The 10-Minute Fall-Prevention Checklist for Senior Homes
Falls are the leading cause of injury for adults 65 and older — and most happen at home, in ordinary rooms, during ordinary routines. The good news: most are preventable with simple fixes. This is the same room-by-room check our local pros run on a first visit. Walk it in about ten minutes; anything you can't tick off is worth fixing.
Entryway & exterior
- Handrails on both sides of any exterior steps (one side isn't enough).
- Pathway lighting that actually illuminates each step — not just a dim porch bulb.
- Threshold ramps or beveled edges where a raised doorway lip could catch a foot or walker.
- Non-slip treads or paint on wooden steps, which get slick when wet.
Stairs (inside)
- Sturdy handrails on both sides, running the full length of the stairs.
- Steps clearly visible: contrasting edge strips help aging eyes judge depth.
- No clutter, loose rugs, or cords on or near the staircase.
- Light switches at both top and bottom — or motion-sensor lighting.
Bathroom (the highest-risk room)
- Grab bars by the toilet (side + back wall) and in the shower/tub — anchored into studs, at 33–36 inches high. See our placement guide.
- Non-slip mats or textured strips in the tub/shower — not just a bath mat on the floor outside it.
- Raised toilet seat if standing up from a low toilet is a struggle.
- Shower seat or bench for anyone who feels unsteady standing on a wet surface.
- Lever-style faucet handles (easier arthritic hands than twist knobs).
Bedroom
- Lamp or light reachable from the bed — no walking across a dark room.
- Bed at a height where feet rest flat on the floor when sitting on the edge.
- Clear path from bed to bathroom, with nightlights along the way.
- Phone within reach of the bed.
Kitchen & living areas
- Everyday items stored between waist and shoulder height — no step stools, no deep bending.
- Rugs taped down or removed; cords run along walls, not across walkways.
- Sturdy chairs with armrests for pushing up to stand.
The 80/20 rule: if you only fix three things, make them grab bars in the bathroom, handrails on both sides of the stairs, and lighting on every step and pathway. Those three cover the large majority of serious home falls.
Want a pro to walk it with you?
A checklist catches the obvious; a trained eye catches the rest — the stud that isn't where you think, the "fine" step that's actually a trip waiting to happen. Our network pros do a free room-by-room safety check and leave you a written summary with flat prices. Request yours here.
Want a price for your home?
Every service has one flat rate, locked in before work begins — free to request, no obligation.