Home safety checklist

A quick walk through your home, room by room, catches most of the little hazards that cause trips. The goal is simple: clear paths, good light, and something steady to hold where you need it.

Look for loose rugs, trailing cables, and clutter on the floor and stairs. Add a lamp or brighter bulb where the light is dim, especially on stairs and the route to the bathroom at night. In the bathroom, a non-slip mat and a grab rail make a real difference, and keeping everyday items within easy reach saves a lot of stretching and bending.

Do the walk-through with a family member if you can, a second pair of eyes spots things we stop noticing. Tick off one fix a day rather than trying to do everything at once.