A Home Safety Checklist for Seniors

Kitchen

___ Well lit sink and counter tops.
___ Gas stoves and ovens, have pilots and an automatic cut-off in the event of flame failure.
___ No curtains near the stove.
___ Properly cleaned oven exhaust hood filters.
___ The kitchen exhaust system discharges outside, not the attic
___ Accessible kitchen cabinets, consider adjustable pull down shelving.
___ Light switches are easy to use rocker switches and are placed near the door frames.
___ Stove and oven controls are easy to use and have pop-in feature to prevent accidental use.
___ Stove and oven controls are placed away from stove-top flame.
___ Automatic stove shut-off's are installed if forgetfulness is an issue
___ A single-lever faucet is used in the kitchen sink.
___ Floor is slip proof, even in the event of spills.
___ Counter tops and flooring uses a non-glare surface.
___ Oven mitts and pan holders are kept near the stove and oven.
___ Unplug kitchen appliances such as toaster and blender, when not in use.
___ Knives are kept in a butcher block.
___ Commonly used items are kept within easy reach, avoiding need for stools and/or tiptoes
___ A stool or stepladder is available if needed, instead of using a chair.

Stairway & Hall

___ Stairway steps are level
___ Loose steps are repaired.
___ Steps have non-skid strips. Avoid carpeting if possible.
___ Hallways have motion sensored or automatic night lights.
​___ Handrails are installed on both sides of the stairway.
___ Stairways and hallways are well lit.
___ Light switches are located at the top and bottom of stairways and beginning and end of hallways.
___ Step edges are clearly visible, use luminescent tape if helpful.
___ Stairways and hallways are clear of tripping hazards.
___ Doors swing away from stair steps.

Living Room

​___ Electrical cords are placed along walls or under furniture, and do not present a tripping hazard.
​___ Chairs are sturdy and in good condition.
​___ Chairs and sofas are easy to sit down on and get out of.
___ Furniture is spaced to allow for easy walking, with no obstacles.
​___ Furniture does not tilt, which can cause falls if leaned upon.
___ Shelving and cabinets are secure and will not fall over if leaned upon.
___ Living room is well lit, with light switch by entrance way.

Bathroom

​​___ Non-skid flooring, mat or strips in the bathtub or shower.
​​___ Use glass or plexi-glass shower doors, not shower curtains. Adds support in case of loss of balance.
​​___ Grab bars are installed on the walls inside and by the entrance to the bathtub or the shower.
___ Grab bars are installed by the toilet.
___ Consider elevated toilet sit.
___ Consider toilet-bidets. Increases hygiene and shown to significantly reduce UTI's.
___ Install fold-down seat in shower.
___ Install no-step or curbless shower.
​​___ Towel bars double as grab bars, in the event they are mistakenly leaned upon for balance.
​​___ A single-lever faucet is used, or motion sensored faucets are installed.
​​___ Bathroom flooring is non-skid.
​​___ Bathroom has even lighting without glare. The light switch is near the door.
​​___ The outlets are ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) that protect against electric shock.

Bedroom

​​___ Flashlight is kept on night table.
​​___ Motion sensored night-light or voice activate smart lighting.
​​___ Walking path around your bed is wide and uncluttered.
​​___ Dressers, cabinets and shelving are secure and will not fall when leaned upon.
​​___ Carpeting is low pile or berber or other non-slip flooring.
​​___ Bedroom is on first floor, if possible.

Outdoor Area

​​​___ Walkways are level, with no cracks or tripping hazards.
___ Steps are secure, and easy to see.
​​​___ Handrails are on both sides of steps.
___ Chair or stool next to front door, where bags or purse can be placed.
​​​___ Doorways, door lock, steps, porches, and walkways are well lit.
​​​___ No trees,shrubs or obstructions for burglars to conceal themselves behind.
___ Yard is well maintained. Less likely to attract burglars.
​​​___ Garage is well ventilated.

General Safety

___ List of emergency contacts and phone numbers next to each telephone.
___ Telephones in each room, reachable in case of an emergency. Or wear a medical alert for seniors.
___ Easy to use door handles and locks, especially in the event of a smoke or fire.
___ Lever door handles with end-return, instead of knobs.
___ Level or no door thresholds.
___ Casement or awning windows, with crank
___ Hot water tank is set to a maximum 110°F to prevent scalding.
___ Area, scatter and oriental rugs are secured to the floor and the edges are not curling up.
___ All electrical equipment bears the Underwriters laboratories (UL) label.
___ Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) are installed to prevent electrical overload shock.
___ Electrical wiring is up to code (call utility or electrician).
___ Extension cords and outlets are not overloaded.
___ Electrical cords are not hanging, in walking paths or underneath carpets.
___ Smoke alarms are installed and batteries changed annually.
___ Carbon dioxide detectors are installed in bedrooms and living areas.
___ Space heaters placed 3 feet away from other objects like furniture, drapes or curtains.
___ Fire extinguisher by the kitchen and any other wood stoves or fireplaces.