Elderly Home Safety Checklist
Use this checklist to determine whether or not a senior citizen is safe living home alone given the current state of the home. Any NO response indicates an area of concern. NO responses do not necessarily mean that the person can no longer remain home, but indicates areas in which the home may require modifications, or assistance may need to be brought in to ensure safety.
If the senior is unable to perform the task independently mark NO; if a caregiver is available to assist with the task mark CAREGIVER. This will help determine whether the care recipient is safe without a caregiver present.
| Home Interior | Yes | No | |
| Stairs inside home are safe | |||
| End of stairs is clearly marked (top and bottom) | |||
| Handrails on both sides of stairs | |||
| Hallways and doorways wide and obstruction free | |||
| Fire extinguisher available | |||
| Smoke detectors present | |||
| Adequate lighting | |||
| Throw rugs absent | |||
| Area rugs secure and safe | |||
| Adequate heat | |||
| Adequate cooling | |||
| Space heaters safe | |||
| Hazardous materials stored safely | |||
| Adequate plumbing | |||
| Absence of rodents/insects | |||
| Adequate trash pickup | |||
| Space free of clutter/debris | |||
| Electrical cords safe | |||
| Safe use of electrical circuits/extension cords | |||
| Furniture arranged to facilitate mobility | |||
| Furniture appears sturdy and in good repair | |||
| Non-carpeted floors are not slippery | |||
| Door thresholds safe | |||
| Safe water temperature | |||
| Safe Storage of Chemicals | Yes | No | Caregiver |
| Able to distinguish between products | |||
| Chemicals stored away from food | |||
| Outdated products safely disposed | |||
| Flammables kept away from heat | |||
| Exterior | Yes | No | Caregiver |
| Able to get in/out of front door safely | |||
| Able to get in/out rear door | |||
| Able to retrieve mail/newspapers | |||
| Ramp available, if needed | |||
| Stairs safe and in good repair | |||
| Railing on stairs | |||
| Proper lighting | |||
| Snow/ice removal, when needed | |||
| Bathroom | Yes | No | Caregiver |
| Able to get into bathroom | |||
| Able to turn on light | |||
| Able to get on/off commode | |||
| Able to safely transfer in/out of tub or shower | |||
| Able to use faucets | |||
| Soap available | |||
| Safe use of transfer bench | |||
| Night light, if needed | |||
| Grab bars available and secure | |||
| Raised toilet seat, if needed | |||
| Non-slip mat or strips in tub or shower | |||
| Proper disposal of soiled incontinence pads | |||
| Adequate cleaning/sanitizing | |||
| Kitchen | Yes | No | Caregiver |
| Adequate food storage | |||
| Able to recognize if stove/oven is on | |||
| Able to feel heat | |||
| Fire extinguisher available | |||
| Smoke detectors present | |||
| Able to prepare meal | |||
| Able to operate microwave | |||
| Able to get groceries | |||
| Frequently used items within reach | |||
| Pet Care | Yes | No | Caregiver |
| Pets safe underfoot | |||
| Able to feed pets | |||
| Able to let pet outside | |||
| Able to change litter box | |||
| Able to provide pet adequate exercise | |||
| Bedroom | Yes | No | Caregiver |
| Able to get in and out of bed | |||
| Room for hospital bed, if needed | |||
| Light accessible | |||
| Phone accessible from bed | |||
| Emergency alert system accessible from bed | |||
| Adequate heat | |||
| Bedside commode | |||
| Flashlight available | |||
| Night light, if needed | |||
| Mobility | Yes | No | Caregiver |
| Absence of falls | |||
| Balance stable | |||
| Able to maneuver assistive device | |||
| Activity tolerance | |||
| Shoes are safe and comfortable | |||
| Communication | Yes | No | Caregiver |
| Able to utilize telephone | |||
| Emergency response system available | |||
| Able to use system | |||
| Can call for help in emergency | |||
| Able to exit in emergency | |||
| Able to clearly communicate needs | |||
| Able to hear alarms | |||
| Personal Safety | Yes | No | Caregiver |
| Safe clothing for ambulation and circulation | |||
| Wears shoes or non-skid socks inside | |||
| Able to self-manage medications | |||
| Safe storage of medications | |||
| Able to manage thermostat | |||
| Able to verbalize and enact emergency plan | |||
| Oxygen Care | Yes | No | Caregiver |
| No smoking around oxygen | |||
| Able to safely change/refill tanks, as needed | |||
| Tubing does not obstruct safe ambulation | |||
Reprinted from A Place for Mom