Older Adult Safety

Use the following survey to assess and evaluate your daily activities, your personal preferences and how your home meets your needs. Then develop an individual plan for making the necessary changes in you home that will make it easier and safer for you to engage in a greater range of activities to enjoy your home.

Can you easily get to your house from the street?

Is there a parking space close to the door?

Is there adequate space to get into and out of the car?

Is there a continuous pathway from the driveway to the house?

Are the curbs manageable?

Are the pathway surfaces smooth and safe to walk on?

Are the level changes negotiable? (Can you make them on your own?)

Are the level changes at the front and rear door manageable?

If there are steps here, are they in good condition?

Are the railings in good repair on both sides?

Would the addition of a ramp provide independent access for a household member?

If there is a ramp, is the slope OK for moving up and down?

Is the ramp in good condition?

Does it provide a stable, non-slip surface?

Does it have handrails on both sides?

Is the door wide enough to move through?

Is the door easy to open and close?

Is the threshold negotiable? (Does the threshold let you cross without tripping you or hindering your movement?

Is there adequate space on the front landing to maneuver while opening the door and moving into the house?

Once inside the house, is there adequate space to maneuver while closing the door and moving into the house?

Do the door areas have adequate lighting?

Are the door locks sturdy and easy to operate?

Is there a peephole or view panel in the door?

Is the peephole or view panel at an accessible height?

Are there any other problems or needs in the immediate area around the house?

Can you use your kitchen easily and safety?

Can the oven be opened safely and easily?

Are the stove/oven controls easy and safe to reach?

Are the stove/oven controls easy to grasp and turn?

Are the stove/oven controls clearly marked?

Are the stove burners easy to reach safely?

Is most of the refrigerator space usable?

Is the sink height good for you?

Is the sink depth good for you?

Is the sink hardware easy to use?

Are the counters at a food working height for you?

Are the counters within reach of the stove, sink, and refrigerator?

Is there a need for open space below the counters so that you can sit while working?

Is the table at good height?

Is there room to move safely around the table?

Is there adequate storage, and are the shelves and cabinets within reach?

Is the cabinet hardware easy to use?

Is there adequate space to move around in the kitchen?

Is there enough lighting in the work area for cooking?

Is there enough lighting in the work area for cleaning?

Is there enough lighting in the work area for food preparation?

Is the kitchen ventilation adequate?

Are there any other problems or needs in the kitchen?

Is your bathroom convenient and safe?

Is the sink at good height?

Is there a need for open space below the sink or vanity?

Are the faucet controls easy to use?

Is the mirror at a good height for you?

Is the tub easy to get into and use?

Is there a tub/shower seat in the bathing area?

Can the controls be reached from both sitting and standing position?

Does the shower head have a hand-held unit?

Is the tub or shower floor a non-slip surface?

Do you need grab bars by the toilet?

Do you need grab bars at the tub or shower?

If you have grab bars, are they sturdy?

Is the toilet paper dispenser within your reach?

Are the towel racks at a good height for you?

Are the towel racks likely to be used as grab bars?

Are the light switches easy to turn on and off?

Are the electrical outlets within reach?

Is there adequate storage within your reach?

Are the medicine cabinet and shelves within reach?

Are they easy to open?

Is there space to get around in the bathroom?

Is there enough lighting in the bathroom?

Is the bathroom well-ventilated?

Are there any other problems or needs in the bathroom?