Home Safety Assessment — fallrisks.com

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Bathroom

8 checks · Highest-risk room in the home

Wet surfaces, confined spaces, and the step-in/step-out of tubs make the bathroom responsible for more than 80% of in-home fall injuries in older adults.

Grab bars installed next to toilet High PriorityMust be wall-stud mounted and rated for at least 250 lbs. A towel bar will pull out of drywall — it is not a grab bar.

Non-slip mat or adhesive strips on the tub/shower floor High PrioritySuction-cup mats should be inspected monthly — suction weakens with age and soap scum. Replace annually.

Grab bar at tub/shower entry — vertical bar at step-in height High PriorityThe most dangerous moment is stepping into or out of the tub. A vertical bar at entry height reduces this risk significantly.

Shower chair or fold-down bench available if neededRecommended for anyone with balance issues, recent fall history, or who becomes fatigued while standing. Fold-down wall seats are a good permanent installation.

Motion-activated nightlight installed in bathroom High PriorityNighttime bathroom trips are a top fall scenario. Motion-activated nightlights ($8–15) eliminate fumbling for a switch in the dark.

Water heater set to 120°F or belowScalding water triggers instinctive jerking movements that can cause falls. Check and adjust the water heater thermostat dial.

Medications stored off the floor, in a cabinet, and clearly labeledMedications on the floor create both a tripping hazard and a risk of mixing up drugs. A wall-mounted medicine cabinet is ideal.

Bath mat outside tub/shower has non-slip rubber backingThe wet floor outside the shower is as dangerous as the wet surface inside. Use a mat with suction cups or rubber backing and hang to dry after each use.

bed

Bedroom

7 checks · Night transitions are high-risk

Falls getting out of bed are common — especially during nighttime trips when the body is stiff and still adjusting to standing. Lighting and clear paths are the two most impactful changes here.

Bed height allows feet to touch the floor when seated on the edge High PriorityIf feet dangle, use an adjustable bed frame, bed risers, or a firmer mattress. A bed that is too low also makes standing up very difficult.

Lamp or light switch within arm's reach from the bed High PriorityA smart plug with voice control (Alexa, Google) on a bedside lamp means you never have to get up in the dark to find a switch.

Clear, unobstructed path from bed to bathroomWalk the path at night with eyes half-closed to simulate waking disorientation. Remove any obstacles. Mark furniture legs with glow-in-the-dark tape if needed.

All area rugs have non-slip backing or double-sided carpet tape High PriorityLoose rugs are one of the most common tripping hazards. If a rug cannot be fully secured at all four edges, remove it.

Clothes, shoes, and items stored off the floorShoes left on the bedroom floor are a significant nighttime tripping hazard. Use a shoe rack or closet organizer.

Phone or medical alert device within reach from bedIn the event of a nighttime fall, immediate access to a phone or alert button matters. A medical alert wristband is the most reliable option.

Nightlight or motion sensor light in hallway between bedroom and bathroomEven with good bedroom lighting, the transition to a dark hallway at 2am is a risk point. A motion sensor hallway light handles this automatically.

kitchen

Kitchen

6 checks · Reaching and wet floors are the key risks

Reaching overhead, bending to low cabinets, and wet floors near the sink create a predictable risk environment — one that is often easy to fix with simple reorganization.

Frequently used items stored between hip and shoulder height High PriorityReaching overhead or bending toward the floor both destabilize balance. Reorganize so daily-use dishes, glasses, and common foods are in the "safe zone."

No use of a chair as a step stool — only a step stool with a handrail is usedA chair on wheels — or any chair — used as a step stool is extremely dangerous. If a step stool is needed, only use one with a top handle grip.

Non-slip mat in front of the sink ModerateThe sink area gets wet constantly. A mat here is a simple, inexpensive fix that pays off every day.

Spills are cleaned up immediately — paper towels within easy reachKeep paper towels or a dedicated kitchen cloth within arm's reach so there's no reason to walk on a wet floor to get a towel.

Good lighting — under-cabinet lights illuminate countertops and floorUnder-cabinet LED strip lights ($15–30) dramatically improve visibility for prep work and for seeing the floor beneath the counter edge.

No loose tiles, uneven seams, or raised floor transitions near the stove or sinkSlide your foot across the floor. Any raised edge or uneven tile is a trip hazard that should be repaired or marked.

stairs

Stairs & Hallways

7 checks · Stair falls cause the most serious injuries

Stair falls are responsible for a disproportionate share of hip fractures and hospitalizations. Secure handrails and adequate lighting are non-negotiable here.

Sturdy handrail on at least one side of every staircase — ideally both High PriorityTest by pushing hard sideways. A loose handrail can cause a fall when relied upon during a stumble. Re-anchor to studs if there is any wobble.

Stair treads are non-slip — carpet secured, or non-slip adhesive strips applied High PriorityLoose or worn carpet on stairs is extremely dangerous. If carpet is fraying or lifting at edges, repair or replace with non-slip stair treads.

Light switches accessible at both the top and bottom of every staircase High PriorityIf a second switch is not present, a battery-powered motion sensor light at the base of the stairs is an inexpensive interim fix.

Stairs kept free of all stored items — nothing left on the stepsItems left on stairs (shoes, books, laundry to be brought up) are a classic hazard. Establish a household rule that stairs are not used for storage.

All hallways are well lit with no dark stretchesWalk each hallway at night. If any area is difficult to see, add nightlights every 6–8 feet. Motion-activated plug-in nightlights are the easiest solution.

Extension cords and cables do not cross walkways or doorwaysReroute cords along baseboards using adhesive cable clips ($5–10), or use a cord cover raceway that can be painted to match the wall.

Stair edges are clearly visible — contrasting tape applied if steps are hard to distinguishParticularly important for low-vision: a strip of bright or reflective tape on the front edge of each step makes the drop clearly visible.

chair

Living Room

6 checks · Low furniture and rugs are common hazards

The living room is where most waking hours are spent — and where low sofas, area rugs, and items on coffee tables create daily hazards. Getting up from a low couch is a common fall trigger.

Chair and sofa seat height allows standing without pitching forward ModerateSeat height of 17–19 inches is ideal for most older adults. If the sofa is too low, add firm chair raisers ($30–60) or look for a powered lift chair.

All area rugs secured with non-slip backing or double-sided carpet tape High PriorityIf a rug curls at any edge or slides at all when stepped on, it should be removed or fully secured. Half-measures here are dangerous.

Clear walking paths between furniture — at least 36 inches wideMeasure the gap between the sofa and coffee table. If a person using a walker could not navigate easily, rearrange or remove a piece of furniture.

Phone, remote, and reading glasses within arm's reach of seatingReaching across a coffee table while seated, or rising suddenly to answer a phone across the room, are common fall causes. Keep essentials within easy reach.

Pet food and water bowls are away from walking pathsWet spots from pet bowls and pets underfoot account for a meaningful number of falls in households with animals.

Lamp cords and TV cables run along walls, not across floorCord covers and cable raceways ($10–20) can organize all cables neatly along baseboards. This is one of the easiest and least expensive fixes.

yard

Outdoor & Entryways

7 checks · Transitions and uneven surfaces are the key risks

The transition between indoors and outdoors — porch steps, uneven pavement, slippery surfaces — is a top fall location. Good railing and motion-sensor lighting are the priorities.

Sturdy handrail on all outdoor steps High PriorityOutdoor handrails corrode and loosen over time. Test by pushing hard — it must not wobble. Re-anchor or replace if it moves at all.

Outdoor lighting illuminates all steps and walkways — motion sensor preferred High PriorityMotion-sensor lights ensure the path is lit automatically. Solar-powered options require no wiring and work reliably in most climates.

Walkways and steps are in good repair — no cracks, heaves, or raised edgesConcrete that has heaved from tree roots or freeze-thaw cycles is one of the most common outdoor fall causes. Repair with concrete leveling compound or clearly mark raised areas.

Welcome mat is secured and does not slide on porch surfaceDoormats on smooth concrete or wood porch surfaces slide easily. Use a mat with rubber backing or secure the edges with mat tape.

Plan in place for snow and ice removal from steps and walkwaysArrange for help with snow removal before winter arrives — whether through a family member, neighbor, or service. Keep salt or sand by the door.

Garage floor is clean, dry, and free of oil spots or scattered itemsThe garage floor near the house entry door is often overlooked. Oil slicks on concrete are nearly invisible and extremely slippery when wet.

Threshold strip between doormat and interior flooring is flush and secureA raised metal threshold strip is a common tripping point when entering with arms full of groceries. Replace with a beveled threshold or secure any lifting edges.

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