A Room-by-Room Home Safety Checklist for Older Adults

Falls are the leading cause of injury among adults 65 and older, according to the CDC. Most falls happen at home, and many are preventable. This checklist helps families walk through each room and identify hazards that can be fixed.

You do not need to do everything at once. Start with the highest-risk areas, like the bathroom and stairs, and work your way through the rest.

Entryway and Hallways

• ✓[ ] Remove or secure all loose rugs with non-slip backing or double-sided tape
• ✓[ ] Ensure lighting is bright enough to see clearly, especially at night
• ✓[ ] Install night lights along the path from bedroom to bathroom
• ✓[ ] Clear all walkways of clutter, cords, and furniture
• ✓[ ] If there are steps at the entry, consider a ramp or a sturdy handrail
• ✓[ ] Make sure the door threshold is flat or beveled to prevent tripping

Living Room and Bedroom

• ✓[ ] Arrange furniture so there are wide, clear paths for walking
• ✓[ ] Remove low coffee tables or ottomans that are hard to see
• ✓[ ] Ensure the bed is at a height that is easy to get in and out of
• ✓[ ] Place a sturdy chair with arms near the bed for dressing
• ✓[ ] Keep a lamp within reach of the bed, or use a remote-controlled light
• ✓[ ] Secure loose electrical cords against walls or under furniture
• ✓[ ] Remove or secure area rugs

Bathroom

The bathroom is one of the most dangerous rooms in the home. Water and hard surfaces make falls more likely and more serious.

• ✓[ ] Install grab bars next to the toilet and inside and outside the shower or tub
• ✓[ ] Use a non-slip mat inside the tub or shower
• ✓[ ] Consider a shower chair and a handheld showerhead
• ✓[ ] Raise the toilet seat if sitting or standing is difficult
• ✓[ ] Install a night light in the bathroom
• ✓[ ] Remove loose bath mats and use ones with non-slip backing
• ✓[ ] Keep the floor dry; wipe up spills immediately
• ✓[ ] Consider replacing the bathtub with a walk-in shower if stepping over the tub edge is difficult

For more detail, see our article on bathroom safety for seniors.

Kitchen

• ✓[ ] Move frequently used items to waist height to reduce reaching and bending
• ✓[ ] Use a sturdy step stool with a handrail for higher shelves, or avoid high shelves altogether
• ✓[ ] Ensure the stove is easy to turn on and off, and consider labels for controls
• ✓[ ] Check that the smoke detector works and is near the kitchen
• ✓[ ] Keep a fire extinguisher within reach
• ✓[ ] Clean up spills immediately to prevent slipping
• ✓[ ] Ensure the refrigerator and pantry are organized and food is not expired

Stairs

Stairs are one of the highest-risk areas in any home. If your loved one uses stairs regularly, take these steps:

• ✓[ ] Install sturdy handrails on both sides of the staircase
• ✓[ ] Ensure each step has a non-slip surface or tread
• ✓[ ] Repair any loose or damaged steps
• ✓[ ] Install bright lighting at the top and bottom of the stairs
• ✓[ ] Install light switches at both the top and bottom
• ✓[ ] Remove anything stored on the stairs
• ✓[ ] Consider a stair lift if stairs are too difficult to navigate safely

For more detail, see our article on stair safety for seniors.

Outdoor Areas

• ✓[ ] Repair cracked or uneven walkways
• ✓[ ] Ensure outdoor steps have handrails
• ✓[ ] Install motion-sensor lights at entryways
• ✓[ ] Keep walkways clear of leaves, snow, and ice
• ✓[ ] Ensure the mailbox is accessible without climbing steps
• ✓[ ] Trim shrubs or branches that block walkways

General Safety

• ✓[ ] Install smoke detectors on every floor and test them monthly
• ✓[ ] Install carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas
• ✓[ ] Keep a phone within reach of the bed and favorite chair
• ✓[ ] Consider a medical alert device that can call for help after a fall
• ✓[ ] Ensure the home address is clearly visible from the street for emergency responders
• ✓[ ] Keep emergency numbers posted near the phone

Lighting

Good lighting is one of the simplest and most effective safety improvements.

• ✓[ ] Use bright bulbs (at least 60 watts or LED equivalent) in all rooms
• ✓[ ] Install night lights in hallways, bathrooms, and the kitchen
• ✓[ ] Consider motion-sensor lights in key areas
• ✓[ ] Ensure light switches are easy to reach and at a comfortable height
• ✓[ ] Keep a flashlight in the bedroom in case of a power outage

What to Do With This Checklist

Walk through the home with your loved one. Bring this checklist and a notepad. As you go room by room, note what needs to be fixed and prioritize the items that pose the greatest risk.

Some changes are simple and inexpensive, like removing rugs and installing night lights. Others, like grab bars or a walk-in shower, may require a contractor. Start with the easy fixes and plan for the larger ones.

If you are not sure where to start, consider a professional home safety assessment. A caregiver or case manager can help identify risks and recommend modifications.

When More Support Is Needed

A safe home is important, but it is only one part of the picture. If your loved one is also struggling with daily tasks like bathing, meals, or medication management, in-home care can provide the support they need to stay safely at home.

For more on fall prevention, see our article on fall prevention at home. And if you would like help assessing your loved one's needs, Healthy at Home offers a free care assessment.