Check for Safety: A home fall prevention checklist for older adults

STEADI: Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries

Use this checklist to find and fix hazards in your home:

Stairs & Steps (Indoors and Outdoors)

1. Are there any papers, shoes, books or other objects on the stairs?

*Always keep objects off the stairs.

2. Are some steps broken or uneven?

*Fix Loose or uneven steps.

3. Is there a light and light switch at the top and bottom of the stairs?

*Have an electrician put in an overhead light and light switch at the top and bottom of the stairs. You can get light switches that glow.

4. Has a stairway light bulb burned out?

*Have a friend or family member change the light bulb.

5. Is the carpet on the steps come loose or torn?

*Make sure the carpet is firmly attached to every step or remove the carpet and attach non-slip rubber treads to the stairs.

6. Are the handrails loose or broken? Is there a handrail on only one side of the stairs?

*Fix loose handrails or put in new ones. Make sure handrails are on both sides of the stairs and are as long as the stairs.

Floors:

1. When you walk through a room, do you have to walk around the furniture?

*Ask someone to move the furniture so your path is clear.

2. Do you have throw rugs on the floor?

*Remove the rugs or use double-sided tape or a non-slip backing so the rugs won’t slip.

3. Are there papers, shoes, books or other objects on the floor?

*Pick up things that are on the floor. Always keep objects off the floor.

4. Do you have to walk over or around wires or cords (like lamp, telephone or extension cords)?

*Coll or tape cords and wires next to the wall so you can’t trip over them. If needed, have an electrician put in another outlet.

Kitchen:

1. Are things you use often on high shelves?

*Keep things you use often on the lower shelves (about waist high).

2. Is your step stool sturdy?

*If you must use a step stool, get one with a bar to hold on to. Never use a chair as a step stool.

Bedrooms:

1. Is the light near the bed hard to reach?

*Place a lamp close to the bed where it’s easy to reach.

2. Is the path from your bed to the bathroom dark?

*Put in a nightlight so you can see where you’re walking. Some nightlights go on by themselves after dark.

Bathrooms:

1. Is the tub or shower floor slippery?

*Put a non-slip rubber mat or self-stick strips on the floor of the tub or shower.

2. Do you some support when you get in and out of the tub or up from the toilet?

*Have grab bars put in next to and inside the tub and next to the toilet.

Contact your local community or senior center for information on exercise, fall prevention programs or options for improving home safety.

For additional information on fall prevention, visit go.usa.gov/xN9XA.

Disclaimer: This information came directly from the CDC STEADI pamphlet on Checking for Safety for Older Adults, and I give them full credit for the information. Please refer to their websites for more information.