Omaha Senior Home Safety Checklist: 20 Things to Check

Brian Pfeifer
4 hours ago
2 min read

Senior woman reviewing home safety notes

A safer home starts with noticing the small things that can become big problems. Use this checklist to walk through a parent's home and identify common fall hazards, accessibility problems and maintenance concerns before they lead to an injury or emergency.

Entryways and Walkways

Keep walkways clear of boxes, cords, shoes and other obstacles.
Make sure exterior steps and entrances have secure handrails where needed.
Check thresholds and transitions for edges that could catch a walker or foot.
Make sure exterior lighting is bright enough to see steps and the path to the door.

Bathroom

Check whether getting into and out of the shower requires stepping over a high threshold.
Consider properly installed grab bars near the shower and toilet when support is needed.
Use nonslip surfaces and remove loose bath mats that slide.
Make sure the bathroom has enough light for nighttime use.

Stairs and Bedrooms

Check that stair handrails are secure and easy to grip.
Improve lighting at the top and bottom of stairs.
Keep stairs completely free of stored items.
Make sure the path from the bed to the bathroom is clear and well lit.

Kitchen and Daily Living

Move frequently used items to reachable locations rather than high shelves.
Repair loose or damaged flooring and other trip hazards.
Make sure smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms are working.
Address small maintenance problems before they become larger hazards.

When a Checklist Is Not Enough

If a person has fallen, is struggling with stairs, needs help getting in and out of the shower, or is having difficulty navigating the home, a professional home safety assessment can help identify priorities. The goal is not to make every possible change. It is to find the changes that make the biggest practical difference.

ADAPT Home Solutions provides senior home safety assessments in Omaha and can help families move from identifying a problem to choosing and implementing practical solutions.

Schedule a Free Home Safety Assessment