Low Risk (Score = 0)

Your loved one is probably safe to remain in the current living situation. If you begin noticing problems, consider home modifications, assistive devices, and an emergency pager if they live alone.

Falls, injuries, or accidents may be a sign that someone should be there on a more regular basis. If moving in with family is not a good option, consider an assisted living community or an adult foster home.

An evaluation by a social worker or geriatric care manager can be extremely helpful in assessing your loved one’s needs. A physical or occupational therapist can also come to the home to make recommendations. These professionals are skilled at finding potential problems and can offer creative, cost-effective solutions to reduce risk and help improve mobility.

If the person you care for is living alone, make sure none of the following is an issue for them. Arrange for a professional evaluation if you are either unsure or concerned about any of these.

• Walking steadily alone or with a cane
• Maintaining balance well
• Getting into or out of a chair, or off the toilet easily
• Taking a shower or bath without assistance
• Is aware of the surroundings and able to call for help
• Seeing well enough to distinguish basic shapes and physical hazards
• Using a hearing amplified telephone, if necessary
• Having some housekeeping assistance to keep hazards off the floor, if cluttered

Medium Risk (Score: 1–4)

Address any item(s) that you responded with a “Yes.”

If your loved one is living independently, it’s probably OK to continue to do so, but assistance may be needed on occasion. Pay attention to whether any of these is an issue.

• Has more difficulty walking, especially if your loved one gets up in the night
• Experiences dizziness or loss of balance
• Reaches for furniture to keep steady when walking
• Has difficulty getting on or off the toilet or a chair
• Has difficulty moving from the bed to a chair
• Is unable to take a shower or bathe without help
• Has difficulty using a telephone
• Is unable to see well enough to distinguish basic shapes or physical hazards

Accidents at home often happen during the night when your loved one gets up to use the bathroom.

• Make sure there is a lamp that can be reached from the bed.
• A bedside commode can also help reduce the chance of nighttime falls.
• To help prevent dizziness, suggest that your loved one sit on the edge of the bed with feet dangling before attempting to stand.
• Be sure the floor is clear of obstacles.
• Consider placing easy-to-read large print or braille emergency numbers by the telephone.

Since your answers indicate your loved one may be at risk, you might benefit by having a home safety audit. This would involve a visit by a social worker or geriatric care manager. These professionals can make suggestions and advise you as to whether more on-going help is needed. Check with your local area agency on aging for help.

High Risk (Score: 5–12)

Address the items that you responded with a “Yes.”

It appears that your loved one may be at risk for accidents or injury in the current living situation. Consider a change in the living situation, especially if the person you care for lives alone and experiences any of the following:

• Falls frequently
• Has more accidents than usual
• Has difficulties at night
• Seems to be less aware of their surroundings
• Seems confused or disoriented
• Has difficulty using the telephone or calling for help

We strongly encourage you have a social worker or geriatric care manager visit your loved one’s home and provide you with recommendations because the consequences of a fall are often severe. These professionals can assist you in determining what will work best given your family situation and finances. Daily housekeeping help may be a solution, or perhaps a move to a more structured environment may be needed to lessen the risk for accidents and injuries.