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.

What can a Senior Advisor do for you?

By Donna Nichols • July 17, 2025
A senior advisor is a personal guide or advocate for older adults and their families. Here’s what they can do for you: Help Navigate Options They can explain the differences between independent living, assisted living, memory care, nursing homes, and in-home care, and recommend the best option for a person's health, lifestyle, and budget. Find the Right Community or Services They often have knowledge of (and connections with) local senior living communities or services. They’ll: Match your needs to suitable options Setting up tours Even help ask the right questions Assist with Financial Planning Some advisors can help figure out how to pay for care: Understanding long-term care insurance Veterans’ benefits Medicaid/Medicare guidance Budget planning Guide Legal and Paperwork Stuff They can refer you to elder law attorneys, help with advance directives, or even help you understand contracts from senior living facilities. Support for Families They can act as a neutral third party when families struggle with decisions, easing tension and helping everyone feel informed and involved. Assist with Movers and Downsizers Some advisors have connections with movers, downsizers, and other people who can make your transition smooth.  If you believe a senior advisor can assist you, please call us today to schedule your complimentary consultation at 386-847-2322 . Our services are 100% FREE to you! What have you got to lose?

Beating the Florida Summer Heat

By Donna Nichols • July 7, 2025
Florida summers come in three flavors: hot, hotter, and what fresh hell is this? Whether you're a lifelong local or newly initiated into the Sunshine Sweat Fest, you know it’s more survival sport than season. So, how do we stay cool without losing our cool? Here’s your sun-savvy guide to getting through it. Make hydration a hobby Not just water, electrolytes are your best friends when you're sweaty. Coconut water, cucumber-mint spritzers, watermelon slices. If your drink doesn’t sparkle, chill, or drip condensation like a rom-com montage, it’s not summer-ready. Dress for success and summertime Loose, light, breathable fabrics. Cotton, linen, or the holy grail: moisture-wicking. Bonus points for sun hats and SPF clothing that make you look like a beach detective on vacation. Fans ARE your best friends Table fans, ceiling fans, handheld fans—the whole rotation. Keep them oscillating like your thoughts during a political debate. And if you’ve got a cooling towel? You’re royalty. Avoid the “Roasting Hours” From 11 AM to 4 PM, Florida turns into a convection oven. Errands, walks, and yard work? Schedule them early or late. Unless you’re trying to get baked like a Publix cookie—then by all means. Sunscreen is a lifestyle Apply, reapply, then pretend  you're an influencer and do it again. Because nothing says “I’m melting” like a shoulder burn shaped like your purse strap. Eat lightly Cold meals can be your best friend—salads, chilled pasta, and fruit-forward lunches are all options. Bonus points if you serve them on plates fresh from the fridge like the true champion you are. Rest, reset, repeat If the heat’s making you crankier than a mosquito at a citronella convention, take breaks: shade, air conditioning, quiet corners. Recharge without guilt—you’re surviving a sauna with its own zip code. Florida heat might be relentless, but so are we. With humor, hydration, and a healthy dose of stubborn grace, we ride the wave and keep the ice cubes coming. Stay cool out there, friends. You’ve got this.

Honoring Independence Day with Grace

By Donna Nichols • July 2, 2025
Not every 4th of July needs to burst with fireworks. For many older adults, especially those with tender hearing, health challenges, or a fondness for quieter joys, Independence Day can be just as meaningful in a slower rhythm. It’s the scent of something delicious simmering nearby, the comfort of a cool seat and a cherished show, and the simple dignity of being remembered; of having made it this far, with stories to tell and wisdom that still glows brighter than any sparkler. Caregiver Tips for a Thoughtful 4th: Keep things soft and soothing. Loud sounds can be jarring for seniors with sensory sensitivities, dementia, or PTSD. Choose instrumental patriotic music or old-time radio shows that bring joy without overwhelming them. Build a gentle plate. Soft, easy-to-eat favorites like tender pulled chicken, mashed potatoes, or a festive red, white, and blue parfait (layered Greek yogurt, mashed berries, and crushed graham crackers) keep things celebratory without strain. Spark memories, not stress. Bring out family photo albums, classic Americana films, or even music from their youth. Columbo, The Andy Griffith Show, or golden-age musicals can be a comforting trip down memory lane. Create rest-friendly spaces. A cozy chair near the window, a shaded seat outside, or even a reclined viewing spot for a live TV broadcast of fireworks can help them feel included without fatigue. Let them lead the conversation. Ask about what Independence Day meant to them growing up. You might discover tales of ration books, war bonds, or dancing at VFW halls. These stories are treasures wrapped in the quiet of the day.  In the end, Independence Day is about honoring resilience—the kind that’s quieter, often overlooked, but profoundly enduring. Whether you’re caring for someone, being cared for, or simply holding space for reflection, there’s beauty in choosing peace over spectacle. This Fourth of July, let’s celebrate not just the freedom of a nation but also the freedom to adapt, to rest, and to cherish those we love in the way that suits them best.