A majority of older Americans say they want to remain in their home as long as possible (1). After all, home is a familiar place of comfort, independence, and security. Seniors can experience age-related or dementia-related sensory changes that impact the way they function in their environment. This home safety checklist highlights strategies that can support a person’s ability to age in place. It can also be used to increase the safety of a care facility environment.

Items on the checklist do not replace appropriate levels of adult supervision to maximize safety when cognitive impairment is present.

Home Safety Checklist items are organized into 8 categories, one for each sensory system.

1. Visual

Home safety tips for a person who processes visual input differently:

• Increase color contrast. For example, change white grab bars against a white wall to blue or black. Similarly, use a black, dark blue, or red toilet seat on a white base.
• Stairway: Make the edge of each stair clearly visible using anti-slip tape or paint with high color contrast.
• Add labels to drawers, cabinets, and framed photos.
• Make sure faucets have clear hot and cold indicators.
• Decrease shadows with bright, non-fluorescent lighting. LED lights do not need to be replaced as often. Add lights to stairways, underneath cabinets, hallways, inside the shower, etc. Consider motion-activated lights.
• Make sure eyeglasses are accessible, clean, and also working.
• Remove or secure cleaning products, toxic liquids, and nonedible decor because these items can visually resemble food/drink.
• Sharps & Firearms: The Dementia Guru recommends removing firearms to create a dementia-friendly home. Additionally, find a safe place for sharp objects, including knives and scissors.

Environmentally friendly considerations

Rebecca from Earthy B shared some advice for eco-friendly and minimally toxic home modifications. She recommends low VOC, Green Seal certified paint, such as Benjamin Moore’s Natura® brand. Paint that is certified asthma & allergy-friendly is especially important for seniors, children, and anyone with a compromised immune system. 

Regarding lighting, Rebecca says, “LED lights have had a bad reputation for being slow to turn on and flickering, but those were the LED lights of yesterday. Today, LED lights are much more advanced.” She suggests Energy Star certified LED lights that have been tested for energy efficiency and performance. Another option is LIFX lights because their color and brightness are programmable, adjustable, and dimmable.

2. Auditory

Home safety tips for a person who processes sounds differently:

• Conduct a “Noise Study” in the space. Are there too many sounds happening at once that could be over-stimulating?
• Minimize background noise, especially during mealtimes or other skilled tasks. For instance, television, radio, people talking, call lights beeping, clock ticking loudly, fan, etc.
• Be aware of sounds that could increase hallucinations. For example, music with nature sounds.
• Play music that is familiar, preferred, and regulating for your loved one at designated times. For example, classical music during shower time or upbeat music from the 1960s for a morning dance party.
• Make sure hearing aids are accessible, clean, and working.

3. Tactile

Home safety tips for a person who processes touch differently:

• Install scald protection devices to prevent scalding and hot water burns. Direct scald protection can include a tempering valve (on waterline) or anti-scald valves (on showerheads and faucets).
• Disconnect, lock, or remove knobs from heat-generating appliances, including oven/stove, space heaters, and grooming supplies to prevent burns.
• Use microwave-safe dishes. Monitor the temperature of food and containers.
• Use wood instead of metal seats.

4. Olfactory

Home safety tips for a person who processes smells differently:

• Conduct a “Smell Study” in the space. Are there smells that could be over-stimulating or connected to a distressing memory?
• Remove matches and lighters. Ensure smoke and gas detectors are installed and working properly in each room.
• Monitor, then remove expired food from the fridge and pantry.

5. Gustatory

Home safety tips for a person who processes taste differently:

• Remove non-food objects that can fit inside the mouth. Think about things that can be confused for food and cause harm if swallowed. For instance, pen caps, marbles, potpourri, buttons, coins, and foam shapes. If using these items for activities, provide appropriate levels of supervision.
• Monitor, then remove expired food from the fridge and pantry.

6. Vestibular

Home safety tips for a person who processes movement differently:

• Secure stairways, including steps to the basement (even if your loved one is not yet wandering).
• Talk with your healthcare provider about a shower chair, tub bench, and grab bars as appropriate.
• Add sturdy, easy-to-grip, securely-fastened railings to both sides of every staircase.
• Wear safe and supportive footwear (non-skid, rubber-soled, low heel). Avoid backless shoes and slippers.

7. Proprioception

Home safety tips for a person who experiences changes to their body awareness:

• Keep walkways clear by eliminating clutter and obstacles. For example, furniture, pet supplies, and electrical cords.
• Remove throw rugs or secure edges to the floor to prevent tripping and falling.
• Add corner guards or edge protectors to furniture with sharp or pointy edges.
• Add an anti-slip mat to the bathtub or shower floor.

8. Interoception

Finally, home safety tips to assist with regulating a person’s internal body state:

• Place drink and snack stations around the house to promote fluid and food intake. Maintain routine meals and snacks.
• Design a Safe Space or Calm Down Zone. A place to safely take a break if feeling emotionally distressed, overstimulated, or overwhelmed.
• Create and post a toileting schedule. If your loved one no longer feels the urge to go to the bathroom, take them on a fixed schedule. For example, upon waking and then every 2 hours throughout the day. This can help prevent toileting accidents that make the floor a slip/fall hazard. Dry, clean clothing also supports skin integrity and urinary tract health.
• Have a professional check the home’s heating and cooling system to ensure it is functioning properly. If your loved one is not noticing and/or responding to body temperature cues (example: getting a sweater or turning up the thermostat when shivering), provide assistance with temperature regulation in the house.

Ultimately, this home safety checklist includes general tips and strategies. It does not replace adult supervision and a professional assessment with individualized recommendations. Therefore, it is most important to have a thorough home safety assessment completed by a trained occupational therapist.

Download a PDF checklist from the Freebie Library!

Disclaimer: Although I am an occupational therapist and the information compiled is based on years of training and clinical experience, this is NOT a place for skilled therapeutic intervention.  The ideas presented on this website and in products are for informational/educational purposes only and are not medical advice.

Additionally, a website does not replace an individualized plan of care developed as the result of assessment, clinical observation, and collaboration between therapist, client, and care partner(s). If you are concerned about the cognitive, sensory, or functional abilities of yourself or someone you know, then you should talk with your physician or your therapist.