Home Safety Checklists

En español | Every year in the United States, nearly one-third of people age-65+ experience a fall.

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Among these older adults, falls are the leading cause of injury deaths and the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma. More than half of all fall injuries among older people occur inside the home, and an additional 23 percent happen outside, but near the home.

10 steps to home safety

Many of these falls and  injuries can be prevented by taking simple, inexpensive steps to eliminate or fix potential hazards. Our 10 favorites are listed here.

1. Install handrails on both sides of all steps (indoors and out).
   
   
2. Secure all carpets and area rugs with double-sided tape or carpet mesh. Consider removing unnecessary rugs.
   
   
3. Install easy to grasp C- or-D-shaped handles for all drawers and cabinet doors.
   
   
4. Use brighter lightbulbs that don't produce excessive glare.
   
   
5. Install night-lights in all areas of night activity.
   
   
6. Add reflective, non-slip tape on all non-carpeted stairs.
   
   
7. Install lever handles on all doors.
   
   
8. Place a bench near entrances for resting or setting down purchases.
   
   
9. Install closet lights, as well as adjustable, pull-down rods and shelves.
   
   
10. Install rocker-style light switches and consider illuminated ones in select areas.

Home safety checklists

Conducting a home safety check can go a long way in helping prevent problems that could lead to a fall, other injury or loss of independence. Answer the questions in each checklist and review the recommendations.

• Entrances, Exits and Exteriors
  
• Steps and Stairways
  
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Living Areas and Bedrooms