Most falls happen at home — in the rooms and hallways seniors walk through every day. The good news is thatmost of the changes that prevent these falls take less than a weekend to complete.
Use this checklist to walk through your home (or your parent's home) room by room. Print it out, grab a pen, and check off each item as you go. Anything you can't check off is a project for this weekend.
Entrance and Front Steps
- Handrails on both sides of all outdoor steps
- Steps are in good repair — no cracks, loose boards, or uneven surfaces
- Non-slip strips or paint on outdoor steps
- Path is clear of garden hoses, planters, and debris
- Outdoor lighting illuminates the full path from street to door
- Doormat is flat and secured (not bunched or curling at edges)
- Door lock is easy to operate without fumbling (consider a keypad lock)
- Salt/sand bucket accessible near the door for winter ice
Hallways and Living Areas
- All walkways are clear of clutter, cords, and shoes
- Loose rugs are removed or secured with double-sided carpet tape
- Light switches are accessible at both ends of every hallway
- Night lights or motion-sensor lights along the path from bedroom to bathroom
- Furniture is arranged to create wide, clear walking paths
- Phone and charger are accessible without getting up (or carry a mobile phone)
- Frequently used items are within easy reach — no step stools needed
- Carpet edges are flat and tacked down — no ripples or curling
- Electrical cords are routed along walls, not across walkways
Kitchen
- Frequently used dishes, pots, and food are at waist to shoulder height
- Step stool has a handrail (if one is needed at all)
- Spills are wiped up immediately — keep a towel within reach
- Non-slip mat in front of the sink
- Appliance cords don't dangle over counter edges
- Oven mitts and pot holders are in good condition (no holes)
- Lighting is bright enough to read labels and see the stove clearly
- Heavy items are stored low — never overhead where reaching is required
Bathroom (Highest Risk Room)
- Grab bars installed beside the toilet (at least one side, ideally both)
- Grab bars installed inside the shower/tub (vertical + horizontal)
- Non-slip mat or adhesive strips inside the tub/shower
- Non-slip bath mat outside the tub/shower
- Raised toilet seat installed (if the current toilet is low)
- Shower chair or bench available for seated bathing
- Handheld shower head installed (allows seated bathing)
- Towel bars are NOT used as grab bars (they're not designed to hold body weight)
- Hot water temperature is set below 49C/120F to prevent scalding
- Medications are in easy-open containers and clearly labelled
- Night light in the bathroom (always on or motion-activated)
Bedroom
- Bed height allows feet to touch the floor when sitting on the edge
- Light switch or lamp is reachable from the bed without getting up
- Phone is reachable from the bed
- Path from bed to bathroom is clear and lit (night light or motion sensor)
- Bed rail installed if needed for getting in and out
- Slippers have non-slip soles (no floppy or backless slippers)
- Closet items are within easy reach — no overhead shelf climbing
- Bedside table is sturdy enough to lean on (if used for support when standing)
Stairs
- Handrails on both sides, running the full length of the staircase
- Handrails are firmly attached (test by pulling hard)
- All steps are the same height (uneven risers are a major trip hazard)
- Stair edges are clearly visible (contrast tape or paint on the edge of each step)
- Carpet is firmly attached — no loose edges or wrinkles
- Lighting illuminates every step (no shadows on the staircase)
- Light switches at both top and bottom of stairs
- Nothing stored on the stairs — not even temporarily
Garage and Laundry
- Floor is clean and dry — no oil spots or water puddles
- Step between garage and house has a handrail
- Laundry supplies are at waist height
- Front-loading washer/dryer (or a sturdy platform under top-loaders)
- Adequate lighting — no dark corners
General
- Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are working and tested monthly
- Emergency numbers are posted by the phone or programmed into speed dial
- Medical alert system is worn (if living alone)
- Shoes worn in the house have non-slip soles and support the ankle
- Pet bowls and toys are placed out of walkways
- All area rugs have non-slip backing
What to Do With This Checklist
- Walk through every roomwith this list. Check off what's already done.
- Prioritize the bathroom and stairs— these are the two highest-risk areas.
- Fix the easy things this weekend.Removing loose rugs, adding night lights, and moving frequently used items to reachable heights are all free or cheap.
- Schedule the bigger projects.Grab bar installation, handrail repair, and raised toilet seats may require a handyman. Most can be done in a day.
- Reassess every 6 months.Needs change as mobility changes. What was safe 6 months ago may need updating.
For a deeper dive into why each of these modifications matters, read ourFall Prevention for Seniors: Toronto Room-by-Room Guide.
If you'd like a professional assessment of your home, our physiotherapists evaluate the home environment as part of every in-home visit. We spot risks that checklists miss — furniture heights, floor surfaces, lighting angles, and transfer techniques specific to your mobility level.
Book a home safety assessment:Call416-795-0373.