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Whether you are preparing to welcome an elderly loved one into your own home, of if you simply want to ensure that your loved one's home is still safe, an elderly home safety checklist is a great way to assess any home's safety and what moves need to be taken to improve safety conditions. You can ask your loved one's physician for a safety checklist, or get one through a local senior center or other social agency. Here are some examples of questions that might appear on a typical elderly home safety checklist. These can be altered based upon your loved one's health and individual needs. Are the stairs inside the home safe? Are there handrails on both sides of stairs? Are hallways and doorways wide and free of obstructions? Are fire extinguishers readily available and easily accessible? Are smoke detectors present and in good working order? Is there adequate lighting throughout the home? Are area rugs secure and is the home free of throw rugs? Are the heating and cooling systems in good working order? If space heaters are present, are these safe and kept well away from flammable items? Are chemicals and other hazardous materials safely store away? Is the plumbing in good working order? Is the home free of insect and rodent pests? Is the home free of clutter and debris? Are electrical cords safely out of the way? (i.e. do not represent a trip hazard) Are cords, circuits, and extension cords safe and in good working order? Is furniture arranged to facilitate your elderly loved one's mobility? Is furniture sturdy and in good repair? Is the home free of slippery flooring, such as tile? Is the home free of other trip hazards? Are all tubs and showers equipped with non-slip mats? Is there a shower bench available? Are there handrails in the tub or shower? Are there night lights in all bathrooms? Are toilet grab bars installed if necessary? Is your loved one's bedroom big enough to accommodate a hospital bed if needed? Is there an emergency alert system in place, and is it accessible from bed? If your loved one is on oxygen, are there “no smoking” signs in and around the home? Are outdoor stairs equipped with handrails? Is there adequate outdoor lighting? Are outdoor walking surfaces kept free of snow and ice during the winter months? Are stairs safe and in good repair?