Home Safety & Accessibility Checklist for Older Adults
For many older adults, a home is more than just a roof over their head. It’s a place filled with memories and keepsakes, and it’s where they feel most comfortable and independent.
Unfortunately, as we age, common areas in the home and household items can become safety concerns. A throw rug is a tripping hazard, a dimly lit staircase becomes dangerous, and the shower poses the potential threat of easy slips.
There is hope, however. For individuals who want to age in place, creating a home checklist, room by room, is essential. By making some simple changes, you can turn your living space into a safer, more accessible environment that promotes independence with peace of mind.
Home Safety Checklist for Seniors
Creating a senior-friendly home design begins by addressing the most common hazards that impact mobility, vision, and balance.
Lighting and Visibility Improvements
As we age, our eyes naturally need more light to see clearly. Poor lighting can make it difficult to notice obstacles, leading to trips and falls. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), falls are a leading cause of injury for individuals over the age of 65.
To improve home safety for seniors, consider bright, warm LED bulbs as a simple yet effective upgrade that can make a significant difference. Motion-sensor lights and nightlights are especially helpful in hallways, bedrooms, and bathrooms. You can have them installed by an electrician or buy simple plug-in ones.
To help reduce glare from lights, use lamp shades and draw the curtains closed at night.
Flooring and Surface Safety
Slippery and uneven flooring is one of the biggest safety concerns for older adults. Loose throw rugs, in particular, are a huge risk. It’s so easy to catch a toe, cane, or walker on the edge of them, leading to a fall. It’s best to remove all loose floor rugs if possible.
It’s also important to repair uneven tiles or floorboards that create tripping hazards.
Adding a color contrast on stairs helps improve depth perception. For a simple solution, apply a strip of brightly-colored anti-slip tape.
Accessibility and Mobility Considerations
Accessibility and mobility are key when making senior home modifications. Ensuring everyday items are easily within reach and making it easy to move around the living spaces is essential.
Make sure pathways between furniture and down hallways are clear of clutter and cords. Grab bars in bathrooms and near stairways provide steady support in high-risk areas.
Arrange daily-use items at waist height to prevent dangerous reaching, using step stools, or bending over.
Room-by-Room Senior Safety Checklist
In this next section, we’ll walk through each part of the home and outline practical steps for creating your aging in place checklist. With some simple modifications, you can create a safer environment in your own home without having to move.
Living Room
The living room is a frequently used area that is often filled with hidden hazards.
Start by looking at the furniture arrangement. You want wide, clear walkways between furniture pieces, especially if walkers or canes are being used. Check each piece of furniture to ensure that it’s sturdy and doesn’t tip easily.
Make sure electrical cords are secured against the wall and are not strung across any walkways. Keep remote controls, lamps, and light switches within easy reach to avoid unnecessary bending or stretching.
Remove throw rugs and any unnecessary clutter on the floor.
Kitchen
Making the kitchen safe and accessible is a great way to help maintain independence.
You’ll want to organize the kitchen so that everyday items are easily accessible at waist level. This may mean lowering cabinet shelves, clearing unnecessary clutter, and rearranging.
Appliances are available with built-in safety features, such as automatic shut-offs, to help reduce the risk of fires. Have a fire blanket or extinguisher in an easy-to-reach spot.
Make sure the lighting is nice and bright in the kitchen. Under-cabinet lighting is also a great feature that helps with better visibility.
A non-slip mat in front of the sink can be useful, but it can also be a tripping hazard for older adults who shuffle their feet or use a cane or walker.
Bathroom
Bathrooms are one of the most common places for falls. However, even small adjustments can make this room safer.
Getting up and down from a low toilet can be difficult. To make this easier, install a higher toilet or put an adjustable-height toilet seat frame over the lower toilet. You’ll also want grab bars near the toilet.
In the shower, you’ll need a sturdy shower seat and grab bars to make bathing safer and more comfortable. Non-slip mats or tape inside and outside the shower help reduce the risk of slipping.
Bedroom
Unfortunately, bedrooms are another high-risk area for older adults. Much of it has to do with getting up and down from bed at night. Here are several steps to make the room safer and more accessible.
Adjust the bed height so it’s easy to get in and out of without strain. Make sure the bedframe is sturdy and doesn’t shift. Clear the floor around the bed of any clutter or cords and ensure plenty of walking space.
Install plug-in motion sensor lights near the bed and along the path to the bathroom to provide safer movement in the dark. A flashlight on the bedside table is useful in the event of a power outage.
Store clothing and personal items at a comfortable height so there is no need for reaching or bending. You may want to place a landline or well-charged phone next to the bed to make it easy to call for assistance.
Stairways
Stairways can be a challenging area in the home. If possible, an elderly home safety tip is to have all living spaces on one level. This may require moving the bedroom downstairs. However, we know that’s not always feasible. Here are some ways to make stairs safer.
Install sturdy handrails on both sides of the stairs to provide reliable support. Non-slip treads or carpet runners improve traction and reduce the risk of slipping.
Installing a chair lift is an excellent way to reduce the risks associated with stairs. However, this is a costly option.
Have light switches for bright lighting at both the top and bottom of the staircase to increase visibility. Emergency lighting or battery-operated lamps can be a lifesaver during power outages.
Entrance and Exit
We know your retirement plan doesn’t include staying home all the time. You have fun activities to enjoy! To help maintain independence, take some time to ensure the entrances and exits are safe.
Any steps or stairs leading into the home should be clearly marked with contrasting colors or stripes to help with depth perception. You’ll also want sturdy handrails for additional support. Some older adults may require a ramp to get in and out of the home.
If hand strength is an issue, replace round doorknobs with lever handles, as these are easier to open.
Good outdoor lighting is a must along pathways. This can include installing solar-powered pathway lights as well as motion detector lights by the steps and door.
Bottom line
Making a home safe for seniors doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Small, purposeful changes can add up to a big difference.
By improving lighting, clearing walkways, and making daily items easily accessible, you can greatly reduce fall risks and create a safer, more comfortable environment.
Start with the highest-priority areas, such as bathrooms and stairways, and gradually work through the rest of your home.
Taking action now not only reduces the risk of accidents but also provides peace of mind for both older adults and their loved ones.
FAQs
Can I make my home senior-friendly on a budget?
Yes. Many of the most effective safety improvements are inexpensive. Adding brighter light bulbs, decluttering walkways, and removing throw rugs are small steps that can make a big difference. With creativity and planning, you can significantly increase safety without major renovations.
What are the most common safety hazards for seniors at home?
The leading risks include poor lighting, loose rugs, slippery bathroom surfaces, cluttered walkways, and hard-to-reach storage. Each of these hazards increases the chance of falls or injuries.