Omaha Senior Home Safety Checklist: 20 Things to Check

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.

During a family visit, begin with a 10-minute home safety walk-through.

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.