Why families need a home safety check

A patterned rug that looks like a step. A bath with no grab rail. A 2am walk to the toilet with no light. Often, these small things cause the falls that send older people to hospital.

NICE guideline NG249 recommends home hazard checks to reduce falls. As a result, a structured check followed by a few simple changes prevents hospital admissions. So this is not about wrapping your parent in cotton wool. Instead, it is about spotting risks early and fixing them with help that is often free. For wider support, Carers UK also offers free guidance for families.

What the home safety check includes

The check works room by room, so nothing gets missed. First, outside the home: paths, steps, handrails, and lighting. Then inside: floors, rugs, furniture, electrical safety, and heaters. Next, hall, stairs, and landing. After that, bathroom (the highest risk room) covering grab rails, non slip mats, water temperature, and emergency door access. Then bedroom and night safety. Next, kitchen. Finally, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

In addition, a dementia-specific section covering cooker shut-offs, key safes, medication storage, and door alarms. Then a “free help most families do not know about” panel covering occupational therapy, the Disabled Facilities Grant of up to thirty thousand pounds, fire service home safety visits, and council telecare. After that, a “Top 3 things to fix this week” priority box. Finally, an emergency turn-off contacts table with the National Gas Emergency number pre-filled.

How to use the check

First, print one copy and walk through the home room by room. Then tick Yes or No against each item. Next, write the top three things to fix this week. After that, use the free help panel to book whatever you can get without paying. Finally, store the check safely so you can repeat it every six months.

Who this is for

This check is for adult children worried their parent’s home is no longer safe. It is also for spouses noticing a partner is unsteady on the stairs. Equally, it works for any family carer who has thought, “Something needs to change here, but I do not know where to start.” In short, anyone who wants a calm, structured way to make a home safer without an expensive assessment.