Home Safety for Seniors: A Room-by-Room Checklist for Twin Cities Families
Maybe it started with a stumble on the basement stairs. Or you noticed your mom gripping the bathroom counter a little harder than she used to. Perhaps a neighbor mentioned that your dad left the stove on again.
Whatever brought you here, you’re asking the right question: Is my parent’s home still safe for them?
You’re not alone in asking. Falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults nationwide, and Minnesota has one of the highest rates of fall-related deaths among seniors in the country. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, there were approximately 12,000 hospitalizations and 30,000 emergency department visits due to falls among adults 65 and older in our state in 2024. The overwhelming majority—around 60%—of those falls happen inside the home.
The good news? Most of these accidents are preventable. With the right home safety measures, your loved one can continue living independently in the home they love. This guide walks you through every room, identifying common hazards and practical solutions that Twin Cities families are using right now.
Why Home Safety Matters More Than You Think
For most seniors, home represents far more than shelter. It’s decades of memories, a familiar neighborhood, independence. That’s why 77% of adults over 50 say they want to remain in their current home as they age, according to AARP.
But the homes where our parents raised us weren’t designed for aging. Narrow hallways, steep staircases, slippery bathroom tiles, poor lighting—these features were never a problem at 40. At 75, they become genuine hazards.
A proactive home safety assessment doesn’t mean taking away independence. It means protecting it. The modifications we’ll discuss below are about making the home work for your parent’s current needs so they can keep living on their own terms.
Your Room-by-Room Home Safety Checklist
Walk through your parent’s home with fresh eyes. What feels familiar to them may actually be hiding real dangers. Here’s what to look for in each area.
Entryways and Exterior
This is where many falls begin—especially in Minnesota, where ice and snow add seasonal risk. A Mayo Clinic neurosurgeon has noted that older adults are more likely to fall during winter months due to unsteady gait combined with icy surfaces.
Install bright, motion-activated outdoor lighting along walkways and at all entry points.
Add sturdy handrails on both sides of exterior steps.
Consider a ramp if steps are becoming difficult, even if a wheelchair isn’t needed yet.
Keep walkways clear and well-maintained. In winter, arrange for regular snow and ice removal.
Replace worn welcome mats with flat, non-slip options.
Upgrade to a lever-style door handle or smart lock that’s easier on arthritic hands.
Bathroom — The Highest-Risk Room
The bathroom is the single most dangerous room in the house for seniors. Wet surfaces, hard edges, and the need to move between sitting and standing create a perfect storm for falls.
Install grab bars near the toilet and inside the shower or tub. Professional installation ensures they’re anchored into wall studs and can support full body weight.
Place non-slip mats or adhesive strips inside the tub and on the bathroom floor.
Consider a walk-in shower conversion and a shower bench.
Set the water heater to 120°F or below to prevent scalding.
Add a raised toilet seat if getting up and down is a struggle.
Ensure the bathroom door swings outward or install a pocket door, so a fall against the door won’t block rescuers.
Kitchen
The kitchen combines fire hazards, sharp objects, and hard flooring—all in a space where seniors spend significant time each day.
Move frequently used items to counter-height shelves and lower cabinets to eliminate reaching and climbing.
Remove step stools.
Ensure adequate task lighting over the stove, sink, and food preparation areas.
Consider an auto-shutoff stove or stove guard if forgetfulness is a concern.
Keep a fire extinguisher within easy reach and check smoke detectors twice a year.
Use non-slip floor mats near the sink and stove where spills are common.
Living Areas and Hallways
Clutter and poor lighting in everyday living spaces are among the most overlooked fall risks.
Remove or secure all throw rugs. If your parent insists on keeping them, use heavy-duty non-slip backing.
Reroute or tape down electrical cords so they don’t cross walking paths.
Add nightlights in hallways and between the bedroom and bathroom.
Ensure furniture is sturdy enough to lean on—wobbly side tables can cause falls, not prevent them.
Create clear, wide walking paths through every room. A walker needs about 36 inches of clearance.
Install light switches at both ends of hallways and stairways.
Bedroom
Nighttime bathroom trips are a leading cause of falls among seniors. A dark, obstacle-filled path between the bed and bathroom is an accident waiting to happen.
Place a lamp and phone within arm’s reach of the bed.
Install motion-activated nightlights along the path to the bathroom.
Make sure the bed height allows feet to touch the floor flat when sitting on the edge. Bed risers or a lower-profile frame can help.
If a main-floor bedroom is possible, consider it.
Keep a personal emergency response device on the nightstand or have your parent wear one.
Stairways
Stairs are a major barrier to safe aging in place, particularly in the many two-story homes throughout the Twin Cities.
Ensure both sides have secure, continuous handrails that extend beyond the top and bottom steps. Add non-slip treads or carpet to each step. Improve lighting at the top and bottom of the staircase—a well-lit stairwell prevents missteps. If your parent uses the stairs daily, a stair lift may be worth exploring. Many Twin Cities families find this one modification extends safe independent living by years.
Beyond the Checklist: Technology and Smart Home Solutions
Modern technology has transformed home safety for seniors. Many of these tools are affordable, easy to install, and provide tremendous peace of mind for families living across the Twin Cities metro and beyond.
Medical alert systems allow your parent to call for help with the push of a button—or, in newer models, automatically detect a fall. Smart home devices can control lighting, lock doors, and adjust thermostats with voice commands, reducing the need to move around the house for simple tasks. Video doorbells let seniors see who’s at the door without getting up. Automated medication dispensers help prevent missed or double doses.
These aren’t replacements for physical modifications—they’re complements that add an extra layer of safety.
When to Get a Professional Home Safety Assessment
A checklist is a great starting point, but it can’t replace a trained set of eyes walking through the home. A professional home safety assessment looks at the full picture—your parent’s specific mobility, health conditions, daily routines, and how those interact with the home’s layout.
Consider a professional assessment when:
Your parent has had a recent fall or near-miss.
A new health diagnosis is affecting mobility or cognition.
Your parent is returning home after a hospital stay or surgery.
You’re noticing physical changes—slower movement, unsteadiness, difficulty with stairs.
You want to plan ahead before a crisis forces a decision.
At Home at Home, our assessments are designed specifically for Twin Cities families navigating aging in place. We evaluate the home room by room, prioritize modifications by urgency and budget, and create a clear action plan—so you’re not guessing about what to fix first.
Taking the First Step
Home safety isn’t about one big renovation. It’s about a series of thoughtful, often simple changes that add up to a dramatically safer environment. Some modifications—like removing a throw rug or adding a nightlight—take minutes. Others, like installing grab bars or converting a bathtub, require professional help but are completed in a day or two.
The most important step is the first one: looking at your parent’s home with honest eyes and asking what could be safer.
If you’re a Twin Cities family wondering where to start, we’re here to help. Home at Home offers complimentary consultations for seniors and their families throughout the Minneapolis–St. Paul metro area. We’ll walk through the home with you, identify the highest-priority changes, and help you build a plan that fits your parent’s needs and your family’s budget.
Ready to Make Your Parent’s Home Safer?
Schedule a home safety assessment with Home at Home. We’ll evaluate your loved one’s home room by room and create a personalized safety plan.
☎ Call us: 612-208-8535 | Schedule Online: homeathome.us/contactus
Serving Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the greater Twin Cities metro area.
About Home at Home: We help Twin Cities seniors age in place safely through expert home safety assessments, home modifications, aging-in-place consulting, and real estate support. Our mission is to help your loved one stay in the home they love—safely and confidently.