Home Safety Checklist
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1. EXTERIOR ENTRANCES AND EXITS
o Note condition of walk and drive surface; existence of curb cuts
o Note handrail condition, right and left sides
o Note light level for driveway, walk, porch
o Check door threshold height
o Note ability to use knob, lock, key, mailbox, peephole, and
o package shelf
o Do door and window locks work?
2. INTERIOR DOORS, STAIRS, HALLS
o Note height of door threshold, knob and hinge types; clear width door opening; determine direction that door swings
o Note presence of floor level changes
o Note hall width, adequate for walker/wheelchair
o Determine stair flight run: straight or curved
o Note stair rails: condition, right and left side
o Examine light level, clutter hazards
o Note floor surface texture and contrast
3. BATHROOM
o Are basin and tub faucets, shower control and drain plugs manageable?
o Are hot water pipes covered?
o Is mirror height appropriate, sit and stand?
o Note ability reach shelf above, below basin
o Note ability to step in and out of the bath and shower
o Can resident use bath bench in tub or shower?
o Note toilet height; ability to reach paper; flush; come from
o sit to stand posture
o Is space available for caregiver to assist?
4. KITCHEN
o Note overall light level, task lighting
o Note sink and counter heights
o Note wall and floor storage shelf heights
o Are under sink hot water pipes covered?
o Is there under counter knee space?
o Is there a nearby surface to rest hot foods on when removed from oven?
o Note stove control location (rear or front)
5. LIVING, DINING, BEDROOM
o Chair, sofa, bed heights allow sitting or standing?
o Do rugs have non-slip pad or rug tape?
o Chair available with arm rests?
o Able to turn on light, radio, TV, place a phone call from bed, chair, and sofa?
6. LAUNDRY
o Able to hand-wash and hang clothes to dry?
o Able to access automatic washer/dryer?
7. TELEPHONE AND DOOR
o Phone jack location near bed, sofa, chair?
o Able to get phone, dial, hear caller?
o Able to identify visitors, hear doorbell?
o Able to reach and empty mailbox?
o Wears neck/wrist device to obtain emergency help?
8. STORAGE SPACE
o Able to reach closet rods and hooks, open bureau drawers?
o Is there a light inside the closet?
9. WINDOWS
o Opening mechanism at 42 inches from floor?
o Lock accessible, easy to operate?
o Sill height above floor level?
10. ELECTRIC OUTLETS AND CONTROLS
o Sufficient outlets?
o Outlet height, wall locations
o Low vision/sound warnings available?
o Extension cord hazard?
11. HEAT, LIGHT, VENTILATION, SECURITY,
CARBON MONOXIDE, WATER TEMP CONTROL
o Are there smoke/CO detectors and a fire extinguisher?
o Thermometer displays easily readable?
o Accessible environmental controls?
o Pressure balance valve available?
o Note rooms where poor light level exists
o Able to open windows; slide patio doors?
o Able to open drapes or curtains
