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?