramp be feasible in any of these areas if it became necessary? | |
|
| Appliances/Kitchen/Bath | Yes | No |
| Is arrangement convenient and safe? | |
|
| Can oven/refrigerator be opened easily? | |
|
| Are stove controls easy to use? | |
|
| Are they clearly marked? | |
|
| Is counter height/depth good for you? | |
|
| Can you sit while working? | |
|
| Are door cabinet knobs easy to use? | |
|
| Are faucets easy to use? | |
|
| Do you have convenience items such as a garbage disposal? | |
|
| A trash compactor? | |
|
| A hand-held shower head? | |
|
| Can you get in and out of tub/shower with ease? | |
|
| Do you have bath/shower seat? | |
|
| Are there grab bars where needed? | |
|
| Is hot water heater regulated to prevent scalding/burning? | |
|
| Storage | Yes | No |
| Is storage located conveniently? | |
|
| Is storage adequate and usable? | |
|
| Can you easily reach closet items? | |
|
| Have you maximized your storage space with innovative products? | |
|
| Electrical Outlets/Switches/Alarms | Yes | No |
| Are outlets/switches easy to turn on/off? | |
|
| Are outlets properly grounded to prevent electrical shock? | |
|
| Are extension cords in good condition? | |
|
| Are they needed? | |
|
| Do you have smoke detectors in all necessary areas? | |
|
| Do you have an alarm system? | |
|
| Is the telephone readily available for emergencies? | |
|
| Is the telephone equipped for hearing enhancement if necessary? | |
|
| Can you hear the doorbell in every part of the house? | |
|
| Lighting/Ventilation | Yes | No |
| Is lighting sufficient for purpose of area? | |
|
| Is lighting bright enough for safety? | |
|
| Do you have night lights where needed? | |
|
| Is area well-ventilated? | |
|
| Driveway/Garage | Yes | No |
| Is parking space available | |
|
| Is it convenient to entrance way? | |
|
| Does garage door have an automatic opener? | |
|
For more information, visit the AARP Web site.
From Paraplegia News, published by the Paralyzed Veterans of America
PVA accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information published herein and does not endorse any company or any of the products or services advertised on this Web site.
Credit: Paralyzed Veterans of America
