Are you concerned about your aging parent or loved one being home alone? Use this elderly home safety checklist to determine whether or not your loved one is safe living at home in its current state, or if you need to make some safety modifications.
Any time you respond "No" indicates an area of concern in the home. "No" responses don't necessarily mean that the person can no longer live at home, but rather indicate areas in the home that may require modifications, or show that a caregiver might be necessary to ensure safety.
If your elderly loved one is unable to perform the task independently mark "No"; if a caregiver is available to assist with the task mark "Caregiver." This will help determine whether a caregiver is necessary for your loved one to be safe in their home.
| Home Interior | Yes | No | Caregiver |
| Stairs inside home are safe | |||
| End of stairs is clearly marked (top and bottom) | |||
| Handrails on both sides of stairs | |||
| Hallways and doorways wide and obstruction free | |||
| Fire extinguisher available | |||
| Smoke detectors present and working | |||
| Adequate lighting | |||
| Throw rugs absent | |||
| Area rugs secure and safe | |||
| Adequate heat | |||
| Adequate cooling | |||
| Space heaters safe | |||
| Hazardous materials stored safely | |||
| Adequate plumbing | |||
| Absence of rodents/insects | |||
| Space free of clutter/debris | |||
| Adequate trash pick up | |||
| Electrical cords safe | |||
| Safe use of electrical circuits/extension cords | |||
| Furniture arranged to facilitate mobility | |||
| Furniture appears sturdy and in good repair | |||
| Non-carpeted floors are not slippery | |||
| Door thresholds are safe | |||
| Safe water temperature | |||
| Chemicals stored away from food | |||
| Able to distinguish between products | |||
| Flammables kept away from heat | |||
| Outdated products safely disposed |
| Home Exterior | Yes | No | Caregiver |
| Able to get in/out front door safely | |||
| Able to get in/out rear door | |||
| Able to retrieve mail/newspaper | |||
| Ramp available, if needed | |||
| Stairs safe and in good repair | |||
| Railing on stairs | |||
| Proper lighting | |||
| Snow/ice removal when needed |
| Bathroom | Yes | No | Caregiver |
| Able to get into bathroom | |||
| Able to turn on/off light | |||
| Able to get on/off toilet | |||
| Able to safely transfer in/out of tub or shower | |||
| Able to use faucets | |||
| Soap available | |||
| Safe use of transfer bench, if necessary | |||
| Night light | |||
| Grab bars available and secure | |||
| Raised toilet seat, if needed | |||
| Non-slip mat or strips in tub/shower | |||
| Proper disposal of soiled incontinence pads | |||
| Adequate cleaning/sanitizing |
| Kitchen | Yes | No | Caregiver |
| Adequate food storage | |||
| Able to recognize if stove/oven is on | |||
| Able to feel heat | |||
| Fire extinguisher available | |||
| Smoke detectors present and working | |||
| Able to prepare meal | |||
| Able to operate microwave | |||
| Able to get groceries | |||
| Frequently used items within reach |
| Bedroom | Yes | No | Caregiver |
| Able to get in and out of bed | |||
| Room for hospital bed, if needed | |||
| Light accessible | |||
| Phone accessible from bed | |||
| Emergency alert system accessible from bed | |||
| Adequate heat | |||
| Bedside commode, if needed | |||
| Flashlight available | |||
| Night light, if needed |
| Pet Care | Yes | No | Caregiver |
| Pets safe underfoot | |||
| Able to feed pets | |||
| Able to let pet outside and back in | |||
| Able to change litter box | |||
| Able to provide pet with adequate exercise |
| Communication | Yes | No | Caregiver |
| Able to utilize telephone | |||
| Emergency response system available | |||
| Able to use system | |||
| Can call for help in an emergency | |||
| Able to exit in an emergency | |||
| Able to clearly communicate needs | |||
| Able to hear alarms |
| Mobility & Personal Safety | Yes | No | Caregiver |
| Absence of falls | |||
| Balance is stable | |||
| Able to maneuver assistive device, if needed | |||
| Can engage in physical activity | |||
| Shoes are safe and comfortable | |||
| Safe clothing for ambulation and circulation | |||
| Wears shoes or non-stick socks inside | |||
| Able to self-manage medications | |||
| Able to manage thermostat | |||
| Able to verbalize and enact emergency plan | |||
| No smoking around oxygen, if needed | |||
| Able to safely change/refill oxygen tanks, as needed | |||
| Oxygen tubing does not obstruct safe ambulation |
If you determine that your loved one is in need of a caregiver to safely live at home, American In-Home Care can refer a compassionate, qualified, screened and insured caregiver that is right for your family. The caregivers we refer provide a variety of services including Alzheimer's Care, After Surgery Care, and assistance with Activities of Daily Living. Contact us today at 1-844-505-0004 to schedule your free, no obligation consultation.
