Handouts · OT

Home safety checklist

A printable home safety checklist for home health: CDC’s Check for Safety fall-prevention checklist, unchanged, and a room-by-room yes/no worksheet with a line for what to fix.

Home safety checklist

Occupational therapy · Home health

For

Fromat

DatePhone

Part 1 · Check for Safety: A Home Fall Prevention Checklist for Older Adults

Use this checklist to find and fix hazards in your home.

STAIRS & STEPS (INDOORS & OUTDOORS)

Are there papers, shoes, books, or other objects on the stairs?

Always keep objects off the stairs.

Are some steps broken or uneven?

Fix loose or uneven steps.

Is there a light and light switch at the top and bottom of the stairs?

Have an electrician put in an overhead light and light switch at the top and bottom of the stairs. You can get light switches that glow.

Has a stairway light bulb burned out?

Have a friend or family member change the light bulb.

Is the carpet on the steps loose or torn?

Make sure the carpet is firmly attached to every step, or remove the carpet and attach non-slip rubber treads to the stairs.

Are the handrails loose or broken? Is there a handrail on only one side of the stairs?

Fix loose handrails, or put in new ones. Make sure handrails are on both sides of the stairs, and are as long as the stairs.

FLOORS

When you walk through a room, do you have to walk around furniture?

Ask someone to move the furniture so your path is clear.

Do you have throw rugs on the floor?

Remove the rugs, or use double-sided tape or a non-slip backing so the rugs won’t slip.

Are there papers, shoes, books, or other objects on the floor?

Pick up things that are on the floor. Always keep objects off the floor.

Do you have to walk over or around wires or cords (like lamp, telephone, or extension cords)?

Coil or tape cords and wires next to the wall so you can’t trip over them. If needed, have an electrician put in another outlet.

KITCHEN

Are the things you use often on high shelves?

Keep things you use often on the lower shelves (about waist high).

Is your step stool sturdy?

If you must use a step stool, get one with a bar to hold on to. Never use a chair as a step stool.

Part 1: Check for Safety, CDC STEADI (2017), public domain, reproduced unchanged. Use does not imply endorsement by CDC or HHS. Part 2 written by Logicly.
homehealthscheduling.com/tools/handouts · Page 1 of 4

Home safety checklist

Occupational therapy · Home health

For

Fromat

DatePhone

Part 1 · Check for Safety: A Home Fall Prevention Checklist for Older Adults

BEDROOMS

Is the light near the bed hard to reach?

Place a lamp close to the bed where it’s easy to reach.

Is the path from your bed to the bathroom dark?

Put in a nightlight so you can see where you’re walking. Some nightlights go on by themselves after dark.

BATHROOMS

Is the tub or shower floor slippery?

Put a non-slip rubber mat or self-stick strips on the floor of the tub or shower.

Do you need some support when you get in and out of the tub, or up from the toilet?

Have grab bars put in next to and inside the tub, and next to the toilet.

Home safety checklist

Occupational therapy · Home health

For

Fromat

DatePhone

Part 2 · Room by room

Tick Yes or No for each question. Every question is worded so that Yes is the safe answer. Write what needs fixing on the line.

Entry and stairs

Is the entry step even and dry? Yes No

Are there handrails on both sides of the stairs? Yes No

Is there a light at the door and on the stairs? Yes No

To fix

Living room

Is there a clear path through the room? Yes No

Are rugs and cords out of the way? Yes No

Is there a firm chair with arms? Yes No

To fix

Kitchen

Are everyday things between waist and shoulder height? Yes No

Is there a place to sit while you work? Yes No

Is the floor dry and not slippery? Yes No

To fix

Home safety checklist

Occupational therapy · Home health

For

Fromat

DatePhone

Part 2 · Room by room

Bathroom

Is there a grab bar at the toilet and at the tub or shower? Yes No

Is there a non-slip mat in the tub or shower? Yes No

Is there a seat for bathing? Yes No

To fix

Bedroom

Can you sit on the bed with your feet flat on the floor? Yes No

Is a lamp within reach of the bed? Yes No

Is the phone within reach of the bed? Yes No

To fix

Night path

Are there night lights from the bed to the bathroom? Yes No

Is the floor clear of shoes, cords and clutter? Yes No

Can you turn on a light before you get up? Yes No

To fix

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Home safety checklist

Part 1 · Check for Safety: A Home Fall Prevention Checklist for Older Adults

STAIRS & STEPS (INDOORS & OUTDOORS)

FLOORS

KITCHEN

Part 1 · Check for Safety: A Home Fall Prevention Checklist for Older Adults

BEDROOMS

BATHROOMS

Part 2 · Room by room

Entry and stairs

Living room

Kitchen

Part 2 · Room by room

Bathroom

Bedroom

Night path

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