Illustration by (Getty Images) If you are a caregiver concerned about the safety of your house or your parents’ house, Jewish Family Service is one of several organizations around San Diego County that provide free minor home safety repairs and modifications for older adults. What they do: JFS’s Fix-It Service does a four-point safety check, along with needed minor safety repairs and modifications to help prevent falls and improve mobility and security at home. All services are free and done by a prescreened team of volunteers. Specifically, they: Install or fix doorbells, provide non-slip bath mats, minor electrical and plumbing work Make home security and safety modifications, including grab bars, security lights, handrails, locks/deadbolts and door/window screen repairs Install assistive devices such as shower chairs, toilet seat risers and bedside commodes Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors TAKE JFS’s SAFETY CHECK Four-point safety: Is there a working smoke/carbon monoxide detector in one or more areas of the home? Are there grab bars in the shower or bath and/or near the toilet? Is there a peephole in the front door? Is the doorbell loud enough to be heard from all living areas? Universal: Are the exterior steps and walkways leading to the home in good condition? Are the exterior stairs and walkways free of debris? Are there nonskid throw rugs and scatter mats? Are the walkways clear of telephone and electrical cords? Are the interior stairs in good condition, with a nonskid surface? Are there solid handrails on at least one side of the stairways? Are the stairs free of clutter? Is there a phone near the bed? Are there nightlights in the bedroom and bathroom? Bathroom: Is there a nonskid bath mat or a nonslip surface in bathtub or shower to make it less slippery? Is it difficult to get on and off the toilet? Is a raised toilet seat and/or grab bar needed? Is it difficult to get in/out of tub/shower? Are grab bars needed in those areas? Kitchen: Is there a stable step stool (with safety rail) for reaching high places? Home Safety Checklist for People with Alzheimer's disease : Are there cabinet/refrigerator latches to prevent rummaging through cabinets and refrigerator? Are there confounding door locks to prevent wandering? Are there door alarms to alert resident(s) when doors are opened? Have resident(s) considered using door camouflage to hide an exit? Are there doorknob covers to prevent roaming? Have gates been installed to prevent wandering? Are room monitors used when resident(s) are in another part of the home? Are wandering alert kits that “beep” being used? Take action: If any or all of the above safety points need to be repaired or installed, contact JFS Fix-It at (858) 637-3210 or jfssd.org/fixit . JFS Fix-It Service is available to adults ages 60 and older who reside in the North Central, Central, South and East regions of San Diego County. More help available: Other organizations that make minor home modifications and repairs include Interfaith Community Services — Operating throughout North San Diego County, Interfaith recruits volunteers and local businesses to make minor home repairs for qualified seniors, including fixing leaky faucets, repairing screen doors and windows, or installing grab bars or smoke alarms. See their program flier here . Contact: (760) 294-6356, ext. 103. ElderHelp — Offering services in mid-central San Diego, East County and select beach and North County areas, ElderHelp works with vetted volunteers to provide home safety inspections and modifications such as railings and safety bars, as part of its Care Coordination program for seniors. Contact: (619) 284-9281.
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