Home safety self-check

Check your home for fall risks

Room-by-room questions adapted from the CDC's Check for Safety brochure. Answer yes or no, and you get a short list of fixes to print.

When you walk through a room, do you have to walk around furniture?What to do: Ask someone to move the furniture so your path is clear.
Do you have throw rugs on the floor?What to do: Remove the rugs, or use double-sided tape or a non-slip backing so the rugs won't slip.
Are there papers, shoes, books or other objects on the floor?What to do: Pick up things that are on the floor. Always keep objects off the floor.
Do you have to walk over or around wires or cords?What to do: Coil or tape cords and wires next to the wall so you can't trip over them. If needed, have an electrician put in another outlet.

Are there papers, shoes, books or other objects on the stairs?What to do: Always keep objects off the stairs.
Are some steps broken or uneven?What to do: Fix loose or uneven steps.
Is a light and light switch missing at the top or bottom of the stairs?What to do: Have an electrician put in an overhead light and light switch at the top and bottom of the stairs.
Has a stairway light bulb burned out?What to do: Have a friend or family member change the light bulb.
Is the carpet on the steps loose or torn?What to do: Make sure the carpet is firmly attached to every step, or remove it and attach non-slip rubber treads.
Are the handrails loose or broken, or on only one side?What to do: Fix loose handrails or put in new ones, on both sides of the stairs and as long as the stairs.

Are the things you use often on high shelves?What to do: Keep things you use often on the lower shelves, about waist high.
Is your step stool unsteady, or do you stand on a chair?What to do: If you must use a step stool, get one with a bar to hold on to. Never use a chair as a step stool.

Is the tub or shower floor slippery?What to do: Put a non-slip rubber mat or self-stick strips on the floor of the tub or shower.
Do you need support getting in and out of the tub, or up from the toilet?What to do: Have grab bars put in next to and inside the tub, and next to the toilet.

Is the light near the bed hard to reach?What to do: Place a lamp close to the bed where it's easy to reach.
Is the path from your bed to the bathroom dark?What to do: Put in a nightlight so you can see where you're walking.

Questions and fixes adapted from the CDC STEADI Check for Safety brochure. More at CDC STEADI patient resources.

Educational tool, not a medical assessment. It does not diagnose fall risk. Talk with your doctor about falls, and call 911 in an emergency.

Want a professional set of eyes?

Ask your doctor whether home health physical or occupational therapy is right for you, or call us to talk it through.

Prefer that we call you?

Fax referrals and orders to (214) 614-7479