The Home Safety Checklist Every Newfoundland Senior Family Should Do
Most home injuries in seniors are preventable — and most take fifteen minutes of hardware and a Saturday afternoon to prevent. This is the home safety walkthrough our caregivers in St. John's use during a free in-home assessment. Print it, walk your parent's home with it, and you'll be surprised how many small fixes make an enormous difference.
Entrance and hallway
- Well-lit doorway with a working porch light.
- Sturdy handrails on outdoor steps.
- A bench or chair inside the door for putting on boots.
- Non-slip mat, ideally recessed so no edges to trip on.
- Clear path to the living room with no cords or clutter.
Living room
- A sturdy chair with arms your parent can push up from.
- Enough light for reading — 3-4 times brighter than younger eyes need.
- Phone within reach of the chair.
- No scatter rugs on hardwood.
- Cords tucked behind furniture.
Kitchen
- Everyday dishes at counter height — no reaching overhead.
- Automatic-shutoff kettle.
- Working smoke and CO detectors.
- A fire extinguisher near the stove.
- Sharp knives stored safely.
Bathroom
- Grab bars beside the toilet and inside the tub.
- Non-slip mat inside the tub and outside.
- Shower chair for balance.
- Raised toilet seat if standing is hard.
- Nightlight for middle-of-the-night trips.
Bedroom
- Bed height easy to get in and out of.
- Nightlight on the path to the bathroom.
- Phone within reach of the bed.
- Clear floor space — nothing to trip over at night.
- A glass of water on the bedside table.
Stairs
- Handrails on both sides.
- Non-slip nosing on each step.
- Bright light at top and bottom.
- Nothing stored on the stairs — even 'temporarily'.
Emergency preparedness
- Emergency contacts posted by every phone.
- Medical alert button (worn, not on a table).
- Storm kit for winter.
- A trusted neighbour who can check in.
During an in-home assessment, our care coordinator walks through this checklist with you, notes the top three priorities, and helps you decide whether any of it needs professional installation. In many cases, the biggest safety improvements cost less than $200.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to make a home safer for a senior?
Most impactful changes — grab bars, better lighting, removed scatter rugs — cost under $200 total, before considering larger modifications.
Should I install grab bars myself?
Only if you can anchor them into wall studs. Otherwise ask a handyperson — a bar that pulls free is worse than none.
Can a caregiver help with the home safety checklist?
Yes. Our care coordinators include a home safety walkthrough in every free in-home assessment across St. John's and the Northeast Avalon.
In summary
Looking for compassionate home care in Newfoundland? Contact Z Home Care today to schedule your free in-home assessment. Our experienced caregivers provide personalized support that helps seniors live safely, comfortably, and independently in their own homes.