Senior Home Safety Checklist: Room-by-Room Fall Prevention Guide

Why a Home Safety Assessment Matters

Most falls among older adults happen at home, but many are preventable with simple modifications. According to the CDC, more than one in four adults aged 65 and older falls each year, and the majority of these falls occur in the home.

Research shows that home safety assessment and modification can reduce falls by about 33%, according to studies cited by the National Institute on Aging. Taking time to walk through your home—or your loved one's home—with a critical eye can prevent serious injuries.

Use this room-by-room checklist to identify and address common fall hazards.

General Home Safety (All Rooms)

Lighting

• [ ] Light switches are accessible at room entrances
• [ ] Rooms are well-lit without dark corners or shadows
• [ ] Light bulbs are bright enough (at least 60-watt equivalent)
• [ ] Nightlights are installed in hallways and bathrooms
• [ ] Light switches glow in the dark or are illuminated
• [ ] Flashlight is accessible for power outages

Flooring

• [ ] Carpets are secured with tacks, non-slip backing, or double-sided tape
• [ ] Throw rugs are removed or secured with non-slip backing
• [ ] Floors are not slippery when wet
• [ ] Transitions between floor surfaces are smooth
• [ ] Spills are cleaned up immediately
• [ ] Floor is clear of clutter and obstacles

Electrical and Cords

• [ ] Electrical cords are out of walkways
• [ ] Extension cords are not a tripping hazard
• [ ] Phone chargers and cables are secured
• [ ] Cords are not run under rugs

Furniture

• [ ] Furniture is arranged to create clear walking paths
• [ ] Low furniture (coffee tables, footstools) is easily visible
• [ ] Chairs and sofas are at appropriate height for easy sitting and standing
• [ ] Furniture is sturdy enough to lean on if needed

A safe home environment prevents falls and supports independence.

Bathroom Checklist

The bathroom is the most dangerous room in the house for falls. More than 80% of home falls occur in the bathroom. For detailed bathroom modifications, see our complete guide to bathroom safety for seniors.

Tub and Shower

• [ ] Grab bars installed inside the shower/tub (not towel bars)
• [ ] Grab bar at tub entrance for stepping in and out
• [ ] Non-slip mat or strips inside the tub/shower
• [ ] Shower chair or bench for seated bathing
• [ ] Handheld showerhead for easier bathing while seated
• [ ] Toiletries are within easy reach (no stretching required)
• [ ] Step is low enough to enter safely (consider walk-in tub/shower)

Toilet Area

• [ ] Grab bars installed next to toilet
• [ ] Raised toilet seat if standard height is difficult
• [ ] Toilet paper holder within easy reach
• [ ] Space for walker or mobility aid nearby

Floor and General

• [ ] Non-slip bath mat outside tub/shower (secured)
• [ ] Floor is kept dry (mop up water immediately)
• [ ] Nightlight for nighttime bathroom visits
• [ ] Water temperature is set to 120°F or lower to prevent scalding
• [ ] Medications are stored outside bathroom (humidity damages them)
• [ ] Faucets have lever handles (easier than knobs)

Bedroom Checklist

Bed Area

• [ ] Bed is at appropriate height (easy to get in and out)
• [ ] Light switch or lamp within reach from bed
• [ ] Phone within reach of bed for emergencies
• [ ] Clear path to bathroom (no obstacles)
• [ ] Nightlight illuminates path to bathroom
• [ ] Bed rails if needed for stability (properly installed)

Closet and Dressing

• [ ] Frequently used items are at accessible height
• [ ] Step stool is avoided or sturdy with handrail
• [ ] Sitting area available for dressing (chair or bed edge)
• [ ] Good lighting in closet

Flooring and Furniture

• [ ] No throw rugs or secured with non-slip backing
• [ ] Electrical cords away from walking path
• [ ] Furniture arranged for clear walking
• [ ] Low furniture (ottoman, footrest) is visible

Kitchen Checklist

Storage and Reach

• [ ] Frequently used items stored at waist to eye level
• [ ] Heavy items on lower shelves
• [ ] Step stool is sturdy with handrail (if used at all)
• [ ] No standing on chairs to reach items
• [ ] Reacher/grabber tool available for high items

Floor Safety

• [ ] Spills cleaned immediately
• [ ] Anti-fatigue mat at sink is secured
• [ ] No throw rugs in kitchen
• [ ] Floor is non-slip when wet

Appliance Safety

• [ ] Fire extinguisher accessible
• [ ] Smoke detector working
• [ ] Automatic shut-off on coffee maker/kettle
• [ ] Good lighting over work areas

Keep frequently used items at accessible heights to avoid risky reaching.

Stairs and Hallways Checklist

Stairs

• [ ] Handrails on BOTH sides of stairs
• [ ] Handrails are sturdy and securely fastened
• [ ] Handrails extend beyond top and bottom steps
• [ ] Good lighting at top and bottom of stairs
• [ ] Light switches at both top and bottom
• [ ] Steps are in good repair (no loose boards or carpet)
• [ ] Non-slip strips on each step (especially if uncarpeted)
• [ ] Step edges are clearly visible (contrasting color)
• [ ] No clutter on stairs
• [ ] Consider stairlift if stairs are difficult

Hallways

• [ ] Well-lit along entire length
• [ ] Clear of furniture and obstacles
• [ ] No throw rugs
• [ ] Smoke detectors installed and working

Living Room Checklist

• [ ] Clear walking paths through room
• [ ] Coffee tables and ottomans clearly visible
• [ ] Electrical cords secured and out of pathways
• [ ] No throw rugs (or secured with non-slip backing)
• [ ] Chairs have armrests for easier standing
• [ ] Remote controls, phone, and essentials within reach from seating
• [ ] Good lighting, especially near seating areas

Entryway and Outdoor Areas Checklist

Entry Points

• [ ] Outdoor lighting at all entrances
• [ ] Doorbell and knocker easy to hear
• [ ] Threshold is low or has smooth transition
• [ ] Door locks easy to operate
• [ ] Handrail at any steps
• [ ] Non-slip welcome mat (secured)

Walkways and Steps

• [ ] Walkways are even (no cracks or raised edges)
• [ ] Steps have handrails
• [ ] Good lighting along walkways
• [ ] No loose stones or pavers
• [ ] Snow and ice removed promptly in winter
• [ ] Garden hoses put away (tripping hazard)

Porch and Patio

• [ ] Furniture is sturdy
• [ ] Good lighting
• [ ] No uneven surfaces
• [ ] Railing on any elevated areas

Personal Safety Items

• [ ] Medical alert system (pendant or wristband) for calling help
• [ ] Phone accessible in multiple rooms
• [ ] Emergency numbers posted (911, doctor, family)
• [ ] Non-slip footwear worn indoors (no walking in socks or slippers without grip)
• [ ] Glasses prescription is current
• [ ] Cane, walker, or mobility aid in good condition
• [ ] Medication list readily available

When to Consider Professional Help

Even with a safe home environment, some seniors need additional support. Consider professional fall prevention services if:

• Your loved one has had recent falls or near-falls (know what to do if your parent falls)
• Balance or mobility has declined
• They need help with activities that risk falls (bathing, dressing)
• You're not sure how to make the home safer
• Fear of falling is limiting their activity

At Home Healers Home Safety Services

At At Home Healers, we help families make their homes safer. With over 20 years of combined experience serving Fort Wayne and Northeast Indiana, we understand that a safe home is essential for independence.

Our fall prevention services include:

• Professional home safety assessments: We walk through your home to identify hazards you might miss
• Modification recommendations: Practical suggestions for your specific situation
• Mobility assistance: Help with walking, transfers, and bathroom activities
• Bathing support: Safe assistance with the highest-risk daily activity
• Housekeeping services: Keeping floors clear and environments safe

We serve families throughout Fort Wayne, Auburn, Columbia City, Warsaw, and surrounding communities.

Contact us for a free consultation to discuss home safety and fall prevention.