Home safety checklist for aging parents, room by room
Walk through the house with your parent, not around them. Ask them where they feel unsteady. They usually know.
Bathroom (start here)
- Grab bars beside the toilet and inside the shower, screwed into studs (suction bars are not for weight).
- Non-slip mat or strips inside the tub or shower.
- Shower chair or transfer bench, plus a handheld shower head.
- Raised toilet seat or toilet safety frame if getting up is hard.
- Night light on the path from bed to bathroom.
Bedroom
- Lamp or touch light reachable from bed.
- Bed height that lets feet rest flat on the floor when sitting.
- Phone or help button within reach of the bed.
Stairs and hallways
- Sturdy handrails on both sides of stairs.
- Light switches at the top and bottom.
- No loose rugs, cords, or clutter on walkways.
Kitchen
- Everyday items moved to between hip and shoulder height.
- A sturdy step stool with a handle, never a chair.
- Working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Entrances
- Bright outdoor lighting and a handrail on steps.
- A spare key in a lockbox so responders can get in.
Next steps
Most of these cost under $50. For bigger changes such as stairlifts or walk-in showers, ask the doctor about an occupational therapy home assessment first. And make sure your parent can call for help from anywhere in the house.