Home Safety Checklist

Falls are the leading cause of injury among adults 65 and older. Many of these falls happen at home and are preventable with simple modifications. A home safety assessment identifies hazards before they cause harm. Whether you are a senior, a caregiver, or a veteran, this checklist will help you evaluate your home room by room.

The bathroom is where most home falls occur. Check for: grab bars near the toilet and in the shower/tub (if not installed, this is priority #1), non-slip flooring or mats in the shower and on the bathroom floor, a shower seat or bench for stability, a handheld showerhead for seated bathing, lever-style faucet handles (easier to operate than knobs), adequate lighting, and GFCI-protected electrical outlets. If you have a tub with a high step-over, consult a licensed contractor about walk-in or roll-in shower options.

Check for: steps or stairs at all entrances (consider a ramp if mobility is limited), handrails on both sides of stairs, adequate outdoor lighting (motion-sensor recommended), door threshold height (raised thresholds are a tripping hazard), door width (32 inches minimum clear width for wheelchair access, 36 inches ideal), lever-style door handles, a secure and easy-to-use door lock (smart locks can be easier for those with limited hand strength), and a clear, level pathway from the driveway to the door.

Check for: hallway width (minimum 36 inches for wheelchair, 42 inches ideal), remove loose rugs and cords from walkways, adequate lighting throughout (night lights in hallways), light switches accessible at both ends of hallways, furniture arranged to create clear paths, and grab bars or handrails along long hallways if needed for stability.

Check for: bed height (should allow feet to touch the floor when seated on the edge), clear path from bed to bathroom (well-lit, no obstacles), bed rails if needed for stability getting in/out, reachable light switch from the bed, closet rods and shelves at accessible heights, and an emergency call system or phone within reach.

Check for: frequently used items stored at reachable heights (between waist and shoulder), lever-style faucet handles, pull-out shelving for lower cabinets, adequate lighting on work surfaces (under-cabinet lights), non-slip flooring, and appliances positioned for safe reach.

Check for: handrails on both sides of all stairs (securely anchored), adequate lighting at the top and bottom of stairs, non-slip stair treads, consistent step heights (uneven steps are a major hazard), and consider a stair lift for those who cannot safely climb stairs.

Throughout the home, check for: working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every level, a fire extinguisher on each floor, adequate general lighting (brighter is better for aging eyes), electrical cords routed along walls (not across walkways), water heater set to 120 degrees F (to prevent scalding), and emergency numbers posted in a visible location.

If you identified multiple issues, you do not have to fix everything at once. Start with the bathroom (grab bars, non-slip surfaces) and entryway (lighting, handrails). These are the highest-impact, most cost-effective modifications. We offer a free home safety assessment where we walk through your home, identify every issue, and provide a prioritized plan with costs. Call us at (571) 655-1054 or request an assessment through our website.