Home Safety Checklist for Seniors (Room by Room)
Home Safety Checklist for Seniors (Room by Room)
Short answer: More than one out of four older people falls each year. You can lower this risk by removing hazards room by room. This checklist covers the floors, stairs, kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom to keep your loved one safe at home.
- Clear paths and remove or secure throw rugs to prevent tripping.
- Install grab bars in the bathroom and secure handrails on all stairs.
- Keep everyday items at waist level in the kitchen so your loved one does not have to climb.
- The Pennsylvania Community HealthChoices (CHC) waiver can pay for home adaptations for eligible participants.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one out of four older people falls each year. These falls lead to about 4.5 million emergency department visits and nearly 319,000 hospitalizations for hip fractures annually. Checking the home for hazards is the first step to keeping your loved one safe.
Room-by-Room Home Safety Checklist
You can use this home fall prevention checklist to identify and fix common dangers in your loved one’s house.
Floors and Stairs
| Area | Safety Action |
|---|---|
| Floors | Clear paths around furniture and keep objects off the floor. |
| Floors | Remove throw rugs, or use double-sided tape or non-slip backing. |
| Floors | Coil or tape cords next to the wall. |
| Stairs | Keep objects off the stairs and fix loose or uneven steps. |
| Stairs | Make sure carpet is firmly attached or use non-slip treads. |
| Stairs | Install handrails on both sides that are full length and secure. |
| Stairs | Put lights at the top and bottom with switches at both ends (glow switches exist). Replace burned-out bulbs. |
Kitchen, Bathroom, and Bedroom
| Area | Safety Action |
|---|---|
| Kitchen | Keep often-used items on lower shelves, about waist level. |
| Kitchen | Use a steady step stool with a bar. Never use a chair as a step stool. |
| Bathroom | Place a non-slip mat or self-stick strips in the tub or shower. |
| Bathroom | Install grab bars inside and next to the tub, and next to the toilet. |
| Bedroom | Place a lamp within reach of the bed. |
| Bedroom | Keep a night-light on the path from the bed to the bathroom. |
Other Daily Safety Steps
Beyond furniture and fixtures, daily habits matter. The CDC recommends:
- Have a doctor or pharmacist review all medicines, as some cause sleepiness or dizziness.
- Get an eye exam at least once a year.
- Tell your loved one to get up slowly to avoid dizziness.
- Wear shoes inside and out. Avoid going barefoot or wearing slippers.
- Add brighter, even lighting and use contrasting paint on step edges.
- Do exercises for balance and leg strength.
- Keep emergency numbers in large print near each phone, and keep a phone near the floor.
- Consider an alarm device for falls.
If your loved one needs mobility assistance or home care, New Century Home Care can help. Call 215-974-0000 or visit our contact page and select “I am a client” then “I need services.” Our Philadelphia office staff speak English, Russian, and Ukrainian.
Paying for Safety Changes
Many families pay out of pocket for basic safety upgrades like night-lights or non-slip mats. If your loved one needs larger modifications, state programs may help.
The Pennsylvania Community HealthChoices (CHC) waiver pays for long-term services and supports. For eligible participants, the CHC waiver covers home adaptations, assistive technology, and Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS). A service coordinator writes a person-centered service plan that lists which services and modifications are approved.
Detailed Safety Guides
For more specific advice on protecting your loved one at home, review our complete guides:
- Fall prevention guide: Learn more about mobility risks and balance.
- Safe bathing guide: Explore bathroom modifications and hygiene help.
- Kitchen safety guide: Find ways to prevent burns and cooking accidents.
- Dementia home safety: Read about wandering prevention, appliance shut-offs, and securing medications.
Let us help your loved one stay safe at home. Call 215-974-0000 or fill out our online form by choosing “I am a client” and “I need services.”
Frequently asked questions
What are common fall hazards in the home?
Common hazards include throw rugs, cluttered walkways, cords on the floor, and poor lighting. You should also check for loose stair steps, missing handrails, and a lack of grab bars in the bathroom. Removing these hazards lowers the risk of falls.
What are the signs that an older adult needs more help at home?
Frequent falls, trouble getting out of a chair, and holding onto walls while walking are physical signs. You might also notice memory problems, such as forgetting to turn off the stove or misplacing valuables. If these occur, consider a medical evaluation and home care support.
Non-medical home care in Philadelphia, Bucks, Montgomery, Delaware and Chester counties. Medicaid CHC (Keystone First), VA programs and private pay. We speak English, Russian and Ukrainian.
Request care