Program tool 9 - page 4 - Active Independent Aging

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Program tool 9. Is your centre safe and activity-friendly?

Page 1 - Instructions
Page 2 - Entrance to centre
Page 3 -Throughout your centre
Page 4 - Public washroom and shower facilities
Page 5 - Inside and outside steps
Page 6 - Inside and outside ramp
Page 7 - Your immediate outdoor environment

Page 2 - Public washroom and shower facilities

		What to check	What to do if you if this is a problem
Yes	No	Grab bars are installed near toilet.	Install at least one grab bar on the side of the toilet. 1 grab bar on each side of the toilet, placed horizontally or 1 grab bar on the rear wall of the toilet, a second bar on the side wall placed at 45' angle. Grab bars cost between $45-$100 and are available at drugstores, hardware stores, and medical supply store. Grab bars should have a slip-resistant (rough) finish where they are most likely to be grasped. Grab bars should be installed by a professional. Most specialty stores that sell grab bars can provide you with a list of installers in your area.
Comments:
Yes	No	Hand towels are located in order to reduce the amount of water on the floor.	Place hand towels near the washroom sink. Keep paper towel dispenser full. Encourage members to report water on the floor.
Comments:
Yes	No	There is slip resistant flooring in washroom.	Install a non-slip mat with rubber backing. Check mats on a regular basis to ensure there are no ripples or tears - if needed, tape mats down. You can purchase non-slip mats at your local hardware or department store.
Comments:
Yes	No	A clean, safe shower facility with a locker room is available.	If you cannot provide a shower area for your members negotiate with other centres for the use of their facilities. Install lockers and provide your members with locks.
Comments:
Yes	No	A grab bar is conveniently located in each shower stall and has been professionally installed.	At least one grab bar should be installed at the entrance to the shower stall. Grab bars cost between $45-$100 and are available at drugstores, hardware stores, and medical supply stores. Grab bars should have a slip-resistant or rough textured surface. Grab bars should be installed by a professional. Most specialty stores that sell grab bars can provide you with a list of installers in your area.
Comments:
Yes	No	A non-slip surface should cover the entire surface of shower area and the floor outside the shower.	Purchase rubber bath mats that cover the entire surface of the shower area. You can purchase non-slip mats at local hardware stores.
Comments:
Yes	No	For members with problems standing in the shower, a bath seat is available.	Bath seats are available at drugstores, hardware stores, and medical supply stores. Bath seats cost between $60-$150. Bath seats with built-in back support and non-slip rubber tips for the bench feet are more secure.
Comments:

Active Independent Aging was a joint venture between the University of Ottawa and the Public Health and Long-term Care Branch, City Of Ottawa. For more information please visit our website at: www.falls-chutes.com. Funding provided by Health Canada/Veterans Affairs Canada Falls Prevention Initiative. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the official policies of Health Canada, Veterans Affairs Canada, the University of Ottawa and the Public Health and Long-term Care Branch, City Of Ottawa. The information in this handout is current as of 2004.

Program tool 9 - page 3

Program tool 9 - page 5

Last modified June 29, 2004