Everyday home safety

A room-by-room home-safety checklist

A home can feel familiar while small difficulties gradually appear: a curling mat, a dark hallway or a chair that is harder to rise from. This check is not about taking control away. It helps the home continue supporting the person who lives there.

Before walking through the home

Ask what has become annoying, tiring or worrying. Walk the usual routes together, including the trip to the bathroom at night and the entrance used after shopping. Never move possessions without permission.

Entrance and hallway

• Is the path level, clear and well lit?
• Can the door be opened without struggling with bags?
• Are shoes, cords and parcels away from the walking path?
• Is there a sturdy place to pause if needed?

Living room

• Are loose rugs curled, sliding or hard to see?
• Are electrical leads away from walking routes?
• Can phones, glasses and controls be reached from the chair?
• Is the main chair supportive and easy to stand from?

Kitchen

• Are everyday and heavy items between waist and shoulder height?
• Are spills cleaned promptly?
• Is there good light over benches and the cooker?
• Are dates and labels easy to read?

Bathroom and toilet

• Does the floor become slippery when wet?
• Is secure support available where needed?
• Can towels and toiletries be reached without stretching?
• Is the route well lit at night?

Structural supports such as grab rails need suitable positioning and secure installation. Seek professional advice rather than treating a suction handle as structural support.

Bedroom

• Can the bed be entered and left comfortably?
• Is a light reachable before standing?
• Is the floor clear between the bed and bathroom?
• Are a phone, glasses and mobility aid easy to reach?

Laundry and outdoors

• Are loads small enough to carry safely?
• Are paths free from hoses, tools and obstacles?
• Are steps and changes in level easy to see?
• Can someone else manage ladders, gutters and heavy gardening?