Free Home Safety Assessment for Seniors

1. Does your home have steps at the main entrance?

No steps — level entry 1–2 steps with handrail 3+ steps without handrail 3+ steps with handrail

2. Is the pathway from the driveway/parking to the front door smooth and well-lit?

Yes, smooth surface and well-lit Smooth but poorly lit Uneven surface but well-lit Uneven surface and poorly lit

3. Does the main bathroom have grab bars near the toilet?

Yes, properly installed grab bars Towel bars only (not rated for support) No grab bars or support

4. Does the shower or tub have grab bars and a non-slip surface?

Yes, grab bars and non-slip mat/surface Non-slip mat only, no grab bars Grab bars only, no non-slip surface Neither grab bars nor non-slip surface

5. How does the person enter the shower or tub?

Walk-in shower with no threshold Walk-in shower with low threshold (<1 inch) Standard tub requiring step-over High-sided tub requiring significant step-over

6. Is there a shower seat or bench available?

Yes, built-in or fold-down shower seat Portable shower chair available No shower seating

7. Are there interior stairs in the home?

No interior stairs (single-story) Stairs with sturdy handrails on both sides Stairs with handrail on one side only Stairs with no handrails

8. What is the primary flooring type in main living areas?

Low-pile carpet or non-slip hard flooring Smooth hard flooring (wood, tile) with area rugs secured Loose area rugs or high-pile carpet Smooth hard flooring with unsecured rugs

9. Are there raised thresholds between rooms?

No raised thresholds throughout Minor thresholds (<½ inch) Significant raised thresholds (½ inch or more)

10. How wide are the main doorways in the home?

36 inches or wider (wheelchair accessible) 32–35 inches (tight for wheelchair) Less than 32 inches (not wheelchair accessible)

11. Do the main doors have lever-style handles (vs. round knobs)?

Yes, all main doors have lever handles Some lever handles, some round knobs All round knobs

12. Is the lighting adequate in hallways and stairways?

Bright, even lighting with night lights Adequate overhead lighting, no night lights Dim or inconsistent lighting

13. Are light switches accessible from a seated position or near doorways?

Yes, all switches are easily accessible Most switches are accessible Many switches are hard to reach

14. Is the primary bedroom on the main floor (no stairs required)?

Yes, bedroom is on the main floor No, bedroom requires climbing stairs

15. Is there a full bathroom on the same floor as the bedroom?

Yes, full bathroom on the same floor Half bath on same floor, full bath on another floor No bathroom on the same floor

16. Can the kitchen be navigated with a walker or wheelchair?

Yes, open layout with good clearance Possible with some difficulty No, too narrow or cluttered

17. Are frequently used items stored at accessible heights (not requiring reaching overhead or bending low)?

Yes, most items are at accessible heights Some items require reaching or bending Many items require significant reaching or bending

18. Is there a medical alert system or emergency call device in the home?

Yes, wearable medical alert system Wall-mounted emergency buttons in key areas No emergency call system

19. Are smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed and functional?

Yes, on every floor with fresh batteries Some detectors, not sure about batteries No detectors or non-functional

20. Has the home had a professional safety assessment by an occupational therapist or CAPS specialist?

Yes, within the past 2 years Yes, but more than 2 years ago No professional assessment

Home Safety Assessment