Room-by-room home safety checklist
Aging in Place Home Safety Checklist: what should San Diego readers know?
Print this and walk the home with your parent. Tick what is already fine; what's left is your to-do list. Many items are cheap DIY fixes — you may not need a contractor at all.
Entrance & outside
- ☐ Steps have sturdy handrails on both sides
- ☐ Entry is lit at night (motion light)
- ☐ No loose pavers or uneven paths
- ☐ Consider a ramp or zero-step entry if a walker/wheelchair is used
Bathroom
- ☐ Grab bars by toilet and in shower/tub, anchored into studs or blocking (towel bars are not grab bars)
- ☐ Non-slip floor and shower surface
- ☐ Shower seat and hand-held shower head
- ☐ Comfort-height toilet
- ☐ Night light on the route from bed
Bedroom
- ☐ Bedroom on the main floor if stairs are hard
- ☐ Lamp reachable from bed
- ☐ Clear path to the door and bathroom
Stairs
- ☐ Handrails both sides, full length
- ☐ Lights switchable at top and bottom
- ☐ Contrast tape on step edges
- ☐ If stairs can't be avoided: stairlift vs moving the bedroom downstairs
Kitchen
- ☐ Everyday items between hip and shoulder height
- ☐ Lever-style faucet
- ☐ Good task lighting; no step stools
Whole home
- ☐ Remove loose rugs and cords
- ☐ Lever door handles
- ☐ Doorways wide enough for a walker or wheelchair
- ☐ Working smoke and CO alarms
More: CDC fall prevention (STEADI) · National Institute on Aging: falls.