It’s critically important for senior citizens’ homes to be a safe, secure place for them to enjoy their lives independently. Aging in place is quickly becoming the new normal for older adults, but making it possible means taking thorough measures to ensure their well-being.
At Omicelo Health, we focus our time and energy on exactly that. In an effort to make it as easy and effective as possible, we’ve created a walk-through Home Safety Checklist. It’s designed to guide you through the parts of the home that pose possible barriers to maximum safety.
Grab a pencil and make notes about any item that needs modification or improvement.
Bathrooms
- Are all surfaces slip-proof? Does any bathroom need new slip-proof flooring?
- Does the shower and or bath have slip-proof adhesive tape or secure mats?
- Are there stable places for a person to hold onto while maneuvering through the bathroom? Do you need to install grab bars?
- Are all essential items (such as medicines, soap, towels, or hair dryers) easily within reach?
- Is the bathroom well lit?
- Is the toilet at a safe height for sitting and standing? Do you need a raised toilet seat or grab bars?
- If the resident is in a wheelchair, can they easily and safely access the sink?
- In case of an injury or emergency, does the person have a quick and easy way of requesting help?
Kitchen
- Is everything regularly used in the kitchen easy to reach? Do any items need to be rearranged so that common things are on lower shelves?
- Does the kitchen need a steady step stool?
- Is the kitchen well lit? Do you need brighter lighting? Are light switches easy to access?
- Is there an approved fire extinguisher nearby?
- Do the countertops need to be lowered for safer access to the sink or prep areas?
- Is there a list of contact numbers (friends, relatives, emergency personnel, doctors, etc.) posted and easy to read?
- Does the kitchen have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors?
Stairs
- Does your loved one have trouble going up or down stairs? Could they benefit from the installation of a stairlift?
- Is there any clutter on any steps (shoes, books, toys, etc.) that could cause someone to trip? Remove all clutter from all the stairs.
- Are the steps well lit? Do you need brighter lighting over the stairways? Are there light switches at both the top and bottom of the stairs?
- Are any steps loose, uneven, or otherwise unsafe? Fix them as soon as possible.
- Is any carpet on the stairs loose or torn? Do you need to install rubber treads on each step?
- Are the handrails securely in place (no wiggling)?
- Do any walkways with just one or two steps need a ramp installed?
Walkways
- Are all paths, floors, and hallways clear of obstructions? There should be a clear, safe path throughout every room and hallway. Remove all clutter from the floor.
- Is there any furniture blocking a walkway anywhere in the house? Rearrange the furniture to ensure a clear path.
- Do you have throw rugs? Either remove them (preferred) or apply a non-slip backing to each rug.
- Are there any cords (lamps, phones, extension cords, or other electrical devices) crossing any path? Rearrange all cords so they don’t create a tripping hazard.
- Are all walkways well lit? Do you need to add brighter bulbs or add lamps or light fixtures? Dark walkways can be dangerous.
Bedrooms
- Does the resident have easy access to their clothes, shoes, glasses, and other essential items? Be sure every bedroom is as free from clutter as possible and clean.
- Are the bedrooms well lit? Do you need brighter bulbs or additional lamps?
- Is there a danger of bedding being a tripping hazard?
- Do the bedrooms have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors?
Your Home Safety Checklist
Safety in the home is an important and ongoing concern, especially for older adults. Keep this home safety checklist handy and review the home every few months to ensure the house is safe and up to date.
Consider adding specific items to your checklist, especially if there are any unique or unusual features about the house itself or any out-of-the-ordinary activities or habits the residents may be involved in. The more cautious and thorough you can be, the safer your loved ones will be.
For more tips or assistance with aging-in-place home modifications, contact the caring experts at Omicelo Health. We’re here to help you and your family stay healthy in your own home.
