Senior Home Safety Checklist

Donna Nichols • October 1, 2020

How do I Know the Home is Safe?

Wonder if your loved one(s) home is safe?

Whether your loved one is still in their own home, an Assisted Living Facility, or a Home for Independent Living , you want to reduce their chances of falling by making sure the home is safe.

Below you’ll find a senior home safety checklist to spot some possible safety problems which may be present.

Check all cords

➤ Lamp cords, extension, and telephone cords that are within the flow of traffic. These are potential tripping hazards.
➤ Cords are beneath furniture and rugs or carpeting. These can create bulges in the rugs or carpeting, again a potential tripping hazard.
➤ Electrical cords are frayed or cracked. These need to be replaced immediately as they are a potential fire hazard.

Check all rugs and mats

➤ Small rugs and runners are not slip-resistant. There should be no rugs or runners that are not slip-resistant . Any that have the potential to move can cause your loved one to slide across the room.

Check smoke detectors

➤ Ensure smoke detectors are in proper working order and located in proper places.

Check bathtub and shower

➤ Bathtubs and showers are not equipped with non-skid mats, abrasive strips, or surfaces that are not slippery. Make sure the tubs have non-skid mats or strips on it to ensure they don’t slip in the shower.

➤ Bathtubs and showers do not have at least one (preferably two) grab bars. It is extremely important that showers and bathtubs have grab bars so they have something to grab a hold of to keep steady.

➤ An unstable elder does not have a walk-in tub or shower. Invest in a shower chair or remodel shower with a fitted seat.

Check electrical outlets and switches

➤ Outlets or switches are not cool to the touch. All outlets and switches do not have cover plates. Unplug all cords from outlets that are not being used. If cords or switches are warm or hot to the touch, have an electrician replace them immediately.

Check the Kitchen Area

➤ Kitchen ventilation systems or range exhausts are not functioning properly. Replace these systems if they are not working correctly.

➤ Appliance and power cords are not clear of sink and range areas. Ensure there are no power cords in or around the sink or range.

Check Passageways

➤ Hallways, passageways between rooms, and other heavy traffic areas are not clear and well lit. Install adequate lighting and make sure all traffic areas are clear.

Check areas around beds

➤ Lamps, light switches, and telephones are not within reach of the bed. Move lamps and telephones closer to the bed to enable easier reach.

Check outside areas

➤ The garage and outside areas are not well lit. Have an electrician install lighting at each entrance to a dark area to make it easier for them to see.

For this Safety Checklist and many other invaluable resources be sure to download our FREE Ebook for Seniors and Their Families. Or get a physical copy here. If you need help or encouragement as a Caregiver give us a call at 386-847-2322 and one of our Senior Advisors will walk with you through this journey.
By Donna Nichols September 5, 2025
In a world that often moves too fast, senior advisors offer something rare and essential: time, understanding, and a steady hand. Unlike their counterparts in the business world, senior advisors in elder care aren’t focused on profit margins—they’re focused on people. Who They Are Senior advisors in this space are often seasoned professionals, caregivers, or community advocates who help older adults and their families navigate complex decisions. They may work in senior living communities, nonprofit organizations, healthcare systems, or independently. What They Do • Guide families through transitions: Whether it's choosing assisted living or downsizing a home, senior advisors help make sense of it all. • Advocate for dignity and autonomy: They ensure that older adults’ voices are heard and respected in every decision. • Connect to resources: From transportation and wellness programs to Alzheimer’s and grief support, they know where to turn. • Offer emotional support: Sometimes, the most valuable thing they offer is a listening ear and a calming presence. Why It Matters A senior advisor isn’t just a resource—they’re a lifeline. They help families breathe easier, empower older adults to make informed choices, and bring compassion into moments that can feel overwhelming. If you’re reading this and thinking, “That sounds like me,” you’re not alone. Many of us play this role informally, answering questions, calming nerves, and connecting dots. Whether you’re a professional advisor or a trusted neighbor, your presence makes a difference.  If you or someone you love is facing a big decision and could use a calm, caring guide—we’re here. No pressure, no jargon, just real people ready to help. Call us today on 386-847-2322 to start the conversation. Sometimes, the first step is simply knowing you’re not alone.
By Donna Nichols September 4, 2025
September brings a quiet kind of magic—the golden light, the hint of fall in the air, and a moment to honor the everyday heroes who’ve shaped our lives with love, laughter, and legendary stories: our grandparents. Whether you’re a grandparent yourself, a grateful grandchild, or someone who’s been “adopted” by a wise elder in your life, Grandparents Day is a chance to pause and celebrate the beautiful bridge between generations. What Makes Grandparents So Grand? • They’re walking history books—with tales of jukeboxes, moon landings, and the original recipe for Sunday gravy. • They’re master cheerleaders, showing up with hugs, cookies, and the kind of encouragement that sticks for life. • They’re wisdom whisperers, offering advice that somehow makes more sense with each passing year. And let’s be honest: they also have the uncanny ability to make you feel like the most important person in the room. A Legacy of Love Grandparents teach us that love doesn’t have to be loud to be lasting. It’s in the quiet gestures: the handwritten birthday card, the saved newspaper clipping, the way they remember your favorite snack or ask about that thing you mentioned weeks ago. They remind us that resilience is built over time—through hard work, humor, and a whole lot of heart. Their stories carry lessons we didn’t know we needed until we suddenly find ourselves living them. And for those who’ve lost a grandparent, this day can be bittersweet. But it’s also a chance to honor their memory—by sharing their stories, cooking their favorite dish, or simply whispering a thank-you into the September breeze. Celebrate with Us: A Little Fun for the Big Day This Grandparents Day, we invite you to: • Share a memory: What’s one moment with a grandparent that still makes you smile? • Send a shoutout: Post a photo or quote from your favorite grandparent on social media and tag us.
By Donna Nichols August 14, 2025
On August 21, we pause to celebrate the heartbeat of our communities—our senior citizens. This day isn’t just about marking a date on the calendar. It’s about recognizing the wisdom, resilience, and warmth that older adults bring to every conversation, every gathering, and every generation. Wisdom That Lights the Way From stories of first jobs and family traditions to lessons learned through love and loss, seniors carry a lifetime of insight. Their experiences are more than memories—they’re guideposts for those still finding their way. Today, we honor those stories and the voices behind them. Connection That Matters Whether it’s a neighborly wave, a shared recipe, or a quiet moment on the porch, seniors remind us that connection doesn’t need fanfare—it just needs heart. National Senior Citizens Day is a chance to say, “We see you. We value you. We’re better because of you.” Ways to Celebrate Host a storytelling circle or memory-sharing event Share a favorite photo and the story behind it Create a “Senior Spotlight” wall with quotes and wisdom Invite younger generations to learn a skill from a senior (gardening, baking, crafting) Spend time—listen, laugh, and learn A Day of Gratitude Let’s make August 21 a day of genuine appreciation. Whether you’re a senior yourself or someone lucky enough to know and love one, take a moment to reflect on the richness they bring to our lives. Their legacy is living, breathing, and beautifully unfolding every day.  This is a day to be celebrated every day! Senior citizens bring so much fulfillment to our lives, and we need to embrace the moments we spend with them, for they are precious.