Home Safety Checklist for Aging in Place: Room by Room

Updated October 18, 2026 · By the Aging in Place Grants research desk · How we research

A printable, room-by-room checklist of more than 100 home safety checks, each with a fix and a rough cost tier.

Use this checklist to walk through the home one room at a time. Bring a notepad or print this page. Check each item. If the answer points to a problem, write down the fix.

This list draws on CDC's Check for Safety home fall checklist ¹, the AARP HomeFit Guide ², fire safety advice from the U.S. Fire Administration ⁴⁵, and the kinds of changes occupational therapists (OTs) and Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists recommend ³⁷. The wording and cost tiers are our own.

How to use this checklist

Walk it with the person who lives there. Watch how they actually move. Do they hold onto furniture? Do they step over cords? Do they sit down to dress?

Check at night, too. Many problems only show up in the dark.

Fix in this order: first the things that could cause a fall today, then the things that make daily tasks hard, then bigger remodels.

What the cost tiers mean

These are rough guides only, not quotes. Prices vary by region and by home.

• $ = Do it yourself. Free or low cost (cleaning up, moving items, plug-in night-lights, tape).
• $$ = A product to buy or a short handyman job (grab bars, handrails, lamps, a shower seat).
• $$$ = A contractor, electrician or plumber, often with permits (ramps, walk-in showers, new wiring, wider doors).

Always get written bids for $$ and $$$ jobs. See our guide to home repair scams before you hire.

Why it is worth the effort

Falls caused more than 43,000 deaths among adults 65+ in 2024 ⁸. A 2023 Cochrane review found that reducing home hazards cut the rate of falls by about 38% for people at higher risk, such as those who had fallen in the past year ⁶. The checklist below is how you find those hazards.

1. Entry and front door

• ☐ Is there a step-free way in, or at least a sturdy railing at the steps? Add a railing on both sides of entry steps. For a wheelchair or walker user, consider a ramp. Cost: $$ to $$$
• ☐ Is the entry well lit at night? Install a bright outdoor light, ideally on a motion sensor or timer. Cost: $$
• ☐ Can you see who is at the door without opening it? Add a peephole at the right height, or a video doorbell. Cost: $ to $$
• ☐ Are the house numbers easy to read from the street at night? Use large, high-contrast or lighted numbers so emergency crews can find you. Cost: $
• ☐ Is there a place to set bags down while you unlock the door? Add a small shelf or bench by the door. Cost: $ to $$
• ☐ Is the door threshold raised enough to catch a toe or a walker? Replace it with a low-profile threshold or add a small threshold ramp. Cost: $$
• ☐ Is the doorknob hard to turn? Swap round knobs for lever handles. Cost: $$
• ☐ Is the lock hard to use? Consider a keypad or easy-turn deadbolt. Cost: $$
• ☐ Is the doormat flat and non-slip? Use a low, rubber-backed mat, or remove it. Cost: $
• ☐ Are the steps even and in good repair? Fix cracked, loose or uneven steps. Cost: $$ to $$$
• ☐ Is the doorway wide enough for a walker or wheelchair? Offset ("swing-clear") hinges can add width; a contractor can widen the frame if needed. Cost: $$ to $$$

2. Stairs and steps

• ☐ Are there handrails on both sides of the stairs? Install sturdy handrails on both sides that run the full length of the stairs ¹. Cost: $$
• ☐ Are the handrails solid? Tighten or replace any rail that wobbles ¹. Cost: $ to $$
• ☐ Is there a light at the top and bottom of the stairs? Have an electrician add overhead lights ¹. Cost: $$ to $$$
• ☐ Can you turn the stair light on from both the top and the bottom? Add a switch at each end. Lighted switches help in the dark ¹. Cost: $$ to $$$
• ☐ Are any bulbs burned out? Replace them right away, and use bright bulbs ¹. Cost: $
• ☐ Is the stair carpet loose or torn? Fasten it tightly to every step, or remove it and add non-slip treads ¹. Cost: $ to $$
• ☐ Are there things on the stairs? Keep stairs completely clear ¹. Cost: $
• ☐ Are any steps broken or uneven? Repair them ¹. Cost: $$ to $$$
• ☐ Can you see the edge of each step? Mark step edges with a contrasting paint or tape ¹. Cost: $
• ☐ Is climbing the stairs getting hard or unsafe? Consider moving the bedroom to the main floor, or ask about a stair lift. Cost: $ (move rooms) to $$$ (stair lift)

3. Living room and hallways

• ☐ Do you have to walk around furniture to cross the room? Move furniture to create clear, wide paths ¹. Cost: $
• ☐ Are there throw rugs? Remove them, or secure them with double-sided tape or a non-slip backing ¹. Cost: $
• ☐ Are papers, shoes, books or blankets on the floor? Pick them up and keep floors clear ¹. Cost: $
• ☐ Do cords run across walkways? Run them along the wall. Have an electrician add an outlet if needed ¹. Cost: $ to $$
• ☐ Is the favorite chair easy to get out of? Chairs with firm seats and armrests are easier. Furniture risers can raise a low seat. Cost: $ to $$
• ☐ Can you reach a light switch when you walk into the room? Add a lamp on a smart plug, a plug-in switch, or a new switch by the door. Cost: $ to $$$
• ☐ Is the floor slippery or uneven? Fix loose boards or tiles, and skip high-gloss floor wax. Cost: $ to $$$
• ☐ Do pets sleep in walkways or run underfoot? Give pets a bed out of the main path and know where they are before you stand. Cost: $
• ☐ Is there a phone you can reach from a chair? Keep a phone, or a cell phone, within easy reach. Cost: $
• ☐ Are hallways bright enough? Add brighter bulbs or plug-in lights, and light dark corners ¹. Cost: $
• ☐ Is there glare from windows or shiny floors? Use light curtains or shades to soften glare ¹. Cost: $ to $$
• ☐ Is the thermostat easy to read and reach? Consider a large-display or programmable model. Cost: $$

4. Kitchen

• ☐ Are the things you use most kept up high? Move them to shelves between about waist and shoulder height ¹. Cost: $
• ☐ Do you use a chair to reach things? Never stand on a chair. Use a sturdy step stool with a handle bar ¹. Cost: $$
• ☐ Do you stay in the kitchen while the stove is on? Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Unattended equipment is the top factor in kitchen fires that spread ⁵. Use a timer as a reminder ⁴. Cost: $
• ☐ Is there a pan lid or baking sheet nearby? Keep one handy to smother a small pan fire ⁵. Cost: $
• ☐ Are towels, mitts or paper near the burners? Keep anything that can burn away from the stovetop ⁵. Cost: $
• ☐ Do pot handles point outward? Turn handles toward the back of the stove ⁵. Cost: $
• ☐ Are appliances plugged into extension cords? Plug them straight into the wall ⁵. Cost: $
• ☐ Are stove knobs easy to read and turn? Add large, high-contrast labels. For memory concerns, ask about an automatic stove shutoff device. Cost: $ to $$
• ☐ Is the floor slippery near the sink? Wipe spills right away and use a low, non-slip mat. Cost: $
• ☐ Is there good light over the counter and sink? Add under-cabinet lights. Cost: $$
• ☐ Are cabinet knobs hard to grip? Swap them for D-shaped pulls. Cost: $ to $$
• ☐ Are heavy pots stored low and deep? Use pull-out shelves or store heavy items at counter height. Cost: $$ to $$$
• ☐ Is there a place to sit while prepping food? A stool or chair at counter height can help with fatigue. Cost: $$

5. Bedroom

• ☐ Can you turn on a light without getting out of bed? Place a lamp within easy reach of the bed ¹. Cost: $
• ☐ Is the path from the bed to the bathroom dark? Add night-lights. Some turn on by themselves when it gets dark ¹. Cost: $
• ☐ Is the bed the right height? Your feet should rest flat on the floor when you sit on the edge. Adjust with risers or a different frame. Cost: $ to $$
• ☐ Is there something sturdy to hold onto when getting out of bed? Ask an OT about a bed rail or support handle that is safe for you. Cost: $$
• ☐ Is there clutter or a rug between the bed and the door? Keep the path clear and rug-free ¹. Cost: $
• ☐ Is there a phone near the bed? Keep one within reach, plus a list of emergency numbers ¹. Cost: $
• ☐ Are clothes easy to reach? Lower closet rods and move daily items to middle drawers. Cost: $ to $$
• ☐ Is there a chair to sit on while dressing? Use a firm chair with arms. Cost: $ to $$
• ☐ Is there a working smoke alarm in or near the bedroom? Test it monthly. If you cannot hear it, use an alarm with a bed shaker or strobe light ⁴. Cost: $ to $$
• ☐ Is there a flashlight by the bed for power outages? Keep one with fresh batteries. Cost: $

6. Bathroom

• ☐ Is the tub or shower floor slippery? Add a non-slip mat or self-stick strips ¹. Cost: $
• ☐ Are there grab bars in and next to the tub or shower? Install grab bars anchored into studs ¹. Never use a towel bar or soap dish for support. Cost: $$
• ☐ Is there a grab bar next to the toilet? Install one, or use a sturdy toilet safety frame ¹. Cost: $$
• ☐ Is the toilet hard to get up from? Add a raised seat, or replace it with a taller ("comfort height") toilet. Cost: $$ to $$$
• ☐ Is stepping over the tub wall hard? Use a tub transfer bench, or consider a walk-in or curbless shower. Cost: $$ to $$$
• ☐ Is there a seat in the shower? Add a shower chair or bench. Cost: $$
• ☐ Is there a handheld shower head? It lets you wash while seated. Cost: $ to $$
• ☐ Is the water too hot? Set the water heater to about 120°F or add anti-scald valves. Cost: $ to $$
• ☐ Is the bath mat outside the tub non-slip? Use one with a rubber backing, or remove it. Cost: $
• ☐ Is there a night-light? Add one so the bathroom is never fully dark. Cost: $
• ☐ Do faucets use round knobs? Lever or single-handle faucets are easier for stiff hands. Cost: $$
• ☐ Does the door open outward or slide? A door that swings in can block help from getting to someone who has fallen. A contractor can rehang it or install a pocket or barn door. Cost: $$ to $$$
• ☐ Can the bathroom door be unlocked from outside in an emergency? Use a privacy lock that can be opened from the hall. Cost: $
• ☐ Are toiletries easy to reach without bending or stretching? Add a shower caddy or a shelf at shoulder height. Cost: $

7. Laundry area

• ☐ Are the washer and dryer in the basement or up a flight of stairs? Consider moving laundry to the main floor if stairs are hard. Cost: $$$
• ☐ Is the path to the laundry clear and well lit? Clear it and add lighting. Cost: $ to $$
• ☐ Do you carry heavy baskets on stairs? Use smaller loads, a bag with a shoulder strap, or a rolling cart on the same floor. Cost: $
• ☐ Are the machines easy to load? Pedestals can raise front-loaders to reduce bending. Cost: $$
• ☐ Are detergent and supplies at waist height? Move them to a shelf you can reach without a stool. Cost: $
• ☐ Is the floor slippery from spills or leaks? Clean spills and fix leaks. Cost: $ to $$
• ☐ Is the dryer lint filter cleaned after every load? Clean it each time, and have the vent cleaned regularly. Cost: $ to $$
• ☐ Is there a place to sit while folding? Fold at a table or counter with a chair nearby. Cost: $

8. Outdoors, garage and yard

• ☐ Are walkways even and free of cracks or tree roots? Repair or patch trip hazards. Cost: $$ to $$$
• ☐ Are paths lit from the car to the door? Add path lights or motion-sensor lights. Cost: $$
• ☐ Are outdoor steps marked and railed? Paint edges a contrasting color and add railings ¹. Cost: $ to $$
• ☐ Is there a plan for snow, ice and wet leaves? Arrange shoveling and use salt or sand. Ask about local chore programs. Cost: $ to $$
• ☐ Are hoses, tools and toys put away? Keep paths clear. Cost: $
• ☐ Is the garage floor clear and well lit? Clear clutter and add bright lights. Cost: $ to $$
• ☐ Is the step from the garage into the house safe? Add a railing or a short ramp. Cost: $$ to $$$
• ☐ Is the mailbox easy and safe to reach? Consider a mailbox closer to the door, if allowed. Cost: $$
• ☐ Are gutters cleaned by someone else? Older adults should not climb ladders. Hire help or ask a volunteer program. Cost: $$
• ☐ Is the deck or porch in good shape? Fix soft or loose boards and loose railings. Cost: $$ to $$$

9. Lighting (whole home)

• ☐ Is the lighting bright and even, with no dark spots? Use brighter bulbs and add light to dark areas ¹. Cost: $
• ☐ Is there a light switch at every room entrance? Add switches or remote-control or smart plugs. Cost: $ to $$$
• ☐ Are there night-lights in halls, the bedroom and the bathroom? Use plug-in or motion-sensor night-lights ¹. Cost: $
• ☐ Do lamps have cords that cross walkways? Re-route them along walls ¹. Cost: $
• ☐ Is there harsh glare? Use shades, frosted bulbs or indirect lighting ¹. Cost: $ to $$
• ☐ Are closets dark? Add battery or plug-in closet lights. Cost: $
• ☐ Are light switches easy to see in the dark? Use lighted or glow switches ¹. Cost: $ to $$
• ☐ Is there light at the top and bottom of every staircase? See the stairs section above ¹. Cost: $$ to $$$
• ☐ Do you have flashlights in key rooms? Keep one in the bedroom, kitchen and living room. Cost: $

10. Emergency readiness

• ☐ Are emergency numbers posted in large print near each phone? Post them where they are easy to see ¹. Cost: $
• ☐ Could you reach a phone if you fell? Keep a phone low enough to reach from the floor, or carry a cell phone ¹. Cost: $
• ☐ Do you have a way to call for help if you cannot get up? Consider a medical alert device ¹. See our medical alert guide. Cost: $$
• ☐ Are smoke alarms on every level and near sleeping areas, and do they work? Test monthly. Use bed-shaker or strobe alarms if hearing is limited ⁴. Cost: $ to $$
• ☐ Do you have carbon monoxide alarms if you have gas appliances or an attached garage? Install them and test them. Cost: $ to $$
• ☐ Do you have a fire escape plan? Plan your route with family and neighbors. Make sure a walker or wheelchair fits through each exit door ⁴. Cost: $
• ☐ If you use medical oxygen, does anyone smoke nearby? Never smoke near oxygen ⁴. Cost: $
• ☐ Is there a fire extinguisher in the kitchen that you know how to use? Keep one and learn how to use it. Cost: $$
• ☐ Does someone check on you every day? Set up a daily call or text with family, a friend or a check-in program. Cost: $
• ☐ Is there a current list of medicines, doctors and contacts? Keep it on the fridge or by the door for emergency crews. Cost: $
• ☐ Does a trusted neighbor have a spare key, or is there a lockbox? This lets help get in without breaking a door. Cost: $ to $$
• ☐ Do you have supplies for a power outage or storm? Keep water, food, medicines and batteries for a few days. Cost: $ to $$

Daily habits that go with a safe home

A safer house works best with a few habits ¹:

• Have a doctor or pharmacist review all your medicines.
• Get your eyes checked every year.
• Stand up slowly after sitting or lying down.
• Wear shoes with non-slip soles inside and outside. Avoid going barefoot or wearing loose slippers.
• Do exercises that build leg strength and balance.

When to bring in a professional

Call in help if:

• Someone has already fallen or is afraid of falling.
• Someone has trouble with daily tasks like bathing, toileting or dressing.
• Someone just came home from the hospital or rehab.
• The fix needs wiring, plumbing, permits or structural work.

An occupational therapist can look at how a person moves and suggest changes that fit them. Medicare Part B may cover an OT home evaluation when it is part of a medically needed therapy plan ordered after an illness or injury. A purely preventive visit is usually not covered ⁷. A Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) is a remodeler or other pro trained by the National Association of Home Builders in aging-in-place design ³. See how to find a CAPS contractor.

Next steps

1. Mark every "no" on this list.
2. Do all the $ fixes this week.
3. Get bids for the $$ and $$$ items, starting with stairs and the bathroom.
4. Read how to pay for home modifications to see what help you might qualify for.

Common questions

Where should I start if I can't fix everything at once?

Start with the things linked to the most falls and injuries: clutter and rugs on walkways, lighting on stairs and at night, handrails on both sides of stairs, and grab bars in the bathroom. Many of these are low-cost.

What do the $, $$ and $$$ cost tiers mean?

They are rough guides, not quotes. $ is a do-it-yourself fix that usually costs little or nothing. $$ usually means buying a product or paying a handyman for a short job. $$$ usually means a contractor, permits or a larger remodel. Local prices vary a lot, so get written bids.

Should a professional check the home?

If someone has already fallen, has trouble with daily tasks, or has just come home from the hospital, yes. Research shows home changes help most for people at higher risk, and many successful programs used occupational therapists. Medicare Part B may cover an OT home evaluation when it is part of a doctor-ordered therapy plan.

Who installs grab bars safely?

Grab bars must be anchored into wall studs or with anchors rated for the load. A towel bar is not a grab bar. If you are not sure, hire a licensed handyman or contractor, or ask a local nonprofit repair program.

Can I get help paying for these changes?

Possibly. Local Area Agencies on Aging, nonprofit repair groups, Medicaid waivers, VA grants and USDA rural repair programs can help, depending on where you live and whether you qualify. Some medical home changes may also count toward the IRS medical expense deduction.

Sources

1. Check for Safety: A Home Fall Prevention Checklist for Older Adults (STEADI) — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Checked October 18, 2026.
2. AARP HomeFit Guide — AARP. Checked October 18, 2026.
3. How to Earn Your CAPS (Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist) — National Association of Home Builders. Checked October 18, 2026.
4. Fire Safety for Older Adults — U.S. Fire Administration (FEMA). Checked October 18, 2026.
5. Cooking Fire Safety — U.S. Fire Administration (FEMA). Checked October 18, 2026.
6. Environmental interventions for preventing falls in older people living in the community (Cochrane review CD013258, 2023) — Cochrane. Checked October 18, 2026.
7. Navigating Home Modifications in Medicare — American Occupational Therapy Association. Checked October 18, 2026.
8. Older Adult Falls: About Falls — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Checked October 18, 2026.