Home Audit Checklist

Comfort Keepers^® knows that the best place for a senior loved one is in the comfort and familiarity of their own home.

But in order to maintain that independence, it’s important to ensure that they are living in a safe environment that promotes a high quality of life.

This easy-to-use checklist provides an easy way to assess the safety of a senior’s home. Learn how to spot the dangers, make daily living tasks easier, and anticipate ways to adapt their home and make daily living easier. This list of key indicators helps to identify areas where they need assistance.

For questions about keeping a loved one safe and living a happy, independent life at home, contact one of our Comfort Keepers^® for more information.

General Home Safety

• The home has proper ventilation.
• Windows have safety latches and screens.
• Fans and/or air conditioning are in working order to provide heat relief during the warmer months.
• Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are in good, working order.
• Heating system adequately warms the home.
• Windows are caulked and tightly sealed during winter months to keep heat from escaping.
• Cords, such as lamp, extension and phone cords, are safely running along the wall or beneath carpet, not in the flow of traffic.
• Cords are not stripped or frayed, exposing bare wire.
• Outlets and extension cords are not overloaded. (Standard 18-gauge extension cords can carry 1250 watts.)
• Rugs have rubber, slip-resistant backings or rubber mats placed beneath to prevent sliding.
• Emergency phone numbers are placed near the phone.
• At least one phone is accessible in the event of a fall.
• All electrical outlets are properly covered.
• Light bulbs are working and are the correct type and wattage for each fixture.
• An alternate exit is easily accessible in case of emergency.

Living Areas

• Furniture is arranged to allow easy, wide walkways.
• Space heaters are not located too closely to furniture or fabric.

Kitchen

• Towels and dish rags are kept away from stove/range.
• Refrigerator is set at a low enough temperature to ensure food is adequately chilled.
• Appliances are in working order.
• Kitchen ventilation and range exhaust are in good, working order.
• Cords and appliances are stored away from the stove area.
• Proper lighting is used over counters and stove areas for safe cooking and food preparation.
• Food and cooking equipment are not stored in high cupboards that are hard to access.
• Good drinking water is always available either from the tap or from filtered or bottled sources.

Fireplace

• Chimney and fireplace are clear of soot or accumulated debris.
• The chimney has been cleaned recently.

Hallways

• Hallways are easy to navigate. Furniture and clutter does not block traffic.

Bathroom

• Bathtubs and shower mats have non-slip mats to prevent falls.
• Grip bars and stools are stable and easily accessible for those who need it.
• Water temperature is 120 degrees or lower.

Bedroom

• A light switch or lamp is located close by the bed.
• A phone is close by the bed.

Stairs

• Stair railings are secured tightly.
• Light switches are at the top and bottom of the stairway.
• Stair covering is in good condition.
• No items are blocking the stairway.

Other areas

• Basements, garages, and storage areas are well-maintained and clear of tripping hazards Sidewalks and outdoor steps are cared for in winter months.