Aging-in-Place Home Safety Checklist

A complete, room-by-room checklist for making a parent's home safer to age in place — free to use right here, no signup required. It's built from two well-established public safety frameworks: the CDC STEADI "Check for Safety" home fall prevention checklist, and the AARP HomeFit Guide. Full citations are at the bottom of the page.

Entryways & exterior

0 of 6 checked

Main entrance can be reached without climbing steps, or has a securely installed ramp Priority
Any ramp rising more than 6 inches should have handrails on both sides.
Entry steps have a sturdy handrail on at least one side Priority
Every entrance is well lit at night, ideally with a motion-activated light
Walkways and steps are free of cracks, moss, ice, and clutter
Doormats and outdoor rugs lie flat and can't slide underfoot
Door locks and handles use levers, not knobs, so they're easy to operate with a weak grip

Living areas & hallways

0 of 6 checked

Walking paths through the home are at least 36 inches wide and free of clutter Priority
Loose rugs are removed, or secured underneath with non-slip backing or tape Priority
Electrical and phone cords are tucked along walls, not crossing walkways
Light switches are at both ends of every hallway, or lighting is motion-activated
A phone or medical alert device is within reach of the main seating area
Frequently used items are stored within easy reach, without needing a step stool

Kitchen

0 of 6 checked

Everyday dishes and food are stored between shoulder and knee height
Any step stool used is sturdy with its own handrail — never a chair Priority
Non-slip mats are placed at the sink and stove
Smoke detector is present, working, and has a current battery Priority
A fire extinguisher is accessible and not expired
Task lighting over the stove and counters is bright and glare-free

Bathroom

0 of 6 checked

Grab bars are installed near the toilet and inside the tub or shower Priority
Anchor into a wall stud or added blocking, not drywall alone — typical ADA mounting height is 33–36 inches above the floor.
The tub or shower floor has a non-slip mat or textured strips Priority
Toilet is comfort height, or a raised toilet seat is installed if needed
A nightlight or motion light covers the path to the bathroom at night
A shower bench or seat is available for sit-down bathing, if needed
Water heater is set to 120°F or lower to prevent scalding

Bedroom

0 of 6 checked

The path from bed to bathroom is clear and lit with a nightlight Priority
Bed height lets feet touch the floor comfortably when sitting on the edge
A lamp or light switch is reachable from bed without getting up
A phone or medical alert device is within reach at night
Closet items are within reach without a step stool
Bedroom rugs are removed or secured with non-slip backing

Stairs & steps

0 of 6 checked

Sturdy, graspable handrails run the full length of the stairs on both sides Priority
Typical building-code handrail height is 34–38 inches above the step nosing.
Every step is securely attached, with no loose or worn treads or carpet Priority
Stair edges are easy to see, marked with contrasting color or non-slip strips
Light switches are at both the top and bottom of every staircase
Nothing is stored on the stairs, even temporarily
Stair carpet, if present, is low-pile and firmly secured at every edge

Get the printable PDF

Print it out and walk the house room by room — no email required.

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Frequently asked questions

Is this checklist based on real safety guidelines?

Yes. It's organized after the CDC STEADI "Check for Safety" home fall prevention checklist and the AARP HomeFit Guide, two free public resources on older-adult home safety. Both are linked in the sources section below.

Do I need to fix everything on this list right away?

No. Start with the items marked Priority in each room — those are the changes most linked to preventing falls. The rest are worth doing over time, as budget and schedule allow.

Does my progress save if I close the page?

Yes. Checked items are saved in this browser on this device, so you can leave and come back without losing your place. Use the reset link if you want to start over.

Do I need to enter my email to get the PDF?

No. The printable PDF downloads directly with no email required. Leaving your email is optional, only if you'd also like a copy kept on file.

Sources

CDC STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries) — cdc.gov/steadi
AARP HomeFit Guide — aarp.org/homefit

This page adapts the room groupings and hazard checks from those two resources into an interactive checklist; it is not a reproduction of either publication.

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