• The cooking stove is in working order
  • Dials are readable
  • No gas odor
  • Stove is free from flammable objects
  • Baking soda is available for grease fires
  • Curtains are away from the stove
• Cabinets are organized so the most frequently used items are within easy reach
  • A stepstool with handles is available
• The refrigerator is in good working order
  • The refrigerator door seal is intact
  • No leaking faucet
  • A mop is available to wipe up spills
  • Cleaning products are stored away from food

• Extended toilet seat with handrails or grab bar beside the toilet if necessary
• Professionally installed grab bars in the shower, tub and toilet area
• Non-skid bathmat in the tub and shower
  • Consider sitting on a shower bench or chair in the shower
  • The bathroom floor has a non-skid surface
  • No throw rugs on floors
• Electrical appliances are plugged in away from the water
• Good lighting around the sink and medicine cabinet
  • Night light present

• Lights are easily accessible from the bed
  • adequate lighting from bedside to bathroom
  • Night light is present
• Switches are within reach of the bed
• Bedroom rugs have non-skid backing
• Telephone is accessible from the bed
• Electrical cords are out of the flow of traffic

• Lights and switches are operable and in good condition
• Night lights are present and operable
  • Hallway
  • Stairway
  • Bedroom
  • Bathrooms
• Electrical cords are in good condition
  • Cords are kept clear of walkways
  • Flashlight is in a handy location

• Overall condition of rugs is good
  • Edges are tacked down
  • Throw rugs have non-skid backing and stay in place. Remove or replace rugs that slip

• Stairs are well lit
  • Light switches are at both ends of stairs and halls
• Carpet on stairs is securely fastened
  • Steps are clear of clutter
• Handrails are present and secure
• Edges of the steps seen clearly. Mark with brightly colored paint or electrical tape.

• Telephone is present
  • The phone has a lighted, readable dial
  • Emergency phone numbers are near the phone
  • Accesible in each room or carry portable phone
• Smoke detector present on each level
  • Batteries checked and changed every six months
• Carbon monoxide detector present on each level, especially if gas stove or heater present
• Exit from the house clear and accessible
• Locks on doors and windows secure and intact
• All “traffic pathways” and hallways are clear

• The outside entrances are clear of debris
• Sidewalks are even and intact
• Handrails on exterior porches and stairways present and secured
• Adequate lighting at the doors to the building or house
• Address visible from the street
• Doorbell working

• Use assistive devices such as cane, as directed by your health care provider
• Have your eyesight tested yearly
• Review all medications (over the counter, prescription, supplements, herbals, ointments, eye drops) with all doctors and pharmacists.
  • Some medications have side effects of fatigue or dizziness which could increase your risk of falls.
  • Never stop a medication before consulting your health care provider
  • Sit on the side of the bed for 30-60 seconds before rising
• Regular physical activity to add up to 150 minutes per week
  • Exercises to improve muscle flexibility, strength, balance and endurance are important
  • Ask health care provider if physical therapy would be helpful for training and/or muscle strengthening
  • Senior Centers and local offices on aging may have exercise class recommendations
• Shoes should fit properly and be supportive. No flip flops!
• Follow a healthy diet
  • Stay hydrated; 8-10 8 oz. glasses of water per day
  • Get enough calcium and Vitamin D for strong bones (1500mg Ca+/day (over 65) and 800-1000 I U Vitamin D
  • Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables
• Keep emergency phone numbers near all phones
• Consider an emergency response system at home
• Contact physical therapist or occupational therapist for additional safety training

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