The Aging-in-Place Home Safety Checklist (Printable PDF)

A practical, room-by-room home safety checklist for older adults aging in place — distilled from CDC and National Institute on Aging guidance, with notes on which items matter most and why.

This checklist isn’t a complete aging-in-place plan (see our complete guide for that). It’s the safety audit you can do this week, in about two hours, with a family member or friend.

How to use this checklist

Walk through the home room by room with a helper. Use a phone camera to photograph any issues you find — it’s easier to discuss with a contractor or family later. Note items as one of three priorities:

Now — address within 1 week
Soon — address within 1–3 months
Later — address when budget allows

For each item, the actions are written so a handy family member can do most of them. Anything requiring a contractor is marked [PRO].

Entryways and exits

At least one step-free entry exists (or can be made step-free with a ramp). If not, identify which entry could be converted. [PRO if ramp needed]
Path to the entry is clear — no loose pavers, no moss, no standing water after rain
Outdoor lighting works on all entries and turns on automatically at dusk or via motion sensor
Front door has a keyless lock or lock that doesn’t require fine motor control (lever handle, not knob)
Mailbox, garbage, and deliveries are accessible without climbing or reaching — or someone else handles them
Address is clearly visible from the street for emergency responders
Doorbell is audible throughout the home (or there’s a separate alert system)

Stairs and hallways

Stairs are the most common site of serious falls. If your home has stairs that you must use, every item below matters.

Handrails exist on both sides and are securely anchored (not just decorative)
Handrails extend past the top and bottom steps by about 12 inches
Stair lighting is bright and on a switch at both top and bottom
Each step has a contrasting strip or non-slip nosing so the edge is visible
Carpet is tightly secured — no loose edges, no worn spots
No items are stored on the stairs — shoes, boxes, plants
Top and bottom landings are clear of furniture and tripping hazards
If using a stair lift: it has been serviced within the past year, the seat belt works, and the user can transfer to and from it independently [PRO]

Living areas

All throw rugs are removed or fully secured with non-slip backing AND double-sided tape
Cords are routed away from walking paths — no cords across the floor
Coffee tables, side tables, and other furniture have rounded or padded corners
Chairs and sofas are at a height that’s easy to stand from (knees at or below hip level when seated)
Furniture is arranged to leave clear walking paths of at least 36 inches
Lighting can be controlled from each entrance to the room
Floor is in good repair — no loose boards, no lifted edges, no worn spots

Kitchen

Frequently used items are at waist-to-shoulder height (no reaching up high or bending low)
A step stool with a handle is available if any low or high storage is used [Only use a step stool with a handle — never a chair]
Faucet has a lever handle (no twisting knobs)
Anti-fatigue mat is in front of the sink and stove
Smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector are within 10 feet of the kitchen and have been tested this month
Fire extinguisher is accessible and has been inspected within the past year
Stove has an automatic shut-off (or use a stove-top fire suppression product like Fireröbe)
No dish towels, paper, or other flammables near the stovetop

Bathroom

The bathroom is the highest-risk room. Do not skip this section.

Bedroom

Bed height allows feet flat on the floor when sitting on the edge (knees at or below hips)
Path from bed to bathroom is clear and lit — consider a motion-activated night light
Phone or medical alert device is on the nightstand within reach from bed
No loose rugs or cords between bed and bathroom
Clothing and shoes are stored at accessible heights — no top-shelf or low-shelf only items
Bedside lamp is reachable from bed without getting up
If getting out of bed is difficult: bed assist rail or floor-to-ceiling transfer pole is in place

Medication storage

Medication errors cause an estimated 700,000 emergency department visits each year in the US, and older adults are disproportionately affected.

All medications are stored in one organized location — not scattered across multiple rooms
Medications are clearly labeled with name, dose, and time (a pill organizer with morning/noon/evening/night compartments is recommended)
Expired medications are discarded at least every 6 months
A written medication list is on the refrigerator with name, dose, prescriber, and pharmacy — for emergency responders
No duplicate bottles of the same medication are kept in different locations
Good lighting is available at the medication location to avoid mix-ups
If memory is a concern: a locked medication dispenser with timed alerts [Consider MEDSAFE or similar products]

Emergency response

Medical alert system is in use (or there’s a phone within reach in every room)
911 and family emergency contacts are posted by every phone in large print
Smoke detectors work — tested within the past month, batteries replaced within the past year
Carbon monoxide detectors are installed on every floor and have been tested
Fire escape plan is posted and practiced at least once a year
Flashlight is within reach of every bed (don’t rely on phone flashlight in a power outage)
Important documents are in a known, accessible location — ID, insurance cards, advance directive, medication list
A list of emergency contacts is in a wallet or purse in case the older adult is away from home

Throughout the home

Temperature is consistent and safe — older adults are more vulnerable to both heat and cold
No water leaks or signs of water damage — mold and rot are health hazards
Stair handrails, banisters, and railings are tight — no wobble
Windows open easily from inside without tools or special strength
All electrical outlets and switches work — no exposed wiring, no scorch marks
The home is free of pest infestations

What to do after the walkthrough

If you found 0–5 “Now” items: Your home is in good shape. Schedule a yearly check and address the “Later” items as budget allows.

If you found 6–15 “Now” items: Most families are here. Prioritize the bathroom and stairs first. Many “Now” items (lighting, securing rugs, organizing medications) cost almost nothing and can be done in a weekend.

If you found more than 15 “Now” items, or items requiring major work: Consider bringing in an occupational therapist for a professional assessment. The cost ($200–$500) is usually far less than the cost of a single fall.

The goal isn’t perfection. The goal is reducing the most common, highest-consequence risks — and being honest with yourself about what’s left.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I review my home safety checklist?

At least once a year, and immediately after any major health change (a fall, a new diagnosis, a new medication, a hospitalization). Health status changes faster than the home does, and small home changes may become significant risks after a decline in mobility, vision, or cognition.

Who can do a professional home safety assessment?

An occupational therapist (OT) is the most qualified professional for a home safety assessment. Many hospitals and rehab centers offer OT home safety evaluations, sometimes covered by Medicare after a qualifying event. Aging-in-place specialists and certified aging-in-place specialists (CAPS) are also trained in home modifications for older adults.

What's the most common cause of falls at home?

The most common causes of falls at home include tripping hazards (rugs, cords, clutter), slippery surfaces (especially bathrooms), poor lighting, and unsteady footwear. The CDC estimates that about half of all falls happen at home and that simple home modifications could prevent many of them.