Fall Prevention Checklist

General Precautions

• Is there an emergency plan in place?
• Are working smoke detectors installed?
• Is there a “ready-to-use” fire extinguisher(s) on the premises?
• Are inside halls and stairways free of clutter/debris?
• Are throw rugs removed?
• Are there sturdy handrails or banisters by all steps and stairs?
• Are electrical cords unfrayed and placed to avoid tripping?
• Are electric outlets/switches overloaded (e.g. warm to the touch)?
• Are rugs secured around the edges?
• Are hazardous products labeled and kept in a secure place?
• Is there a need for a stool to reach high shelves/cupboards?
• Is smoking paraphernalia handled safely (e.g. cigarettes put out)?
• Does anybody smoke in homes where oxygen is in use?
• Are all animals, on site, controlled?
• Is the home free from bugs, mice and/or animal waste?
• Are materials stored safely and at a proper height?
• Does the occupant wear an emergency response necklace/bracelet?

Entrance to Home

• Are there outside lights covering the sidewalks and entrance ways?
• Are the steps & sidewalks in good repair and free from debris/material?
• Are the railings on the steps secured?
• Is there a functional peephole in the front door?
• Does the door have a deadbolt lock that does not require a key to open it from the inside (unless there is a tendency to wander

Living Areas

• Are doorways wide enough to carry loads through and get a wheelchair/walker through?
• Are light switches accessible so they can be turned on/off without walking across a dark room?
• Are sofas & chairs high and firm enough for easy sitting and rising?
• Is there a telephone in the room that is easily accessible?
• Is a list of emergency telephone numbers by the telephone?
• Do telephone cords/electronic wires run across walking areas?
• Are there castors or wheels on furniture?
• Does sitting furniture have armrests which are strong enough for getting in and out?

Bathroom

• Are there glass doors on the bathtub/shower?
• Is there a non-skid surface/mat in the bathtub/shower?
• Are there grab-bars on the bathtub/shower and adjacent to the toilet?
• Is there a raised toilet seat (if trouble getting on/off toilet)?
• Is the water temperature below scalding (e.g. below 120°)?
• Does the bathroom have a night light?
• Is there a shower bench/bath seat with a hand-held shower wand available?

Kitchen

• Is the floor waxed or otherwise slippery?
• Are there any flammable items near the heat source?
• Do the “ON” buttons work on all appliances?
• Are items used the most stored between eye and knee level?
• Is there an uncluttered work space near the cooking area (to avoid having to carry items)?

Lighting

• Is there adequate lighting in all stairways and hallways?
• Is there a light switch at both the top and bottom of stairs?
• Is there a light switch by the doorway of each room?

Medical and Medication

• Are used needles placed in a sharps container?
• Is oxygen tubing kept off the walking path?
• Is medical equipment properly stored?