Safety

• Remove all fall and fire hazards – NO floor mats or throw rugs.
• Declutter.

• Keep counter-tops clear for transferring items from refrigerator, oven, sink and cooktop.
• If gas cooking, install a gas sensor near gas appliances.
• Install task lighting under cabinets.
• Cabinets – add pull out shelves and turntables.
• Cabinets – install easy to grasp cabinet knobs or loop drawer handles.
• Place microwave at counter height.
• Place a contrasting color strip on kitchen counter edges - (decorative masking tape works).

• Increase this room’s lighting during daylight and nighttime hours. Ensure the path from the bedroom to the bathroom is well lit.
• Install easy to reach grab bars in the shower / tub area. Make sure the bars are slip-resistant  and easy to see – a contrasting color, if silver would blend in too much with the surrounding area, choose black or red - https://www.grab-bar.com/collections/colorful-grab-bars
• Install a wall dispenser for shampoo / body wash inside the shower area.
• Install a shower chair – or a shower transfer bench - https://www.upliftingmobility.com/tub-transfer-bench/
• Non-slip mats on the floor of the shower or tub.
• Raised toilet seat – equipped w/ grip bars.

• If at all possible, hire a professional to sort through to help declutter the home. Clutter threatens the health and safety of seniors. 
• This professional should be BIG on empathy – meeting with your loved one a few times to earn their trust. They should start small and slow. 
• The professional may be a certified CRTS https://crtscertification.com/ or a highly recommended professional with references from a Realtor® in your area.

• Make ready a surface inside doorway for placing packages.
• If possible, install a lever type door handle on interior front door to exit.
• Lighted switches & outlets in kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and hallways . If lighted is not possible, contrasting color of light switches - https://www.snappower.com/
• Stick-on, tactile markers (bump dots)– good for microwaves, oven controls.
• Wall paint – color contrast should be evident between walls and floors. A matte finish wall covering lessens glare. 

Water leak detectors

• Flo by Moen Smart Water Detector - https://www.moen.com/flo
• Flume™ 2 Smart Home Water Monitor - https://flumewater.com/

  Ring Video Doorbell

• Smart locks – keyless entry w/ smart phone app (Google Nest x Yale Lock w/ Nest Connect)
• Nest Protect https://store.google.com/us/product/nest_protect_2nd_gen?hl=en-US

Video surveillance (live remote viewing and two-way audio can be use via Wi-Fi)

• Blink Mini- https://blinkforhome.com/ plug in camera, live views and two-way audio features.
• Lorex System - https://www.lorextechnology.com/ - sends alerts w/ motion, can have customized zones with tilt, pan & zoom.

Smart lights such as Philip Hue or Sylvania Smart Plus LED

• Offer the security of programming lights to turn on / off at specified times. 
• Some systems learn the daily activity patterns and can operate automatically when homeowner isn’t at home.

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors - can distinguish between smoke and CO and send a notification to phone. 

• Hardwired: OneLink Safe & Sound - https://www.firstalert.com/smoke-carbon-monoxide-alarms/
• Roost Battery w/ built in Wi-Fi - https://getroost.com/sensors  

 Florida Ranks the #1 State for Fraud - Broward County Ranks #1,Orange County Ranks #2

• TrueLink® - Prepaid card allows a set amount that triggers an alert as well as sets spending limits. Good to have if a non-family-member caregiver needs to run errands and make purchases for older adults.
• EverSafe® - Specialized protection for seniors that analyzes transaction patterns to spot anomalies and unusual activity such as missing deposits and late bills. Suspicious activity alerts are sent to a trusted advocate by email, text, phone, or the EverSafe® app.

RESOURCE #1

Lotsa Helping Hands

Resource for rides, meals and coordinated elderly care 

• Website:  https://my.lotsahelpinghands.com/community/search  
• Email: support@lotsahelpinghands.com

RESOURCE #2

Village to Village Network

Volunteers must pass background check

Resource for rides , yard work and household tasks such as changing light bulbs, bedsheets 

• Website: https://www.vtvnetwork.org/content.aspx?page_id=0&club_id=691012

RESOURCE #3 

Go Go Grandparent

• Website: https://gogograndparent.com/  

DISCLAIMER:  All of the above mentioned products, companies and websites are purely for informational purposes. No endorsement or recommendation is implied.