Home Safety Audit
Falls are the leading cause of injury for older adults, and most happen at home. Walk through this room-by-room checklist to spot the risks, then get a personalized, printable action list, starting with the fixes that matter most.
Why home safety matters
20 to 30%
of Canadian seniors fall each year
85%
of seniors' injury-related hospitalizations are caused by falls
$5.6 billion
estimated yearly cost of fall injuries among Canadians 65+ (2018)
Sources: Public Health Agency of Canada · Health Infobase, Government of Canada
Your safety snapshot
Answer the checklist below to see your score and a personalized action list.
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Entrance & stairs
- Stairs have a sturdy handrail on both sides
- Getting up the stairs is safe and comfortable
- The main entrance is step-free or has a ramp
- The entry and stairwell are well lit
Bathroom
- Grab bars are fitted by the toilet and in the shower or tub
- The shower or tub can be entered without a high step-over
- Non-slip mats are used in the tub and on the floor
- The toilet is a comfortable height to sit and stand
Bedroom
- A lamp or light switch is within reach of the bed
- The path from the bed to the bathroom is clear and lit
- The bed is an easy height to get in and out of
- A phone or way to call for help is reachable from the bed
Kitchen
- Everyday items are stored within easy reach, no step stool
- The floor stays dry and free of clutter
- The stove is used safely, with no risk of it being left on
Living areas & hallways
- Loose rugs and cords are secured or removed
- Walkways are wide and clear of clutter
- Chairs and the sofa are easy to get out of
- Rooms and hallways are bright, with reachable switches
General & emergency
- Smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms work on every level
- Medications are organized and taken on schedule
- Emergency contacts are posted where they can be found
Frequently asked questions
- Where do most senior falls happen?
- Most happen at home during everyday activities: on stairs, in the bathroom, and on level floors with loose rugs or clutter. That is why a room-by-room check of the home is one of the highest-impact things a family can do.
- What are the most important home safety changes for seniors?
- Grab bars in the bathroom, secure handrails on both sides of stairs, brighter lighting, removing loose rugs and clutter, and a way to call for help. The bathroom and stairs are where the most serious falls happen, so start there.
- How often should I do a home safety check?
- Re-check every few months, and any time there is a change in mobility, eyesight, or health, or after a fall or near-miss. Needs change gradually, so a home that was safe last year may not be today.
- Do I need to renovate to make a home safer?
- Usually not. Many high-impact fixes are small and low-cost: night lights, non-slip mats, tacking down rugs, reachable switches. Bigger changes like grab bars, a stair lift, or a walk-in tub help as mobility declines, and may qualify for tax credits or grants.
- Is this home safety audit free, and is my information saved?
- It is completely free with no account, and your answers stay in your browser on your own device. Nothing is sent to us. You can print your personalized action list to share with family or a contractor.
Want a hand with any of this?
Our advisors offer free, confidential guidance for your family's situation.