Planning

Home Safety Assessment Checklist: Room-by-Room Guide

Updated June 2025 — Identify your home's highest-priority risks

How to Use This Assessment

Walk through your home systematically, ideally with the person who will be living there and possibly a family member or caregiver. The goal is to identify: (1) immediate fall risks requiring urgent action, (2) access barriers affecting daily independence, and (3) modifications to plan for the future. Mark each item as OK, Needs Attention, or Not Applicable.

Bathroom (Highest Priority)

• ☐ Grab bar present and properly anchored at toilet (side wall)
• ☐ Grab bar present at rear wall of toilet
• ☐ Grab bar present at shower/tub entry
• ☐ Grab bar present on shower/tub wall for stability while bathing
• ☐ Non-slip mat or strips in shower/tub
• ☐ Shower has seat (fold-down or portable shower chair)
• ☐ Showerhead is handheld or has handheld attachment
• ☐ Faucet handles are lever-style (not knobs)
• ☐ Toilet is comfort-height (17–19 inches) or has raised seat
• ☐ Bathroom door swings out (not in) or is wide enough for wheelchair (32”+ clear)
• ☐ No loose rugs on bathroom floor
• ☐ Adequate lighting, including nightlight for nighttime use

Entry and Exits

• ☐ At least one step-free entry to the home (front, side, or garage)
• ☐ If no step-free entry: ramp is available or feasible
• ☐ Door handles are lever-style (not round knobs)
• ☐ Door threshold is flush or has threshold ramp
• ☐ Adequate lighting at all entries (motion-sensor recommended)
• ☐ Pathway from parking to entry is smooth and clear
• ☐ Door is wide enough (32” clear minimum; 36” preferred)

Stairs

• ☐ Handrail on at least one side of every staircase
• ☐ Handrail on both sides (strongly recommended)
• ☐ Handrails are graspable (1.25–2” diameter round profile)
• ☐ Handrails extend beyond top and bottom steps
• ☐ Stairs are well-lit with switches at both top and bottom
• ☐ Stair nosings are clearly visible (high-contrast strips)
• ☐ No loose carpeting or treads on stairs
• ☐ If stair climbing is difficult: stair lift or floor plan alternative assessed

Kitchen

• ☐ Frequently used items are within easy reach (no high overhead or deep below-counter storage needed)
• ☐ Faucet is lever-handle style
• ☐ Stove controls are at front (no reaching over burners)
• ☐ Non-slip flooring or mats at sink and stove
• ☐ Task lighting adequate at counters and stove

Bedroom

• ☐ Bed height appropriate for safe transfer (can place both feet flat on floor when sitting on edge)
• ☐ Bed rail or grab bar available if needed for rising
• ☐ Clear path from bed to bathroom (no tripping hazards)
• ☐ Lamp or nightlight reachable from bed
• ☐ Phone or medical alert device accessible from bed

Throughout the Home

• ☐ No loose throw rugs anywhere (the single most common fall hazard)
• ☐ All electrical cords secured away from walkways
• ☐ Adequate lighting in all rooms and hallways
• ☐ 36-inch clear walkway width in primary traffic paths
• ☐ Door thresholds between rooms are flush or have threshold ramps