A safe home lets you or your loved one live more independently, with fewer falls, fewer emergencies, and less worry for caregivers. Most of the fixes that matter are simple, and many cost little or nothing.
Here’s where to start, room by room, plus how to prepare for emergencies and where to find help paying for bigger changes.
At a glance
A safer home in plain words
- Falls are commonAbout 1 in 4 adults 65 and older fall each year. Most home fixes that prevent them are simple and cheap.
- Start room by roomFloors, stairs, bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom are where most hazards hide.
- Help paying for changesIHSS pays for in-home help. Other programs can help pay for grab bars, ramps, and bigger changes.
Check your home, room by room
Falls are the biggest risk at home. About 1 in 4 adults 65 and older fall each year, and many falls happen on things that are easy to fix: a loose rug, a dark hallway, a step with no rail. Walk through the home with the checklist below. It’s based on the CDC’s home fall prevention checklist.
Room-by-room safety check
Walk through the home and check off what’s already done. Anything left becomes your to-fix list. Your checks stay on this device.
Based on CDC and U.S. Fire Administration home safety guidance. Not every item fits every home; skip what doesn’t apply.
The bathroom matters most
Wet floors, hard surfaces, and getting in and out of the tub make the bathroom one of the riskiest rooms in the house. Non-slip strips and grab bars by the tub and toilet are the most useful changes for most people. A shower chair or raised toilet seat can help if standing or sitting down is hard. An occupational therapist can suggest what fits your body and your space; ask your doctor for a referral.
Small changes in the kitchen and bedroom
- Keep everyday dishes, food, and pans on lower shelves so you’re not reaching or climbing.
- Use a sturdy step stool with a handle if you must reach high. Never stand on a chair.
- Put a lamp within reach of the bed, and nightlights on the path to the bathroom.
- Keep a phone where you can reach it from the bed and the floor.
Plan for power outages and emergencies
Make sure working smoke alarms are in and outside each bedroom and on every level. If anyone in the home is deaf or hard of hearing, there are alarms that flash a strobe light or shake the bed. Keep a list of medications, doctors, and emergency contacts where a caregiver or first responder can find it.
Worth knowingIf someone in the home relies on powered medical equipment, like an oxygen concentrator, a power wheelchair, or a breathing machine, ask your utility about the Medical Baseline program. It gives extra energy at the lowest rate and can sign you up for advance notice of certain outages. Learn about Medical Baseline
FlagSmoke alarms don’t last forever. Test each one once a month, change batteries at least once a year, and replace the whole alarm every 10 years. The date is printed on the back. Only a qualified electrician should install hardwired alarms.
For a full emergency plan, read Preparing Californians with Disabilities for Unexpected Natural Disasters.
Getting help paying for changes
IHSS pays for hands-on help at home, like personal care, cleaning, meals, and rides to medical appointments. See What Does IHSS Cover? for the full list. For grab bars, ramps, and bigger changes, other programs may help, including regional centers, Medi-Cal waivers, VA grants, and local nonprofits. Our guide How to Get Free Home Modifications in California walks through each one.
Buying a vehicle with adaptive equipment? Read Navigating Car Purchases with Disabilities.
Keep caregivers safe too
A safer home protects the people who help you. Clear paths, grab bars, and the right equipment make lifts and transfers easier on a caregiver’s back. Read Preventing the Injuries That End a Caregiving Career. If you’re noticing more falls or close calls, Signs an Aging Parent Needs More Help can help you decide next steps, and you can find a caregiver on IHSS Connect for free.
Sources
- CDC — STEADI training transcript (PDF)About 1 in 4 adults 65 and older fall each year
- CDC — Check for Safety: A Home Fall Prevention Checklist for Older Adults (PDF)Room-by-room checklist: floors, stairs, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom
- U.S. Fire Administration — Smoke AlarmsPlacement; monthly testing; yearly batteries; 10-year replacement; strobe and vibrating alarms
- California Public Utilities Commission — Medical BaselineWho qualifies; extra energy at the lowest rate; outage notices
- CDSS — IHSS Program Overview fact sheet (PDF)Services IHSS covers: personal care, paramedical, domestic, and related help
Federal and California agencies are the primary authorities. We don’t recommend specific products or brands.
About this article
This guide helps IHSS recipients, families, and caregivers make a home safer: preventing falls, adapting the bathroom and kitchen, and preparing for fires and outages. Safety guidance comes from the CDC and U.S. Fire Administration; program details come from California agencies.
IHSS Connect is an independent, free registry for families and caregivers. We are not part of any state agency or county, we don’t sell or endorse products, and this article is general information, not medical or legal advice.
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