The Ultimate Fall-Prevention Home Audit: 50 Spots to Check, Room by Room

One in four Americans over 65 falls each year, and half of those falls happen at home. Most are 100 % preventable with a systematic audit—yet many families rely on quick “eyeball” inspections that miss hidden trip points, lighting gaps, and reach-risk zones. This guide walks you through every major living area—kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, living spaces, entryways, lighting, and outdoor paths—highlighting 50 specific checkpoints. Pair it with our broader Home Safety Checklist for a complete protection plan.

Quick-Glance Room Index

Total checkpoints: 50. Work through one room per day, or tackle the whole house in a weekend with a family helper.

Kitchen (9 Checkpoints)

1. Non-slip Flooring: Vinyl or matte tile beats glossy stone. Add low-profile anti-fatigue mats—edges no thicker than ¼″ to prevent toe catches.
2. Spill Response Kit: Keep paper towels & spray within arm’s reach—never across the room.
3. Clear Path Between Sink, Stove, Fridge: Minimum 36″ width; remove rolling carts that drift underfoot.
4. Cabinet Reach Zones: Daily-use items live between knee and shoulder height. No climbing stools unless they have handrails and wide treads.
5. Lazy Susans & Pull-Out Shelves: Reduce awkward twisting for heavy pans.
6. Under-Cabinet Lighting: LED strips banish shadows where puddles lurk.
7. Appliance Cords: Route coffee-maker and kettle cords flush against backsplash—no mid-counter drapes.
8. Fire & Smoke Alarms: Test monthly; keep a lightweight, one-touch fire extinguisher within reach.
9. Footwear Rule: Non-skid shoes only—slippers stay outside the kitchen (see our picks for stable walking shoes).

Bathroom (10 Checkpoints)

10. Non-Slip Mat in Tub or Shower: Choose suction-cup rubber, not stick-on decals that peel.
11. Grab Bars—Not Towel Bars: Install ANSI-rated bars at entry, side wall, and by toilet.
12. Shower Chair or Transfer Bench: Aluminum legs with rubber tips; height matches knee.
13. Raised Toilet Seat or Comfort-Height Toilet: Eases sit-to-stand strain.
14. Hand-Held Shower Wand: Reduces twisting and leaning.
15. Anti-Scald Valve: Set water heater to ≤120 °F to avert sudden flinch slips.
16. Clutter-Free Vanity: Keep only daily essentials; store extras in labeled bins.
17. Motion-Sensor Night-Light: LED strip under vanity illuminates 1 ft radius path.
18. Secure Bath-Mat Edges: Use double-sided rug tape or choose rubber-back mats.
19. Ventilation: Exhaust fan clears steam—moist floors are stealth hazards.

Bedroom (7 Checkpoints)

20. Clear Midnight Path: Two-step route from bed to bathroom free of hampers, shoes, cords.
21. Bedside Touch Lamp: No fumbling for tiny switches.
22. Non-Slip Area Rug: Secure all corners with rug grippers or switch to wall-to-wall carpet.
23. Stable Bed Height: Mattresses at knee level (≈21″) lower fall risk when standing.
24. Telephone & Glasses Within Reach: Use a caddy on side rail.
25. Slow-Rise Pause: Sit for 10 seconds before standing to counteract morning dizziness (practice with our balance routine).
26. Pet Zone: Assign pets a small bed away from walkway; nighttime step-ons are common trip triggers.

Living & Dining Areas (8 Checkpoints)

27. Throw Rugs Tacked Down—or Tossed Out: The #1 living-room culprit.
28. Cord Management: Route TV and lamp wires behind furniture. Cord covers cost <$20.
29. Furniture Footprint: Maintain 36″ pathways; angle chairs instead of blocking flow.
30. Low Coffee Tables: Choose rounded corners; reflective tape on edges aids depth perception.
31. Stable Seating: Chairs with arms ease sit-to-stand transfers.
32. Footstools: Opt for wide-base ottomans rather than narrow-leg units that slide.
33. Remote-Control Dock: Prevent floor-search bending by using Velcro holsters.
34. Plant Placement: Large floor plants belong in corners—not mid-traffic (see low-maintenance plant ideas if you’re reorganizing greenery).

Entryways & Stairs (6 Checkpoints)

35. Handrails on Both Sides: Continuous rails from first to last step, 34–38″ high.
36. Non-Slip Stair Treads: Adhesive grit strips or low-pile carpet runners.
37. Threshold Ramps: Any rise >½″ warrants a beveled strip or rubber wedge.
38. Clutter-Free Landing: Designate a basket for shoes and mail, nothing on steps.
39. Light Switches at Top & Bottom: If rewiring is tough, stick-on motion pucks handle immediate fixes.
40. Door Viewer & Lever Handles: Prevent impatient rushing to peek through sidelights; lever handles open with the forearm if hands are full.

Lighting & Electrical (5 Checkpoints)

41. Bulb Brightness: Use 800+ lumen LEDs (≈60 W equivalent) in all general fixtures.
42. Task Lighting: Reading chairs and kitchen counters need focused beams to avoid leaning in.
43. Motion Sensors in Hallways: Auto-on lights slash nighttime trips to the bathroom.
44. Stable Floor Lamps: Weighted bases; avoid top-heavy torchieres that tip during cord snags.
45. Emergency Flashlight Stations: One per floor, always in the same drawer—power outages are prime fall moments.

Outdoor Paths & Yard (5 Checkpoints)

46. Even Walkway Surface: Repair cracks >½″. Temporary fix: high-vis paint to mark rises.
47. Handrails on Porch Steps: Same height specs as indoor stairs; galvanised to resist rust.
48. Porch & Driveway Lighting: Dusk-to-dawn LED bulbs cost pennies per month.
49. Doormats: Low-profile rubber with beveled edge; brush coir mats hold water and curl.
50. Seasonal Debris Plan: Assign a neighbor, service, or family member to clear wet leaves, snow, and ice promptly.

Beyond the Checklist: Personal Risk Factors

Even a perfect house can’t offset every fall trigger. Review these personal factors at your next primary-care visit:

• Medication side effects (blood-pressure drops, dizziness) – see our guide on Medication Management Made Easy.
• Vision and hearing updates every 12 months.
• Footwear fit: worn soles lose traction quickly.
• Strength and balance: add 10 minutes of targeted practice three times a week—our balance-exercise series is physician-reviewed.

How to Use This Audit

1. Walk each room with a partner; read checkpoints aloud.
2. Mark hazards with painter’s tape to visualize priorities.
3. Create a two-column action list: DIY fixes vs. professional jobs.
4. Schedule pro work (grab bars, railings, electric) within 30 days—delays invite accidents.
5. Re-audit every six months or after any hospitalization.

Key Takeaway

Falls are rarely freak accidents. They stem from predictable friction points—loose rugs, dim bulbs, cluttered pathways—that you now know how to spot. Invest a few hours in this 50-point audit and you’ll reduce your fall risk dramatically, protect your independence, and free your mind for better things—like planning that next national-park road trip or picking up a new hobby.