Daily Care Circle
Home safety

Fall-Risk Checklist for the Whole Home

A room-by-room scan for common hazards that can make everyday care harder.

Main routes

  • Walk the route from bed to bathroom, bathroom to kitchen, favorite chair to front door, and bedroom to phone.
  • Move cords, shoes, baskets, pet bowls, plant stands, low tables, and loose items out of those paths.
  • Check the path again in low light, when many falls happen.

Floors and rugs

  • Look for curled rug edges, loose mats, slippery floors, raised thresholds, and flooring changes that catch a foot, cane, or walker.
  • Use non-slip backing, tape down edges, or remove rugs that slide.
  • Keep floors dry and clean up spills right away.

Lighting

  • Put soft night lights where feet first touch the floor, along the bathroom route, and near steps.
  • Keep lamps or switches reachable from the bed and favorite chair.
  • Replace burned-out bulbs and reduce glare where possible.

Stairs and steps

  • Check that stairways have steady handrails, clear steps, and visible edges.
  • Remove objects from stairs. Do not use stairs as temporary storage.
  • If steps feel unsafe, ask an occupational therapist, physical therapist, or qualified home-safety professional for help.

Bathroom and getting up

  • Check for grab bars, non-slip surfaces, dry floors, reachable towels, and a stable shower chair or bench if one is used.
  • Make sure the favorite chair, bed, and toilet are not so low that standing takes a big push.
  • Store canes, walkers, glasses, hearing aids, and call buttons where they are actually used.

Shoes, pets, and routines

  • Keep well-fitting shoes or non-slip slippers by the bed. Avoid loose slippers and walking in socks on smooth floors.
  • Plan for pets at busy times so they are not underfoot.
  • Reduce rushing by building in time for bathroom trips, meals, and appointments.
This checklist does not replace professional home-safety advice. When in doubt, ask an occupational therapist or care professional.

Sources consulted

Open PDF All printables
Free caregiver resources from Daily Care Circle. General information only; follow medical and care-team instructions.