How safe are you at home?

This Home Safety Checklist can assist to identify areas of your home where changes could be made to prevent falls.

Home Safety Checklist

Access to your home

Do you feel safe and steady on your feet when going through your front or back door?

If you are going out at night, are you able to turn on lights so you can see your pathways and entryways clearly?

Are all steps and paths outside your home free from loose or broken surfaces?

Kitchen/living/dining

Can you easily reach the items in your kitchen which you use every day, without needing to reach above your head or below your knees?

Do you clean up any spills on the ground straight away?

Are you able to easily get up from your chair in the kitchen and lounge room?

If you have rugs on the floor, are they secured to the ground to prevent edges and corners curling up?

Is your home free from carpet that is worn, torn, loose or uneven to walk on? Yes No

Yes No

Bedroom

Do you feel safe and steady on your feet when walking from your bedroom to the toilet – especially at night time?

Is your bed easy to get up and out of?

Do you have a nightlight or bedside table light which can be turned on easily when needed during the night?

Bathroom and toilet

Do you feel confident getting in and out of the shower or bath?

Do you feel safe and confident when showering or bathing?

Are you able to keep your balance whilst showering without needing to hold onto taps or the shower screen for support?

Can you easily reach soaps and shampoos whilst showering without over reaching or bending?

Can you easily reach the toilet light or do you have a night light near the toilet?

Does your bath or shower have slip resistant flooring and a grabrail if necessary? Yes No

Yes No

If you answer ‘no’ to any of these questions it is recommended that you ask your Care Facilitator to arrange for an Occupational Therapist to visit for a home assessment. Government funding may be available to assist you.