The Basics: Physical Environment & Equipment
A quick reference for improvements to environment and equipment
Potential environmental improvements for any ED
Here is a checklist of basic changes and enhancements that can be done with minimal expenditure or changes. The easy ones are first; the harder, more expensive ones are later.
Equipment and supplies
Ensure easy, in-department access to:
- Non-slip socks
- Four-point walkers
- Canes
- Hearing assist devices (link to Pocket Talker)
- Bedside commode
- Condom catheters
- Blanket warmer
- Pressure-ulcer mattresses
- Some recline-able arm chairs
- Low beds
Physical Environment
- Large face analog clocks in each room
- Ample seating for visitors and family (at least 2 chairs in each room)
- Easy access to food and drink
- High-quality easy-to-read signage and way-finding
- Raised toilet seats (removable)
- Wheel-chair accessible toilets
- Efforts at noise reduction (separate enclosed rooms, noise-deadening curtains)
- Non-slip floors with no pattern
- Adequate hand rails
- Access to natural light