Fall Proofing Your Home For Seniors

Checklist for Fall-proofing your house

Think of this checklist as a room by room "cheat sheet" for thinking about how well a house has been made senior friendly. Most of the items in this check list are important for "fall-proofing" the home, thereby reducing fall risk. The "member" is the older adult whose house is being "assessed".

Exterior entrances and exits

Are walk and drive surfaces even?Is there a curb cut?Are there handrails at the steps?Are the handrails in good condition (Left, Right)?Is there light in the driveway, walk, porch?Do door and window locks work?

Interior doors, stairs and halls

Are doors wide enough for walker / wheelchairs?Are there railings along the stairway? (And are they in good condition?)Are there steps in the house? Is it easy to see the change in the steps? Is it easy to notice the first and last steps?Is there adequate lighting? (Right level)?Are there light switches at both ends of the stairs? Hallways?Is there clutter in the hallways or on the stairs?Is it easy to notice differences in the floor / carpet surface?

Bathroom

Are basin and tub faucets, shower control and drain plugs manageable?Are hot water pipes covered?Is mirror height appropriate, sit and stand?Is member able to reach shelf above, below basin?Is member able to step in and out of the bath and shower?Is there a bath bench in tub or shower?Are there grab bars for shower / tub access?Is member able to easily reach toilet paper? Flush toilet? Come from sit to stand posture?Is space available for caregiver to assist?Is there good lighting of the room, and for tasks (eg makeup etc)?

Kitchen

Is kitchen adequately lit?Is there task lighting?Can member comfortably reach / use sink and counter? Too high?Are shelves and storage in reach of member?Are "most used" items at level easily reached?Are under sink hot water pipes covered?Is there under-counter knee space?Is there a nearby surface to rest hot foods on when removed from oven?Are stove controls located in rear or front of stove?

Living, dining, bedroom

Do chair, sofa, bed heights allow easy transition from sitting to standing?Do rugs have non-slip pad or rug tape?Do chairs have arm rests? (to support when standing)?Is member able to turn on light, radio, TV, place a phone call from bed, chair, and sofa?

Laundry

Is member able to hand-wash and hang clothes to dry?Is member able to access automatic washer / dryer?Are detergents and wash materials within easy reach?

Telephone and door

Is phone jack location near bed, sofa, chair?Is member able to get phone, dial, hear caller?Is member able to identify visitors, hear doorbell?Is member able to reach and empty mailbox?

Storage space

Is member able to reach closet rods and hooks?Is member able to open bureau drawers?Is there a light inside the closet?

Windows

Are opening mechanisms at 42 inches from floor?Are windows easy to lock? Easy to operate?

Electric outlet and controls

Are there sufficient outlets?Are outlets at reachable height?Are outlets located in convenient areas on wall?Are there any extension cords hazards?

Heat, light, ventilation, security, carbon monoxide, water temperature control

Are there smoke, CO detectors, and a fire extinguisher/Is the thermometer display easily readable?Can member access environmental controls?Is member able to open windows?Is member able to slide patio doors?Is member able to open drapes or curtains?