Free Guide · Blueprint Home Care
Aging Safely at Home: A Fall & Home-Safety Checklist
A room-by-room walkthrough to spot hazards before they cause a fall — adapted from the CDC's STEADI program.
1 in 4adults 65+ falls every year — over 14 million people
~3MER visits for falls each year
41,400fall-related deaths in 2023
<50%of people who fall tell their doctor
Source: CDC, STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries) program, cdc.gov/falls.
Stairs & Steps (Indoors & Outdoors)
Are there papers, shoes, books, or other objects on the stairs?
Always keep objects off the stairs.
Are some steps broken or uneven?
Fix loose or uneven steps.
Is there a light and light switch at the top and bottom of the stairs?
Have an electrician add an overhead light and switch at both ends — glow switches are available.
Has a stairway light bulb burned out?
Have a friend or family member change the bulb.
Is the carpet on the steps loose or torn?
Attach it firmly to every step, or remove it and add non-slip rubber treads.
Are the handrails loose or broken, or only on one side?
Fix or replace them. Handrails should run the full length of the stairs, on both sides.
Floors
Do you have to walk around furniture to cross a room?
Ask someone to move furniture so the path is clear.
Do you have throw rugs on the floor?
Remove them, or secure them with double-sided tape or a non-slip backing.
Are there papers, shoes, books, or other objects on the floor?
Pick them up. Keep the floor clear as a habit.
Do you have to step over or around wires or cords?
Coil or tape cords against the wall. Ask an electrician about adding an outlet if needed.
Kitchen
Are the things you use often stored on high shelves?
Move frequently used items to lower shelves, about waist height.
Is your step stool sturdy?
Use a stool with a bar to hold onto — never a chair.
Bedrooms
Is the light near the bed hard to reach?
Place a lamp within easy reach of the bed.
Is the path from the bed to the bathroom dark?
Add a nightlight, ideally one that turns on automatically after dark.
Bathrooms
Is the tub or shower floor slippery?
Add a non-slip rubber mat or self-stick strips.
Do you need support getting in/out of the tub or up from the toilet?
Have grab bars installed next to and inside the tub, and next to the toilet.
If you'd like a second set of eyes
We know how overwhelming it can feel to think about a parent or loved one living alone — even a checklist this short can raise more questions than it answers. Blueprint Home Care is a locally owned, Morris County-based home care agency. We're not able to offer medical advice, but if you'd like to talk through what extra support at home could look like for your family, we're a phone call away.
Blueprint Home Care · Registered NJ Health Care Service Firm HP0441400