Updated October 8, 2026. Most older adults want to stay in their own homes, and small changes make that safer. Falls are the biggest risk: more than one in four adults 65 and older fall each year, and falls caused over 43,000 deaths among older adults in 2024, making them the leading cause of injury death for that age group. Emergency rooms recorded about 4.5 million visits for older adults' falls that year. (Sources: CDC and CDC falls data.)
A Room-by-Room Home Safety Checklist
This checklist follows the CDC's "Check for Safety" brochure for older adults and their families. (Source: CDC STEADI.)
Floors
- Clear walking paths. Move furniture so you can walk around it easily.
- Remove throw rugs, or hold them down with double-sided tape or a non-slip backing.
- Pick up papers, shoes, books and other clutter from the floor.
- Coil or tape cords along the wall, or have an outlet added so cords don't cross walkways.
Stairs and steps
- Keep stairs clear, and fix loose or uneven steps.
- Put a light and a switch at the top and bottom of the stairs. Glow-in-the-dark switches help at night.
- Make sure carpet is firmly attached, or replace it with non-slip rubber treads.
- Fix loose handrails, and put handrails on both sides, running the full length of the stairs.
Kitchen
- Keep the things you use most on lower shelves, about waist high.
- If you must reach high, use a sturdy step stool with a hand bar. Never stand on a chair.
Bathroom
- Put a non-slip rubber mat or self-stick strips on the floor of the tub or shower.
- Install grab bars inside the tub, next to it, and next to the toilet.
Bedroom
- Keep a lamp within reach of the bed.
- Put night lights along the path from the bed to the bathroom. Some turn on by themselves in the dark.
Smoke Alarms and Fire Safety
Adults 65 and older are 2.5 times as likely as the general population to die in a home fire, and the risk rises with age. (Source: U.S. Fire Administration.) The U.S. Fire Administration recommends:
- Smoke alarms inside and outside every bedroom and on every level of the home.
- Interconnected alarms, so when one sounds they all sound.
- Testing every alarm once a month, and replacing alarms every 10 years.
- Alarms with flashing lights or a bed or pillow shaker for anyone who cannot hear a regular alarm.
(Source: U.S. Fire Administration.)
Ask Your Doctor About Fall Risk
Medicare's yearly wellness visit must include a check of fall risk and home safety. (Source: CMS.) You pay nothing for the visit if your provider accepts assignment, though other tests or services at the same visit can cost extra. (Source: Medicare.gov.) Bring a list of all your medicines, since some can make you dizzy or sleepy, and mention any falls or near-falls in the past year.
Free Balance and Strength Classes in Florida
Florida's Area Agencies on Aging offer proven fall-prevention classes, including A Matter of Balance, SAIL (Stay Active and Independent for Life), Tai Chi for Arthritis, Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance, EnhanceFitness, Bingocize and Stepping On. To find a class near you, call the Elder Helpline at 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337). (Source: Florida Department of Elder Affairs.) See also our guide to health programs for older adults in Florida.
Help Paying for Home Changes
Grab bars, ramps and other changes do not have to be paid for out of pocket. State programs such as Community Care for the Elderly, local housing offices that use SHIP money, and Medicaid long-term care plans can help pay for home repairs and safety changes for people who qualify. See our guide to low-income senior housing and repairs or call your county's Aging and Disability Resource Center.
When Safety Changes Are Not Enough
Extra help at home can make a big difference. Compare the types of in-home care in Florida, or learn about home health care for seniors when nursing or therapy is needed. Staying independent also means getting to the doctor and the store after giving up the car keys: see transportation for seniors in Florida.
Home safety also means protecting yourself from scams. See our scam alert for Florida seniors. And Florida homes need a storm plan: use our hurricane plan for seniors to find your evacuation zone and pack a kit.
Seasonal tip: Clocks fall back on November 1. Use our time change safety checklist to test alarms and light your home.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, financial, or legal advice. Readers should consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical concerns, a financial advisor for financial planning, and an attorney for legal matters. The resources and programs mentioned are subject to eligibility requirements and availability, which may vary. While we strive for accuracy, the information provided may not reflect the most recent updates. Always verify details with official sources or professionals before making decisions based on this content.