Environmental checklists

Environmental hazards can be a risk factor for falls in residential aged care facilities. Environmental hazards can include individual environmental risk factors, ie. those in the resident's immediate environment such as in the bedroom, and general environmental risk factors, ie. those in shared areas such as outdoors or dining areas. Some examples include: poor lighting, wet or slippery floors, obstructed or cluttered pathways, beds or wheelchairs with brakes not locked, or incorrect use of walking aids.

All staff have a duty of care to raise awareness of the need to provide a safe environment. Eliminating or minimising known risks, and compensating for environmental risks that cannot be remedied in the short term, can provide a safer environment for everyone.

A regular audit of the residential care facility and each resident's individual environment can help identify and modify hazards. An environmental checklist should address the individual's environment and the general environment.

Staff, residents and families should be encouraged to report any hazard to management to assist in reducing the risk of falls.

To assist you in conducting environmental audits, implementing management programs and evaluating associated outcomes, the following resources have been included:

• Environmental audit

• Individual environmental checklist and General environmental checklist

• Individual environmental and equipment checklist, and General environmental checklist

• Falls-related environmental audit

Other related links

• Seniors environmental checklist