Home safety checklist for seniors

While home may be where the heart is, it’s also the place where most accidents happen. And for older people, even a small accident can have serious and lasting consequences.

That’s why we’ve created this simple home safety checklist – to help you assess each area of your home for potential hazards and then make modifications to fix them.

Because let’s be honest – even without causing yourself harm, there’s nothing fun about tripping over a rogue rug or wrestling with a stubborn door handle. By making your home safer now, you’re setting yourself up for a happier, easier future.

5 home safety modifications to make right now

Being confronted with a long list of home modifications can feel daunting. To avoid any overwhelm, we’ve chosen 5 important things you might consider addressing first.The rest can be added to a to-do list for a loved one and/or local handyman to work through over time.

Of course, every home is different. If you look around and see things that require more urgent attention, add those to your own personal top-5 list. Then start ticking them off one by one!

1. Install or check grab bars in the bathroom and by the toilet to reduce the risk of falls.
2. Replace bulbs in all frequently used areas and ensure night lights are in place for nighttime safety.
3. Remove tripping hazards by securing loose rugs, tucking away power cords and clearing walkways.
4. Check the batteries in the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
5. Ensure handrails on stairs are secure, and if the steps are slippery, add non-slip treads.

Home safety modifications room by room

So, you’ve addressed (and crossed off) the top 5 most important home safety tasks on your list. Well done! Now, it’s time to cast an eye across the less obvious parts of your home.

You could continue to prioritise tasks into ‘top 5’ groups or use another system that works for you. Okay, let’s take a tour through the rest of your home.

Entry and hall

This is your first point of contact when coming and going, as well as a high-traffic zone. And we’re often rushing through these transitional spaces, so check for:

• Clear walkways: Ensure all hallways and pathways are free of clutter (e.g. shoes, rugs, electrical cords).
• Adequate lighting: Install night lights in hallways, especially near stairs and doorways.
• Secure railings: Make sure handrails are sturdy and easy to grip, especially on stairs.
• Thresholds: If you have raised door thresholds, install ramps or remove them to avoid tripping.

Living room and bedrooms

These rooms are where you spend the most time relaxing and sleeping. They’re also the easiest spaces to keep safe.

• Furniture arrangement: Arrange furniture so there’s enough space to walk easily between pieces.
• Non-slip rugs: Use non-slip mats under rugs or replace them with non-slip rugs.
• Easy-to-reach light switches: Ensure that light switches are within easy reach from your bed and chair.
• Comfortable seating: Choose chairs that are easy to get in and out of, and avoid low or soft chairs.
• Bed height: Ensure your bed is at an appropriate height for getting in and out safely.

Kitchen

Here we have one of the most hazardous rooms in the home. With sharp objects, hot surfaces, and the need for bending and reaching, the kitchen can present a variety of risks.

• Organise cupboards: Keep frequently used items at waist height to avoid the need for bending or stretching.
• Fire safety: Check that your smoke detectors are working and have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen.
• Non-slip mats: Place non-slip mats on kitchen floors, especially around the stove and sink.
• Appliance accessibility: Ensure all appliances are easy to reach and operate without strain.

Bathroom

Speaking of hazardous rooms, the bathroom is up there – with slippery surfaces, limited space and hot water creating a high-risk environment.

• Shower/bathtub grab bars: Install grab bars inside and outside the shower and near the toilet.
• Non-slip mats: Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and shower to prevent slipping.
• Toilet seat risers: Consider adding a toilet seat riser for easier sitting and standing.
• Water temperature: Instal a thermostatic mixing valve that can be set to deliver hot water at a precise, safe temperature.

Outdoors

The spaces outside your home can throw up some unique risks – like uneven surfaces, poor lighting and unexpected tripping hazards (who left that rake there?).

• Clear pathways: Ensure walkways, driveways and steps are free of debris and weeds.
• Lighting: Install motion-sensor lights around entryways and paths.
• Handrails: Add handrails to steps and stairs for better support when walking outdoors.
• Gardening tools: Store gardening tools and hoses safely to prevent tripping.

Why home safety modifications matter

The bottom line is – your home should be a place of comfort, not an obstacle course. From slippery bathrooms to tricky outdoor steps, every area of your home can present challenges as you age. But with a few smart modifications, you can stay independent, avoid unnecessary risks and enjoy your home for years to come.

If you’ve got a Home Care Package, you may be able to allocate some of your budget towards safety modifications at home. Once you’ve used this home safety checklist to assess what needs to be done, check with your provider about what your package could cover.

How CareAbout can help

If you’ve received your Home Care Package funding, CareAbout offers a free service that matches you with the right provider for your individual needs.

With 100s of different providers out there – and your personal care needs at stake – this is a decision that you don’t want to make on your own. 

So, save yourself the stress of trying to call and compare every provider …

Simply call us on 13 13 00 and we’ll take care of the rest!

You’ll join over 130,000 Australian families who’ve found the quality care they deserve – and the peace of mind that comes with it.