Homecare Safety Checklist: A Room by Room Guide for Walsall Families

A safe home is the foundation of effective homecare. Small changes reduce falls, medication errors and anxiety, helping people in Walsall and across the West Midlands stay independent. Use this practical checklist to review each room, agree simple actions and build safer everyday routines.

Key takeaway: Tackle one area at a time. Focus on lighting, clear walkways, stable seating and structured routines. Review weekly until the home feels calm and predictable.

If you are new to support at home, start with our Home Care Guide.

How to use this checklist to support your homecare needs

• Walk the home together at a quiet time.
• Note quick wins you can do today, then schedule larger fixes.
• Record changes in the care plan so every carer follows the same steps.
• Revisit after any health change or hospital discharge.

For exercise ideas that improve balance, see Safe Exercise and Fall Prevention.

Front door, entrance and hallway

• Remove loose mats or use non slip backing.
• Keep letterbox clear of post on the floor.
• Add a stable chair or sideboard for parcels and keys.
• Fit bright bulbs and test the door chain and key safe.
• Mark door thresholds with contrasting tape to reduce trips.
• Ensure mobility aids fit through the hallway without tight turns.

Living room

• Create a clear pathway from seat to bathroom and kitchen.
• Choose a firm, stable chair with armrests and the right height for easy standing.
• Tidy cables, footstools and low tables that catch feet.
• Add a side table for drinks, tissues and the phone.
• Place a night light on a timer for evening routines.
• Keep a reachable call bell or phone by the main chair.

Kitchen

• Store everyday items between waist and shoulder height.
• Label cupboards and drawers.
• Use a kettle tipper or hot water dispenser to reduce lifting.
• Check fridge temperature and food dates weekly.
• Keep a textured mat by the sink to reduce slips.
• Agree simple, safe meals and hydration prompts. For nutrition ideas, read Balanced Nutrition for Older Adults.

Bathroom and toilet

• Fit two grab rails near the toilet and shower or bath.
• Use a non slip bathmat inside and outside the shower or bath.
• Consider a raised toilet seat or shower chair if standing is tiring.
• Keep toiletries within easy reach to avoid bending or stretching.
• Turn the hot water down to a safe temperature.
• Keep a clean, dry towel within reach before washing to reduce slips.

Bedroom

• Ensure a clear route to the bathroom or commode.
• Use a motion activated night light.
• Choose bedding that is warm but light to move.
• Consider a bed lever for safe transfers.
• Keep glasses, hearing aids, phone and water on a stable bedside table.
• Plan set times for evening medicines and sleep. If night time anxiety is common, explore Overnight Home Care.

Stairs and landings

• Fit handrails on both sides if possible.
• Check carpet edges, grippers and lighting.
• Keep the landing clear and use high contrast stair nosing.
• Place a chair at the top and bottom for rests if needed.
• Consider bedroom and bathroom on the same floor if stairs are unsafe.

Outdoors and garden

• Mark single steps and edges with contrasting tape or paint.
• Keep paths free of moss and leaves.
• Fit a secure handrail by the main step.
• Position bins close to the door to avoid long, heavy walks on collection day.

Medication safety at home

• Keep medicines in one secure, dry place away from heat and light.
• Use a weekly organiser if appropriate and record prompts or administration in the care notes.
• Align visit times with medicine times.
• Review dates after hospital stays or GP changes.
• Read Home Care Medication Management for a simple step by step approach.

Light, footwear and clothing

• Fit bright, even lighting in all rooms and at the front door.
• Choose supportive, closed back shoes with non slip soles.
• Avoid long, loose clothing that trails on the floor.
• Keep a warm layer by the main chair to prevent chills and rushed movements.

Equipment and simple adaptations

• Walking aids set to the correct height with non worn ferrules.
• Bath boards, shower chairs, perching stools and raised seats as assessed.
• Bed lever or transfer aids for safe turns.
• Doorway ramps and threshold rails where needed.
  Speak to your therapist or GP if you are unsure which items are suitable.

Building safer routines

• Agree regular mealtimes and hydration prompts.
• Set a simple daily schedule that includes movement, rest and enjoyable activity.
• Plan a weekly review of the home to reset tidy walkways and check bulbs and batteries.
• Record what works in the care plan so every carer follows the same approach.

When to seek extra support

• Repeated near falls or a recent fall.
• New confusion, dehydration or missed medicines.
• Night time wandering or frequent bathroom trips.
• A planned discharge with little notice.
  In urgent situations call 999. For health advice use NHS 111. If you need short notice visits, read Home Care After Hospital Discharge and our Walsall overview Home Care in Walsall: Enhancing Independence.

How Caring Care can help

• Home safety checks during your assessment and reviews.
• Clear care plans with safe moving and handling steps.
• Morning starts, mealtime visits and evening routines that reduce risk.
• Temporary overnight support when confidence is low.
• Coordination with therapists, GPs and discharge teams.

Speak to Caring Care

Call 0330 056 3111 or use our Contact page. Explore our Services to see how we support homecare across Walsall and the West Midlands. We will listen carefully, explain costs clearly and design a plan that keeps your loved one safe at home.

Further reading:

• NHS: Preventing falls and staying active
  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/falls/prevention
• NHS: Getting care and support at home
  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/help-from-social-services-and-charities/getting-care-and-support/