Is Your Parent Safe Living Alone? Room-by-Room Home Safety Checklist

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Do it together

If you can, walk through the house with your parent rather than inspecting it for them. Ask "what's gotten harder lately?" You'll learn more, and they'll feel in charge of the changes rather than handed them.

Bathroom

This is the most important room. Wet floors, low toilets and stepping over a tub edge are behind a large share of falls at home.

There's something solid to hold when getting in and out of the tub or showerTowel bars are not grab bars. See bathroom safety.

They can sit while showeringA shower chair with arms and a back takes away the hardest balancing.

Getting up from the toilet is easy, without pushing on the sinkToilet rails or a raised seat help.

There's a non-slip mat or strips inside the tub or shower

The bath mat outside has a rubber back and doesn't slide

The water heater is set to 120°F (49°C) or lower to prevent scalds

There's a night light so the bathroom is never fully dark

Bedroom

The path from bed to bathroom is lit at night, ideally by motion lightsSee preventing falls at night.

They can sit up and stand from the bed steadilyA bed assist rail gives something firm to push on.

A lamp or light switch can be reached from bed

A phone can be reached from bed

No cords, clothes or shoes on the floor along the walking path

Kitchen

Everyday items are between waist and shoulder height, so no step stool is needed

The smoke alarm works and has fresh batteries

If there's a gas stove, there's a carbon monoxide alarm nearby

Medications are organized, with a clear way to know if today's dose was takenSee automatic pill dispensers.

No food past its date in the fridge (a gentle clue about how they're managing)

Living room

No loose throw rugs, or rugs are taped down with non-slip backing

Their favorite chair is firm with arms, and not too low to stand up from

They can hear the TV at a volume that doesn't bother othersSee TV headphones and soundbars.

Electrical cords run along walls, not across walkways

Stairs, halls and entry

Stairs have sturdy handrails, ideally on both sides

Stairs are well lit, with switches at the top and bottom

Step edges are easy to see (contrasting tape helps)

The entry has light and somewhere to sit or set down bags

House numbers are visible from the street for emergency services

Staying connected

They can call for help if they fall and can't reach a phoneSee fall alerts with no monthly fee.

Family has a simple way to know they're up and about each daySee checking in without cameras.

They can hear the phone ring and understand callers clearly

A neighbor or friend nearby has a spare key and your number

A list of medications, doctors and emergency contacts is on the fridge

When to bring in a professional

If your parent has already fallen, has trouble with balance, or is recovering from surgery, ask their doctor for a referral to an occupational therapist. They can assess the home in person, and Medicare may cover a home safety evaluation in some situations.

What to do next

Count the items you couldn't tick. Most families find two or three quick wins: usually bathroom support, night lighting and a way to check in. Start with whichever one worries you most:

Is your parent safe living alone? A room-by-room checklist

Bathroom

Bedroom

Kitchen

Living room

Stairs, halls and entry

Staying connected

What to do next