Most falls happen at home, often in the places we walk through every day without thinking. Use this room-by-room checklist to spot common hazards in your home or a parent's home. Each "no" is something worth fixing.
What is a home safety assessment?
A home safety assessment is a room-by-room check of a home for fall hazards, such as poor lighting, loose rugs, missing grab bars and unsafe stairs, combined with a look at how the person actually moves through the space. You can start with the checklist below. A physical therapist can go further by testing strength, balance and walking in your own home.
Entrances and outside steps
- Are there sturdy railings on both sides of the outside steps?
- Is the doorway well lit at night?
- Are the steps even, with no cracks or loose bricks?
- Is there a place to set down bags while you unlock the door?
Stairs inside the home
- Is there a secure handrail, ideally on both sides?
- Are there light switches at both the top and bottom of the stairs?
- Are the stairs free of clutter, shoes and boxes?
- Is any carpet on the stairs tight and not worn?
Bathroom
- Are there grab bars by the toilet and in the tub or shower? (Towel bars are not grab bars.)
- Is there a non-slip mat or strips in the tub or shower?
- Is the toilet a comfortable height to stand up from, or would a raised seat help?
- Would a shower chair or tub transfer bench make bathing safer?
- Is there a night light on the path from the bedroom to the bathroom?
Bedroom
- Is the bed at a height where your feet rest flat on the floor when sitting?
- Can you turn on a light before getting out of bed?
- Is there a clear path from the bed to the door with no cords or clutter?
- Is a phone within reach of the bed?
Kitchen
- Are everyday items stored between waist and shoulder height?
- Is there a sturdy step stool with a handle, if you must reach high shelves?
- Are spills cleaned up right away?
Living areas and hallways
- Have throw rugs been removed or secured with non-slip backing?
- Are cords and wires kept out of walking paths?
- Is there a firm chair with armrests that is easy to stand up from?
- Are walkways wide enough for a cane or walker?
- Are rooms and hallways well lit?
The person, not just the house
A checklist can find a loose rug. It cannot tell you whether your legs are strong enough to get up from a low chair, or whether your balance is safe on the stairs. Watch for these warning signs:
- A fall or near-fall in the past year
- Holding onto furniture or walls to get around
- Trouble getting up from a chair without using your arms
- Feeling dizzy or unsteady when standing or turning
- Avoiding stairs or the shower because of fear of falling
If any of these sound familiar, a professional home safety evaluation with a physical therapist is a good next step.
Get a professional home safety evaluation
Dr. Oleg Uzhansky, PT, DPT, a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS), provides home safety evaluations and fall prevention therapy at home across Northeast Philadelphia, Bucks County (including Richboro and Newtown) and Montgomery County (including Elkins Park). Medicare Part B, Aetna Medicare plans and Independence Blue Cross plans, including Keystone 65, are accepted. Call (215) 760-8229 or request an appointment.
This checklist is general information, not medical advice. Talk with your doctor or physical therapist about your own fall risk.