Home Safety Checklist for Seniors: Room by Room

How to use this checklist

Walk through the home room by room with this list. Do not try to do it from memory. The purpose of a physical walk-through is to notice things you have stopped seeing - the mat that has always been there, the step you have climbed a thousand times, the light that is slightly too dim.

Mark each item as Clear (no action needed), Action needed (you can address it yourself), or Get help (needs a trades person or professional assessment). At the end, the 'Action needed' and 'Get help' items become your priority list.

Do not do the walk-through alone if possible. A second person notices different things. If family members are helping to plan modifications, do the walk-through with them - it produces better shared understanding than a description over the phone.

Bathroom

The bathroom is the highest-risk room in the house. Check every transition point - getting in and out of the shower, sitting down on and standing up from the toilet, stepping in and out of the bath.

• Is there a grab rail in the shower - horizontal on the entry wall and vertical on the side wall?
• Is there a grab rail beside the toilet - on the side the person leads with?
• Is the shower floor non-slip (P4 or P5 rated), or has a non-slip coating been applied?
• Is there a shower hob (step at the entry) that requires stepping over?
• Is there a fold-down shower seat for use when fatigued or unsteady?
• Is the hand-held shower hose on a riser rail that can be adjusted for seated and standing use?
• Are all taps lever-operated rather than round knob taps?
• Is the toilet at 450 mm seat height, or raised to that height with a seat raiser?
• Is the bathroom floor free of loose mats?
• Is the bathroom well lit - including around the toilet and inside the shower?
• Is the path from the bedroom to the bathroom well lit for night-time use?
• Is the doorway wide enough for any mobility aid being used (at least 810 mm clear for a wheelchair, around 760 mm for a walking frame)?

Bedroom

Bedrooms are a fall risk at night and on waking - reduced alertness, low light, and the transition from lying to sitting to standing all contribute. Check the path from the bed to the door and to the bathroom.

• Is there a lamp or light switch reachable from the bed without getting up?
• Is the path from the bed to the door free of furniture, cords and obstacles?
• Is the path to the bathroom well lit - either a night light or a motion-activated light?
• Is the bed at a comfortable height for sitting and standing - around 500 - 550 mm from floor to mattress top?
• Is there a sturdy surface (bedside table, rail, or grab point) within reach when getting up from the bed?
• Are any rugs or mats secured with non-slip backing?
• Are any electrical or phone cords routed against the wall, not across the floor?
• Is the wardrobe accessible without stepping on a stool or reaching above shoulder height for frequently used items?

Kitchen

The kitchen combines wet floors, hot surfaces, and frequent reaching and bending. Fatigue is also a factor - most kitchen accidents happen at the end of a long day.

• Are frequently used items stored between 400 mm and 1,200 mm from the floor (reachable without stretching or crouching)?
• Is there a non-slip mat in front of the sink - and is it secured so it cannot slide?
• Is the floor free of loose mats, rugs or items that could be stepped on?
• Are taps lever-operated - single-lever mixer or lever-style handles?
• Is the microwave at a height where hot dishes can be removed without lifting above shoulder height?
• Is there adequate lighting at the bench surface, especially under overhead cabinets?
• Is there a sturdy stool or chair for sitting at the bench if needed?
• Is the oven at a height where the tray slides out at bench level rather than low down?
• Are cleaning products and heavy items stored at waist height, not on high shelves?
• Is the kitchen floor a non-slip surface when wet?

Living areas and hallways

Living areas and hallways are high-traffic spaces that are often cluttered with furniture, cords and decorative items. The fall risk here is lower than in the bathroom but the volume of daily traffic makes it significant.

• Are all rugs secured with non-slip backing, or removed if they cannot be secured?
• Are electrical cords and phone charging cables routed against the wall, not across foot traffic paths?
• Is there clear, unobstructed walking space of at least 900 mm wide through the main circulation routes?
• Are light switches reachable from the doorway of each room without walking in the dark?
• Are hallways lit at night with night lights or motion-activated lights?
• Is furniture arranged so there are steady surfaces to hold near the main sitting areas?
• Are any low tables or footstools in positions where they could be walked into?
• Is the main sofa or chair at a height that allows getting up without excessive effort (seat height 450 - 500 mm)?
• Are pet bedding, toys or food bowls kept out of walking paths?

Stairs and internal steps

Internal stairs need a continuous handrail on at least one side, good lighting along the full length, and non-slip nosings on each step. Check each of these specifically.

• Is there a handrail on at least one side of the stair - continuous from top to bottom?
• Does the handrail extend 300 mm past the top riser and at least one tread depth past the bottom riser?
• Is the handrail at 900 - 1,000 mm above the step nosings?
• Is the handrail graspable - 32 - 50 mm round or oval section, not a flat plate?
• Is the stair well lit from top to bottom, including the landing?
• Are the step nosings (the front edges) clearly visible - contrasting colour, or a non-slip nosing strip?
• Are all steps the same height - no irregular risers?
• Is the stair free of stored items, shoes or anything placed on the steps temporarily?
• If there is a single internal step (e.g. a step down to a sunken lounge), is it clearly visible and is there a hold point nearby?

External areas: entry, paths, garden and garage

Outdoor areas are often the most overlooked fall zone. The combination of uneven surfaces, wet conditions, darkness and variable ground levels makes the front path, back garden and garage some of the higher-risk areas on the property.

• Is there a handrail on the front entry steps - extending past the top step onto the landing?
• Is the front path in good repair - no cracked, raised or sunken pavers?
• Is the external lighting adequate - entry path, front steps, back door, path to the clothesline?
• Is the path from the house to the car level and clear?
• Are the garden paths free of moss or algae that become slippery when wet?
• Is there a step at the garage or shed entry - and if so, is there a hold point?
• Is the back verandah or patio surface non-slip when wet?
• Are garden hoses, tools and other items stored away from walking paths?
• Is the path between the house and the letterbox or bin area level and clear?
• If there is a pool or water feature, is the surrounding surface slip-resistant?

General and whole-of-house checks

Some risks apply throughout the house rather than in a single room. Check these last, as a whole-house review.

• Are all smoke detectors working - including testing the alarm sound?
• Are prescription medications stored and organised so the correct dose is easy to identify?
• Are reading glasses readily accessible (vision changes increase fall risk)?
• Is footwear in good condition - non-slip soles, well-fitting, no backless slippers?
• Is the home temperature managed in summer to avoid heat fatigue affecting balance?
• Are there contact numbers for emergency services and a trusted neighbour in a prominent place?
• Is a mobile phone kept within reach at night - in case of a fall with no access to a fixed phone?
• Are there any rooms or areas that have not been accessed in a while and may have accumulated clutter or hazards?