Checklist for the Home for Vertigo
 
Overview
         Use these checklists once a month to see how you are doing to stay safe in case of a vertigo attack. How many of the items can you say "yes" to? Try to do all the items on each list. 
        Date:_________ 
        Checklist for the home
        
          - ____Walkways around the house (especially to the bathroom or telephone) are clear of furniture, toys, throw rugs, electrical cords, or anything that may cause me to trip. 
 
          - ____My furniture is a height that allows me to use it easily. 
 
          - ____I can easily reach a telephone in any room that contains one. 
 
          - ____My linoleum or wood floors are not slippery. 
 
          - ____My driveway and sidewalks are clear of toys, tools, and anything that may cause me to trip. 
 
          - ____My indoor and outdoor lighting allows me to see my way. 
 
          - ____I have night-lights where they best help me. 
 
          - ____My stairs have light switches within reach. 
 
          - ____I have a handrail next to my stairs. 
 
        
        Checklist for the bathroom and kitchen
        
          - ____I have grab bars in place in the shower and bathtub and near the toilet. 
 
          - ____I have mats in my shower and bathtub to prevent slipping. 
 
          - ____I do not have any throw rugs in the bathroom or kitchen. 
 
          - ____I have a night-light in the bathroom. 
 
          - ____I store the materials and foods I use the most on lower shelves so that I don't need to climb or reach for them. 
 
          - ____If I have to climb to reach a kitchen or bathroom shelf, I use a step stool with handrails. 
 
          - ____I do not stand on chairs. 
 
          - ____I clean up any spills immediately and keep the bathroom floor dry. 
 
        
        Checklist for personal consideration
        
          - ____I have explained to my family, friends, and work colleagues that I experience vertigo. They know what might happen during an episode and how they can help. 
 
          - ____I know the side effects of my medicines and whether any affect my sense of balance. 
 
          - ____I try to avoid driving, working at heights, or operating dangerous machinery. 
 
          - ____I use a cane or walker if necessary. 
 
          - ____I wear low-heeled shoes that don't skid. 
 
          - ____I don't wear shoes with thick and heavy soles. 
 
          - ____I keep my shoes tied. 
 
          - ____I avoid walking around the house in slippers or socks. 
 
          - ____In fall or winter, I promptly clear wet leaves and snow or ice off walkways. 
 
        
      Credits
Current as of:  October 27, 2024
 
Current as of: October 27, 2024