Use this checklist as a guide when making decisions about what to improve when it comes to making your home more safe from accidental falls and injuries. Download the checklist HERE.
EXTERIOR ENTRANCES & EXITS
☐ Are walkway and drive surfaces even?
☐ Is there a curb?
☐ Are there handrails along the steps?
☐Are the handrails in good condition?
☐ Is there light in the driveway, walkway and porch?
☐ Do the door and window locks work?
INTERIOR DOORS, STAIRS & HALLS
☐ Are the doors wide enough for a walker or wheelchair?
☐ Are there railings along the stairway?
☐ Are the railings in good condition?
☐ Are there steps in the house?
☐ Is it easy to see the change in the steps?
☐ Is it easy to notice the first and last steps?
☐ Is there adequate lighting?
☐ Are there light switches at both ends of the stairs and hallways?
☐ Is there clutter in the hallways or on the stairs?
☐ Is it easy to notice the difference in the floor/carpet surface?
☐ Are there rugs on the floor?
☐ Are the rugs secured with slip-resistant backing?
☐ Do you have to navigate around furniture?
☐ Do you have to walk over electrical cords and wires?
BATHROOMS
☐ Is there a clear, lighted path to the bathroom?
☐ Is the shower floor/bathtub floor slippery?
☐ Is it difficult to to get on and off the toilet?
☐ Are you able to step in and out of the bath and shower?
☐ Is there a bath bench in the tub or shower?
☐ Are there grab bars for shower and tub access?
☐ Is it difficult to stand while showering?
☐ Can you easily reach soap, shampoo and towels, etc.?
☐ Is there a telephone within reach?
LIVING AREAS
☐ Does your furniture allow easy transition from sitting to standing?
☐ Do you need to walk around furniture to get through the living area?
☐ Do you have to walk over electrical cords or wires?
☐ Is there adequate lighting throughout the living space?
☐ Is it necessary to get up to answer the phone or change the channel?
☐ Are the chairs and couches low to the ground?
☐ Are there rugs on the floor?
☐ Are the rugs secured with slip-resistant backing?
☐ Do you have to reach up to pull cords to lights or ceiling fans?
☐ Is there clutter (books, magazines, shoes, etc.) on the ground?
KITCHEN
☐ Is there adequate lighting throughout the kitchen?
☐ Can you comfortably reach the sink and countertops?
☐ Are shelves and storage within reach?
☐ Are your “most used” items easily accessible?
☐ Is there clutter, liquids, food or grease on the floor?
☐ Do you have to bend over or use a stool to reach common items?
☐ Can you navigate through the kitchen with a walker or wheelchair?
☐ Do you have a fire extinguisher that’s easily accessible?
☐ Is there a phone in the kitchen or nearby?
☐ Do you have your emergency contacts clearly posted somewhere?
☐ Are sharp objects, and small appliances stored properly?
BEDROOMS
☐ Is the light near your bed easy to reach?
☐ Is the path from the bedroom to the bathroom well lit?
☐ Is it necessary to get out of bed or reach far for the telephone?
☐ Do you have to walk over electrical cords or wires?
☐ Is it common to get up during the night to use the restroom?
☐ Is it necessary to get up to answer the phone or change the channel?
☐ Do you have a list of emergency contacts within reach?
☐ Is there clutter (clothes, shoes, bags, etc.) on the ground?