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One in four adults over 65 falls each year, and most falls happen at home. Walk through the house with this checklist: tick what’s already in place, and the score shows where the biggest risks are and which fixes to make first. Your ticks are saved in this browser, and the page prints cleanly for a room-by-room walk-through.
Why a home check matters
Most home fall hazards are cheap and quick to fix — a rug removed, a night light added, a grab bar installed. The checklist is adapted from the CDC’s STEADI “Check for Safety” brochure for older adults and their families, with items weighted by how often they contribute to falls.
The five highest-impact fixes
- Grab bars by the toilet and in the tub or shower
- Night lights from bedroom to bathroom
- Handrails on both sides of all stairs
- No loose rugs or cords in walkways
- A way to call for help after a fall
FAQ
Who can help make these changes?
Local Area Agencies on Aging, Rebuilding Together and some Habitat for Humanity affiliates offer free or low-cost home modifications for older adults. An occupational therapist can do a professional home assessment.
How often should we re-check?
After any change in health, medication or mobility, and at least once a year.
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