Falls and accidents at home are one of the biggest concerns for older Australians and their families.
In fact, falls are the leading cause of injury among people aged 65 and over. The majority happen right at home, often in familiar spaces.
The good news is that many of these risks are preventable. A few simple adjustments can make a home significantly safer. Use this room-by-room checklist to identify hazards and make changes that support independence, comfort and confidence at home.
Before You Begin
A home safety check doesn’t need to happen all at once. Start with the rooms your loved one uses most, then work through the rest at a pace that suits everyone.
It can also help to involve your loved one in the process. When people feel included in decisions about their home, they’re more likely to embrace the changes — and more likely to use the supports put in place.
1. Entryways and Hallways
The entry to the home is the first point of risk, particularly when people are coming and going in a hurry.
CHECK FOR:
- Uneven paths, loose pavers or steps leading to the front door
- Poor outdoor lighting, especially at night
- A doormat that curls at the edges or slides underfoot
- No handrail on steps or stairs
- A narrow hallway with limited space to move through safely
- Clutter, shoes or bags left on the floor
SIMPLE FIXES:
- Install a handrail if one isn’t already there
- Replace or secure any loose or raised mats
- Add a motion-sensor light to the entry area
- Clear hallways of anything that could be tripped over
2. Living Room
People spend a lot of time in the living room and it’s easy for this space to become cluttered over time.
CHECK FOR:
- Rugs or mats that aren’t secured to the floor
- Electrical cords running across walkways
- Low furniture that’s difficult to get in and out of
- Poor lighting in corners or near doorways
- A lack of firm surfaces to hold onto when getting up
SIMPLE FIXES:
- Remove or secure rugs, or replace them with non-slip alternatives
- Tape down cords or reroute them along walls
- Consider a firm chair with armrests that makes sitting and standing easier
- Use brighter globes or add a floor lamp to dim areas
3. Kitchen
The kitchen involves a combination of movement, heat and wet surfaces . These factors make it one of the higher-risk rooms in the home.
CHECK FOR:
- Wet or slippery floors near the sink or dishwasher
- Items stored too high or too low, requiring bending or reaching
- Cluttered benchtops that limit working space
- A stove that’s difficult to use safely
SIMPLE FIXES:
- Place a non-slip mat at the sink
- Reorganise cupboards so the most-used items are at a comfortable height
- Ensure there’s good lighting over the cooktop and benchtops
- Consider a kettle tipper or other adaptive tools to reduce strain
4. Bathroom
The bathroom is where falls are most common. Wet surfaces, limited space and the physical effort involved in bathing all contribute to the risk.
CHECK FOR:
- No grab rails near the toilet or shower
- A shower or bath with a high step to get in or out
- Slippery tiles or no non-slip mat in the shower
- Limited space to move around
- A toilet that sits too low to get up from comfortably
SIMPLE FIXES:
- Install grab rails next to the toilet and inside the shower
- Add a non-slip mat or adhesive strips to the shower floor
- Consider a shower chair or bench seat
- Look into a raised toilet seat if needed
- Ensure the bathroom is well lit, including during night-time visits
5. Bedroom
The bedroom is where people start and end the day. Risk of falls is particularly high during the night, or when getting up suddenly.
CHECK FOR:
- A bed that’s too high or too low to get in and out of comfortably
- A cluttered path between the bed and the bathroom
- Poor lighting at night
- Loose rugs near the bed
- Clothing or items left on the floor
SIMPLE FIXES:
- Clear a clear, unobstructed path to the door and bathroom
- Use a nightlight or motion-sensor light for night-time movement
- Remove or secure any rugs near the bed
- Ensure reading glasses, phone and any medications are within easy reach at night
A Few General Tips
Beyond specific rooms, there are a few things worth checking throughout the home:
- Lighting — Good lighting in every room, including at night, makes a significant difference. Replace dim globes and ensure light switches are easy to reach.
- Stairs — Ensure stairs are kept clear of objects at all times and address any worn or uneven surfaces.
- Footwear — Encourage your loved one to wear well-fitted, supportive shoes or slippers with non-slip soles; even indoors.
- Phone access — Make sure a phone is always within reach, or consider a personal alarm so help is available if needed.
- Medication — Some medications can cause dizziness or affect balance. It’s worth speaking with a GP if this is a concern.
When a Little Extra Help Makes a Difference
Going through this checklist is a great first step. But sometimes the changes needed at home are more significant, or everyday tasks have become harder to manage safely on their own.
That’s where in-home support can make a real difference.
At Carer’s Network, we work with older Australians and their families to provide practical, flexible support. From personal care and domestic assistance to home and garden maintenance. Our team takes the time to understand each person’s situation and provide care that feels comfortable, respectful and genuinely helpful.
Whether your loved one needs a little help around the home or more regular support, we’re here to help you figure out the next step.
Get in touch with our friendly team to talk about what’s possible.
