Free Elderly Home Safety Checklist Template | Free Download

Elderly home safety checklist

About the Elderly home safety checklist

Even seemingly small hazards like uneven flooring or poor lighting can pose serious risks in elderly care environments. This elderly home safety checklist helps you streamline inspections, spot hazards quickly, and maintain compliance with industry regulations, all while promoting a safer environment for residents and staff. With this easy-to-use template, you can standardize protocols and save time while delivering quality care.

How to use the elderly home safety checklist

Here’s how to maintain consistent safety standards with the checklist:

Customize the checklist to fit your facility’s needs. Start by tailoring the template to reflect the unique layout and safety requirements of your facility. Add or remove sections based on specific areas, such as pathways, kitchens, or restrooms. Use Lumiform’s app to edit the template so it’s fully aligned with your safety protocols.
Conduct a comprehensive walkthrough. Perform a detailed inspection of the entire facility, covering every item on the checklist. Be thorough when assessing high-risk areas like staircases, handrails, and emergency exits. Capture photos or notes directly in the template to document any issues.
Assign follow-up actions for identified risks. If you discover hazards during the inspection, assign action tasks directly within the app. Specify deadlines and responsibilities to ensure that your team addresses repairs or improvements promptly.
Track and analyze inspection results. Use the app’s analytics features to monitor trends and ensure ongoing compliance. Regularly reviewing the data helps you spot recurring issues and measure the impact of improvements.

Best practices for using the elderly home safety checklist

You can apply these tips to improve both the quality of your inspections and the overall safety of your facility.

Use photos to document hazards and make reports clearer. For example, a picture of a worn stair tread shows the exact problem, making it easier to communicate with maintenance teams and prioritize repairs. Photos also serve as valuable records for compliance checks or audits.

Schedule inspections regularly, not just after incidents occur. Regular safety checks prevent risks from escalating into bigger problems. By setting a consistent schedule—whether weekly or monthly—you can stay ahead of potential hazards.

Train your team to recognize less obvious hazards. While tripping hazards and broken equipment are easy to spot, it’s easy to overlook subtle hazards like inadequate lighting can be overlooked. Awareness of these less obvious risks leads to a more comprehensive safety review.

Get started with Lumiform’s elderly home safety checklist

Streamline your inspections and keep your facility safe and compliant with the help of this customizable checklist. You’ll be able to assess risks, assign tasks, and track improvements—all while saving time. With its clear format, you’ll be able to conduct comprehensive reviews much more efficiently.

Related categories

Preview of the template

Elderly Home Safety Checklist

Entry to Elderly Home

Are stairs non-slip and in good repair?

Is the pathway leading to the elderly home clear and even?

Is there easy access for strollers and wheelchairs?

Are the handrails on both sides of the staircase in good working condition?

Is there adequate lighting leading to the elderly home entrance door?

Internal Floors

Is the floor even and not slippery (no leaks or potential to be slippery when wet)?

Are there no tripping hazards such as throw rugs, boxes, electrical cords, or rubbish?

Are the floors cleaned regularly and the spills cleaned up immediately?

Are aged care workers wearing appropriate non-slip footwear?

Hallways, Exits & Doors

Are hallways and doorways free of obstructions?

Do doors open freely and easily?

Do Fire Exits display correct notices and signages?

Are exit signs in place and illuminated?

Do designated emergency exit doors open outwards?

Windows, Ventilation & Noise

Are windows in good condition (open easily with no broken or cracked glass or damaged screens)?

Is the temperature appropriate for the work area?

Are air conditioners serviced regularly (check maintenance records)?

Are noise levels acceptable?

Internal Lighting

Are the lights working (if damaged or not working), are they repaired immediately?

Is the level of light adequate in all areas?

Are light fittings and light switches in good working and visual order and checked regularly?

Is task lighting provided for detailed work?

Electrical Equipment & Supply

Has electrical equipment been inspected and tested at specified intervals (check tags/records)?

Is the electrical safety switch fitted to the elderly home?

Is the safety switch tested regularly?

Are electrical outlets and switches in good condition?

Are there sufficient power outlets?

Are extension leads/power boards used as designed (no double adaptors, or piggyback plugs)?

Furniture, Fittings & Shelves

Is there adequate space to move around common areas?

Is there sufficient individual storage space for the elderly?

Do chairs enable the elderly to sit with their back upright and adjust to lumbar supports?

Are chairs fully adjustable with a stable base?

Elderly Home Emergency Precautions

Are overhead sprinklers and detectors clear of obstructions?

Are appropriate fire extinguishers visible and easy to access?

Are fire-fighting equipment checked regularly (check expiry dates on tags on extinguishers and hose reels)?

Is appropriate extinguisher signages in place and legible?

Are evacuation plans displayed on evacuation routes?

Are emergency telephone numbers clearly visible?

Are evacuations practiced regularly as per legislation?

Have aged care workers completed emergency procedure training?

Hazardous Chemicals

Is the current (within 5 years) safety data sheet kept with stored chemicals?

Are all chemical containers labeled correctly?

Are unused dispensed chemicals disposed of regularly in an appropriate manner?

Are all hazardous chemicals in a secure & locked chemical cabinet?

First Aid Provision

Are first aid supplies checked regularly (check expiry dates, if replenished)?

Are the locations of first aid supplies clearly marked with a white cross on green background?

Do aged care workers know the location of the first aid kits and are easily accessible?

Is the first-aider appointed and his/her name clearly displayed?

Restrooms

Are the toilets clean and well-ventilated?

Is the non-slip bathroom floor surfaces in good condition?

Are hot and cold tunning water available?

Is soap (or soap dispensers) provided?

Are hand drying facilities available?

Are there adequate grab bars near the shower or bathtub?

Are the toilets of proper height (and if not, is there a raised toilet seat available)?

Kitchen Area

Is there suitable eating or coffee/tea break facilities?

Is the kitchen and amenities area kept clean?

Are kitchen appliances and whitegoods clean and well-maintained?

Is there adequate storage available?

Is appropriate PPE worn when conducting required tasks?

Is the fire blanket installed and checked every 6 months?

Are the anti-slip floor surfaces in good condition?

Grounds

Is adequate external lighting installed for night time?

Are gardens well-maintained with branches and excess foliage removed?

Are the ground free of sharp objects?

Are pathways around the facilities clear of trip hazards or overgrown foliage?

Are storage sheds tidy and secured?

Completion

Additional Comments

Nursing Home Safety Inspector Name & Signature

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common safety hazards in elderly care facilities?

Some of the most overlooked safety hazards include poor lighting, loose rugs, slippery floors, and uneven surfaces. Cluttered hallways, blocked emergency exits, and malfunctioning handrails also pose significant risks. Additionally, improperly stored cleaning chemicals or medications can lead to accidents.

How do I create an effective emergency evacuation plan for elderly residents?

Start by mapping out clear evacuation routes that take into account residents’ mobility limitations. Highlight pathways with visible signage and keep them free from obstructions. Then train staff on how to assist residents during evacuations, including those with wheelchairs or walkers.

How can I make restrooms safer for elderly residents without expensive renovations?

Simple upgrades like installing grab bars near toilets and showers can reduce fall risks. Use non-slip mats or adhesive strips in bathtubs and on floors prone to becoming wet. Adjust lighting to eliminate shadows, especially at night. If needed, add raised toilet seats to make sitting and standing easier.

This template, developed by Lumiform employees, serves as a starting point for businesses using the Lumiform platform and is intended as a hypothetical example only. It does not replace professional advice. Companies should consult qualified professionals to assess the suitability and legality of using this template in their specific workplace or jurisdiction. Lumiform is not liable for any errors or omissions in this template or for any actions taken based on its content.