You don't have to do this all at once.
This walkthrough guides you through the home and property — inside and outside — one area at a time. Check off what's already safe. Note what needs attention. At the end, you'll have a prioritized report you can print and share.
Arriving Home
8 items
Entry & Doors
7 items
Yard & Garden
10 items
Bedroom
7 items
Bathroom
9 items
Kitchen
7 items
Living Areas
6 items
Check the box when something is already safe. Leave it unchecked if it needs attention — it'll appear in your report.
Outside · Section 1 of 6
🚗 Arriving Home
The journey from car to front door is one of the most overlooked safety zones. Uneven pavement, poor lighting, and awkward distances cause more falls than most families realize.
Driveway & Parking
Driveway surface is even — no cracks, heaves, or loose gravel
Uneven surfaces are a leading cause of outdoor falls. Fill cracks with driveway filler; replace loose gravel with pavers or packed stone.
High
Parking spot is close to the entry path
Long walks from car to door are tiring and increase fall risk. Consider reserving the nearest spot and marking it clearly.
High
Enough space beside the car to open the door fully and step out safely
Stepping onto grass or sloped ground from a car is a common fall moment. Paved or level surface on both sides is ideal.
Medium
Path to the Door
Walkway to the door is smooth, level, and free of height changes
Any lip over ½ inch should be ramped or repaired. Decorative edging can become a tripping hazard over time.
High
Outdoor lighting illuminates the full path from car to door
Motion-activated lights are ideal — they come on before a person reaches a dark zone. Solar path lights are inexpensive and easy to install.
High
Walkway is at least 36 inches wide (enough for a walker)
Even if a walker isn't used now, planning for it prevents expensive modifications later. Narrow paths with overgrown edges may need trimming.
Medium
Seasonal hazards are managed — leaves, ice, hoses, tools stored away from path
Wet leaves are as slippery as ice. A simple routine of clearing the path can prevent serious falls.
Low
Any exterior steps have a sturdy handrail on at least one side
Handrails should be graspable (1¼–2 inch diameter), extend the full length of the steps, and be firmly anchored — no wobble.
Medium
Outside / Inside · Section 2 of 6
🚪 Entry & Doors
Getting through the door — and back out again — should feel effortless. Heavy doors, high thresholds, and difficult locks are quiet barriers to independence.
The Entry
Level landing at the main entry — door can be opened without stepping backward
Stepping backward on stairs or a slope while opening a door is a fall risk. A 5x5 ft landing gives safe room to maneuver.
High
Door threshold is low (under ½ inch) or has a beveled ramp
High thresholds catch toes and walker feet. Beveled threshold ramps cost $10–30 and install in minutes.
Medium
A place to sit near the entry — for putting on / removing shoes safely
Standing on one leg to manage shoes is a balance challenge. A simple bench makes this moment safe and dignified.
Low
Doors & Hardware
Door handles are lever-style, not round knobs
Round knobs require grip strength and wrist rotation that can be painful or difficult with arthritis. Lever handles cost $20–60 and swap easily.
Medium
Doors can be opened with one hand while stepping through
Heavy spring closers on storm doors can knock someone off balance. Adjust the closer tension or replace it.
Medium
A key lockbox or keypad entry is available — no fumbling with keys in the dark
Keypad or smart locks eliminate a hidden frustration and allow trusted family members access without an extra key. Entry-level models start at $40.
Low
Entry mat is flat, thin, and non-slip — not a thick mat that can shift or bunch
Thick, decorative mats are among the most common indoor trip hazards. Replace with a thin, rubberized mat or remove entirely.
Low
Outside · Section 3 of 6
🌿 Yard, Garden & Outbuildings
Staying connected to the yard — gardening, getting the mail, sitting outside — is part of a full life. This section helps you see what's safe and what simple changes can extend those years outdoors.
Yard Safety
Yard is free of hoses, cords, or tools left across walking paths
Garden hoses are especially hazardous — they blend into grass and are hard to see. A hose reel or hook keeps them off the ground.
High
Lawn surface is even — no holes, ruts, or soft spots
Animal burrows, irrigation depressions, and tree root heaves all create fall risks. Fill and tamp down uneven areas seasonally.
High
Level changes in the yard (steps, retaining walls) have a handrail or gentle slope
A single unsupported step down onto grass is one of the most common fall locations. A simple pipe rail or railing post is a low-cost fix.
Medium
Trash and recycling bins are easy to access and roll to the curb
Heavy bins on uneven surfaces are a strain and fall risk. Lightweight bins with wheels and a flat path to the curb reduce this significantly.
Low
Garden Access & Simplification
Garden beds are raised or at a height that avoids kneeling on the ground
Raised beds at 24–30 inches allow gardening from a chair or standing with minimal bending. Getting up from the ground becomes harder — and riskier — over time.
Medium
Lightweight or ergonomic garden tools are available — long handles, soft grips
Long-handled tools eliminate bending. Soft foam grips reduce hand strain. Tools should weigh no more than 2–3 lbs for safe solo use.
Low
Watering is simplified — drip irrigation, soaker hoses, or a timer in place
Carrying a full watering can or dragging a heavy hose is exhausting. A simple timer and soaker hose setup costs under $30 and removes the daily task entirely.
Low
A kneeler bench with side handles is available for any ground-level tasks
A kneeler bench lets someone kneel safely and use the handles to push back up to standing — preserving independence for low gardening work.
Low
Outdoor seating is at a good height with arms — easy to get up from independently
Low sling chairs and Adirondack chairs look lovely but are very hard to rise from. Outdoor chairs with arms and a seat height of 17–19 inches work best.
Low
Garage & Outbuildings
Path to the garage or shed is level and paved — not through uneven grass
Adding stepping stones or a simple gravel path creates a safe, defined route to outbuildings and removes the guesswork of where to step.
Medium
Inside · Section 4 of 6
🛏️ Bedroom
Many falls happen at night — the trip from bed to bathroom in the dark. Small changes here make a meaningful difference in nighttime safety.
Bed & Nighttime Safety
Bed height lets feet rest flat on the floor when seated — not too low or too high
Ideal bed height is 20–23 inches from floor to top of mattress. Bed risers raise low beds; a lower bed frame or different mattress lowers a high one.
High
A lit path exists from bed to bathroom — night lights at floor level
Plug-in night lights with motion sensors cost under $10 each and remove the need to find a switch in the dark. Place one in the bedroom and one in the hallway.
High
A lamp or switch is reachable from the bed without getting up first
A small lamp on the nightstand or a smart plug with a tap-to-on switch means light can be turned on before standing up. A remote bedside switch is another option.
Medium
Phone or medical alert device is within reach from the bed
If a fall happens during the night, reaching for help from the floor is only possible if a phone or alert device is close. Keep it on the nightstand every night.
Medium
No rugs or clutter on the path from the bed to the door or bathroom
Loose rugs, slippers left on the floor, and furniture corners all become fall hazards in the dark. Keep this path completely clear.
Low
Frequently used clothing and items are at a reachable height — no step stool needed daily
Step stools are a significant fall risk. Reorganizing so everyday items are between hip and shoulder height removes this hazard entirely.
Low
A sturdy surface is available for balance when getting dressed
Standing on one foot to put on pants or socks is a common fall moment. A chair to sit on — or a dresser to hold — makes dressing safe.
Low
Inside · Section 5 of 6
🚿 Bathroom
The bathroom is the highest-risk room in the home. Wet surfaces, confined spaces, and the need for privacy make this the most important area to get right.
Tub & Shower
Grab bars are installed in the shower or tub — anchored into studs, not just a towel bar
A towel bar will pull out of the wall if someone falls against it. Proper grab bars are rated for 250+ lbs and are the single most impactful bathroom modification.
High
Non-slip mat or textured strips are inside the tub or shower
A wet, untextured tub floor is extremely slippery. Adhesive non-slip strips or a suction-cup mat provide immediate traction.
High
A shower chair or tub transfer bench is available for seated bathing
Bathing seated reduces fall risk significantly and reduces the energy required. A tub transfer bench allows entry without stepping over the high tub wall.
High
A handheld shower head is installed
Handheld shower heads make seated bathing practical and eliminate the need to turn and move under a fixed spray. They replace a standard showerhead in 10 minutes.
Medium
Toilet & Floor
A grab bar is beside the toilet for sitting down and rising
Rising from a low toilet requires significant leg strength. A side grab bar — or a raised toilet seat with arms — makes this safer and more independent.
High
Toilet seat height is 17–19 inches from the floor
Standard toilets are 15 inches — too low for many older adults. A raised toilet seat ($20–60) or comfort-height toilet makes a significant difference.
Medium
Bath mat outside the tub has a non-slip backing and lies flat
Stepping out of the tub onto a shifting mat is a high fall moment. Suction-cup backed mats or mats with rubber edging stay in place.
Medium
Daily items are organized at a reachable height — no overhead reaching needed
Reaching above shoulder height in a wet bathroom throws off balance. Organize so everything used daily is between waist and shoulder height.
Low
Inside · Section 6 of 6
🍳 Kitchen
The kitchen supports daily routines and a sense of capability. The goal is keeping it safe and usable — not taking it away.
Access & Safety
No loose rugs in the kitchen — or all mats have non-slip backing and are completely flat
Kitchen mats slide on smooth flooring, especially when someone carries a heavy pot or walks quickly. Remove them or replace with fully-gripped versions.
High
Frequently used items are between counter and eye level — no step stool needed daily
Reorganize so dishes, glasses, and pantry staples are in easy reach. Lazy Susans in lower cabinets and pull-down shelf systems bring upper storage into reach.
Medium
A sturdy stool or chair is available so cooking can be done seated
Cooking while seated reduces fatigue and fall risk during longer meal preparation. A counter-height stool with a back and footrest works well.
Medium
Stove knobs are easy to see and operate — an auto shut-off device is considered
An automatic stove shut-off device (like iGuardStove) turns off burners if no motion is detected nearby. A simple, affordable safety upgrade for anyone cooking alone.
Low
Heavy pots and appliances are stored low — not lifted down from overhead
Lifting heavy items overhead is a strain and balance risk. Lower shelves, pull-out drawers, and countertop appliances eliminate the overhead lift.
Low
A kitchen cart or rolling trolley is available for moving hot dishes or heavy groceries
A rolling cart eliminates the need to carry heavy or hot items across the kitchen — and doubles as extra counter space and a support surface.
Low
Inside · Final Section
🛋️ Living Areas & Hallways
The spaces where life happens day-to-day. Small adjustments here — cords, lighting, furniture — make daily movement safe and confident.
Floors & Furniture
All area rugs are secured with non-slip backing — or removed from walking paths
Rugs are one of the top causes of falls in the home. Non-slip rug pads, carpet tape, or simply removing the rug are all effective solutions.
High
Electrical cords are along walls and secured — not crossing any walking path
Cord covers or raceways along baseboards keep cords safe, tidy, and out of the walkway. This is a $10–20 fix with significant impact.
High
Main seating is at a height that is easy to rise from — with arms to push up from
Deep, low sofas look comfortable but are hard to get up from safely. Seat height of 17–18 inches with firm arms is the target. Lift chairs are worth considering.
Medium
Walking paths through the home are at least 3 feet wide and unobstructed
Furniture should be arranged with clear paths in mind — especially bedroom → bathroom and living room → kitchen. 36 inches minimum allows for a walker.
Medium
All areas and hallways have good lighting — switches at the entrance to each room
Dim hallways between bright rooms cause momentary vision adjustment that affects balance. Brighter bulbs and accessible switches are simple improvements.
Low
Stairs have handrails on both sides, good lighting, and visible non-slip step edges
Contrasting tape on step edges helps vision; handrails on both sides are required for safe stair use as balance changes. Lights at top AND bottom are both needed.
Low