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Home Safety Assessment

A room-by-room checklist to identify fall hazards and safety concerns for aging parents

Why This Matters

Falls are the leading cause of injury in adults 65+

Every year, one in four older adults falls. Many falls happen at home and are preventable with simple modifications. This assessment helps you identify risks before an accident happens.

OK = Safe

FIX = Needs attention

! = Urgent hazard

Check one box for each item as you walk through the home.

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Entryways & Hallways

Walkways are clear of clutter No shoes, boxes, or items blocking paths

FIX

Lighting is bright enough to see clearly Add higher-wattage bulbs or additional fixtures if dim

FIX

Light switches at both ends of hallways No walking through dark spaces to reach switches

FIX

No loose rugs or curled carpet edges Remove or secure with double-sided tape

FIX

No cords running across walkways Extension cords, phone cords, lamp cords

FIX

Handrail available if there are steps Even 1-2 steps benefit from a rail

FIX

Door threshold is level or low-profile High thresholds are tripping hazards

FIX

🛁

Bathroom (Highest Risk Area)

Grab bars installed near toilet Wall-mounted, not suction cup

FIX

Grab bars in shower/tub Both horizontal and vertical recommended

FIX

Non-slip mat or strips in tub/shower Wet surfaces are extremely slippery

FIX

Shower seat or bench available For those with balance issues or fatigue

FIX

Raised toilet seat if needed Makes sitting/standing easier

FIX

Night light for nighttime trips Motion-activated ideal

FIX

No bath mats that slip Use mats with rubber backing or remove

FIX

Water temperature set below 120°F Prevents scalding

FIX

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Kitchen

Frequently used items at waist height No reaching or climbing for daily items

FIX

No step stools in use Move items down or use a reacher tool

FIX

Floor is dry and not slippery Wipe spills immediately

FIX

Fire extinguisher accessible And not expired

FIX

Stove has auto-shutoff or timer Consider stove knob covers if memory issues

FIX

Good lighting over work areas Under-cabinet lights help

FIX

🛏️

Bedroom

Clear path from bed to bathroom Remove furniture or items that block the way

FIX

Night light along the path Motion-activated recommended

FIX

Light switch or lamp reachable from bed No getting up in the dark

FIX

Bed is at appropriate height Should be easy to get in/out; consider bed rails

FIX

Phone accessible from bed In case of emergency at night

FIX

No loose rugs by the bed Bare floor or secured rug only

FIX

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Stairs

Handrails on both sides Secure, at proper height, full length of stairs

FIX

Lighting at top and bottom Switches accessible at both ends

FIX

No clutter on steps Nothing stored on stairs

FIX

Carpet is secure (no loose edges) Or non-slip treads installed

FIX

Step edges clearly visible Contrasting tape if needed

FIX

🛋️

Living Room & General

Furniture arranged for clear paths Wide enough for walker if used

FIX

Chairs have sturdy armrests For support when sitting/standing

FIX

TV remote, phone within easy reach No need to get up unnecessarily

FIX

Smoke detectors working Test monthly; replace batteries yearly

FIX

Carbon monoxide detector installed If gas appliances or attached garage

FIX

Consider a Medical Alert System

If your parent lives alone or is at fall risk, a wearable medical alert device (pendant or wristband) can summon help if they fall and can't reach a phone. Many services offer 24/7 monitoring.

Action Plan

Prioritize and track your safety improvements

Urgent Fixes (Do This Week)

Issue	Location	Done

Important Fixes (This Month)

Issue	Est. Cost	Done

Professional Assessment Resources

Many hospitals offer free home safety assessments
Occupational therapists specialize in home modifications
Area Agency on Aging may offer assessment services
Some home health agencies include safety checks