Fall Prevention Home Safety Checklist

Ways to Prevent Falls in the Kitchen, Bathroom, Bedroom and More

By Jennifer Footit-Tank RN BSN, quality care coordinator at Network Health
7/14/2023

We all want a safe home. That’s why we lock the doors at night, replace the batteries in the smoke detectors and double check that the oven is turned off. What doesn’t always make that list is taking steps to ensure the home is free of fall hazards.

Many things can make someone trip, slip and fall, and though this may not be obvious in younger adults, it starts to become more apparent the older one gets. If you are 65 or older, you are already at an increased risk of suffering a fall, an accident that injures 8 million people annually.

Fall Prevention Checklist for Each Area of Your Home

Taking time throughout the year to check each room for safety may save you or a loved one from an unintended fall. Using a checklist is the best way to make sure you have assessed all areas. 

Kitchen

• Keep frequently used items within easy reach (at waistline is the safest).
• Use a grabber, rather than a stool or chair, to get items over your head.
• Clean up spills immediately from the floor.
• Consider a non-skid rubber mat by the sink and stove.

Hallway

• Have a light switch at each end of the hallway or put in a night light that turns itself on when the hallway is dark.

Stairs

• Fix any steps that are loose, broken or uneven.
• Have a light switch at the top and bottom of the stairs to keep the area bright.
• Handrails need to be strong and sturdy.
• Remove all clutter from the stairs.

Living room

• Make sure furniture is at the correct height so it is easier to get into and out of it.
• Have adequate lighting to keep the room bright.
• Remove unused furniture to reduce clutter.
• Furniture should be secured to the floor.

Bathroom

• Consider a non-slip shower mat to provide traction while bathing.
• Install grab bars by the toilet and shower. Consider having these professionally installed to make sure they are anchored and at the correct height.
• Add a handheld shower head and either a bath chair or bench.

Bedroom

• Have a bedside lamp and flashlight in case of a power outage.
• Remove throw rugs or make sure they are secured with non-skid backing.
• Keep a phone within reach.

Floors

• Look at each floor in every room. Are the walkways wide and clear?
• Make sure furniture is moved out of the path you usually walk. You want to have enough room to fit a cane, walker or wheelchair.
• All rugs should be secured or have non-skid backing underneath. Remove the rugs you cannot keep from sliding.
• Move all cords and wires against the wall so you do not have to step over them.

Yard/garden/driveway

• Keep it bright at the doors so you can see where you’re stepping.
• Install railings or grab bars by the steps to your home
• Are the steps level, secure and free from damage?
• Remove branches, fill holes in the ground and keep pathways free from tripping hazards.
• Remove ice, leaves and debris from the driveway and walkways.

[Read more: 10 Myths About Preventing Falls]

Remember, falls are never a normal part of aging. They can be prevented by receiving treatment for medical conditions, creating stronger bones and making your home safer. 

For more information on fall prevention contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).