Home Safety Assessment: Room-by-Room Checklist

Walk through every room and identify fall risks, fire hazards, and accessibility gaps — with specific, actionable recommendations for each area of your parent's home.

Falls are the leading cause of injury and injury-related death among adults over 65. Every year, one in four older adults falls — and many of those falls happen at home. The good news: most home hazards are fixable with simple, low-cost changes. Walk through each room with this checklist and mark off each item as you address it. Don't try to do everything in one day — prioritize the bedroom-to-bathroom path first, then work outward.

Entryways & Exits

Are all exterior walkways even, without cracks or uneven surfaces? Repair trip hazards.

Are there at least two clear, unobstructed exits from the home in case of fire?

Do all exterior doors have working deadbolt locks that are easy to operate?

Is there a ramp or step-free entry available? If not, is a ramp installation feasible?

Are exterior lights working and motion-activated or on a timer for nighttime visibility?

Is the house number clearly visible from the street for emergency responders — large, reflective, and unobstructed?

Do door thresholds sit flush with the floor (no more than ½ inch rise)? Install threshold ramps if needed.

Are doormats secured with non-slip backing or tape to prevent sliding?

Hallways & Stairways

Are hallways at least 36 inches wide for walker/wheelchair clearance?

Are all stairways equipped with sturdy handrails on BOTH sides, extending beyond the top and bottom steps?

Are stairs in good repair — no loose treads, worn carpet, or uneven risers?

Are stair edges clearly marked with contrasting tape or paint for depth perception?

Are hallways and stairways well-lit with switches at both ends? Consider motion-activated night lights.

Are all area rugs removed from hallways and stairs? (Rugs + walkers = falls.) If rugs MUST stay, secure with full-coverage non-slip padding.

Are pathways completely clear of clutter, cords, shoes, and decorative items? Walk the route from bedroom to bathroom — is it obstacle-free at night?

Is a stair lift needed and, if so, has it been evaluated by an occupational therapist?

Bathroom

Are grab bars installed by the toilet (at least one on the side wall) and in the shower/tub area? NOT suction-cup bars — professionally anchored into wall studs.

Is the toilet seat at a comfortable height (17–19 inches from floor)? Consider a raised toilet seat or comfort-height toilet.

Does the shower/tub have a non-slip surface or adhesive strips? Add a non-slip mat if not.

Is a shower chair or bath transfer bench available and positioned securely?

Is a handheld shower head installed with a slide bar for seated showering?

Are faucets clearly marked hot/cold and is the water heater set to 120°F or below to prevent scalding?

Are toiletries, towels, and supplies stored at reachable height — no bending or stretching required?

Is the bathroom door swing outward (or removable) so a fallen person doesn't block entry?

Is a night light plugged in and visible from the bedroom path?

Are all small rugs/bath mats secured with non-slip backing? Better yet: remove them entirely.

Is the bathroom door lock operable from both sides in case of emergency?

Bedroom

Is the bed at a comfortable transfer height — about knee level when standing next to it (18–22 inches)?

Is there a clear path from the bed to the bathroom door — at least 36 inches wide?

Is a phone within reach from the bed, with emergency contacts pre-programmed?

Is a lamp or light switch within reach from the bed?

Is a bedside commode or urinal available if nighttime bathroom trips are difficult?

Are frequently used items (water, medications, glasses, hearing aids) on the nightstand?

Is a flashlight secured to the nightstand in case of power outage?

Are all cords (lamp, phone charger, medical equipment) routed along walls, not across walking paths?

Kitchen

Are frequently used items (dishes, pots, food) stored between shoulder and knee height — no step stools or deep bending required?

Are pot handles turned inward on the stove to prevent catching on clothing?

Is there a working fire extinguisher rated for kitchen fires, accessible and not expired?

Are smoke detectors installed and tested monthly? Batteries replaced every 6 months?

Is the stove equipped with automatic shut-off or burner knob covers if memory/cognition is a concern?

Are sharp knives stored in a block or drawer organizer, not loose in a drawer?

Is there adequate task lighting over the stove, sink, and food prep areas?

Are appliance cords kept away from the sink and stove edge?

Is the refrigerator temperature at or below 40°F and freezer at 0°F? Check with a thermometer.

Are expired foods regularly cleared out? Set a monthly reminder.

Living Room & Common Areas

Are furniture arrangements creating clear pathways at least 36 inches wide?

Are all electrical cords, phone cords, and cable wires secured along baseboards — never across walking paths?

Are chairs and sofas at a height that allows easy sitting and standing (seat height 17–19 inches)? Add firm cushions or furniture risers if too low.

Are floor surfaces consistent — no unexpected changes in floor height between rooms? Install transition strips for any height differences.

Are all area rugs removed or secured with full-coverage non-slip padding?

Is there adequate lighting for reading and other tasks without glare?

Are decorative items, plants, and low furniture positioned so they don't create blind spots or trip hazards?

Are heating vents and radiators covered or guarded to prevent accidental contact burns?

Laundry & Utility Areas

Is the laundry area on the main floor to avoid carrying loads up and down stairs?

Is the washer/dryer front-loading for easier access (no bending deep into top-loaders)?

Are laundry supplies (detergent, softener) stored within easy reach — no overhead cabinets?

Are lint traps cleaned after every dryer cycle and the dryer vent inspected annually for fire safety?

Are cleaning products and chemicals stored separately from food items and in clearly labeled containers?

Is the water heater temperature set to 120°F or below?

Is the furnace filter changed regularly (every 1–3 months)? Write the next change date on the filter.

Is the circuit breaker panel clearly labeled and accessible in case of emergency?

Safety Systems & Emergency Preparedness

Are smoke detectors installed in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level — including the basement? Tested monthly?

Are carbon monoxide detectors installed near sleeping areas and on every level?

Are fire extinguishers accessible on each floor (especially kitchen and garage), not expired, and everyone knows how to use them?

Is a medical alert system (fall detection pendant or wristband) set up and tested? Does your parent actually wear it?

Is there a written emergency contact list posted in a visible location (by the phone or on the refrigerator) — including 911, doctor, pharmacy, family contacts, and poison control?

Is there a fire escape plan discussed and practiced? Can your parent exit independently within 2 minutes?

Are flashlights with fresh batteries placed in key locations (bedroom, kitchen, living room) in case of power outage?

If your parent lives alone: is there a daily check-in system — a phone call, a neighbor, or a service?

Priority Action Plan

List the top 3-5 safety issues to address immediately, in order of urgency:

Disclaimer: This checklist is an educational resource for identifying common home hazards. It does not replace a professional home safety assessment by an occupational therapist or certified aging-in-place specialist. If your parent has mobility, balance, or cognitive challenges, consult a professional for a personalized evaluation. In case of emergency, call 911.

Provided by American Healthcare Coordination, LLC | www.americanhealthcarecoordination.com

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