Home safety assessment

Home Safety Assessment for Older Adults in Wisconsin

A careful home review looks beyond a list of hazards. It considers falls, bathroom setup, stairs, entry access, lighting, daily routines, and the help available—then puts the first changes in order.

View sample plan

Begin with the moment that has become difficult.

Tell us what changed and where it shows up in the day. The first step is to separate what needs attention now, what can be made easier, and what calls for someone local to visit.

When to start

Small changes are often the first clue.

A fall or hospital stay should not have to be the beginning of the story. Earlier clues can show where a family needs more support.

Someone has fallen, almost fallen, or started avoiding parts of the home.

Bathing, toileting, stairs, nighttime walking, or getting in the door feels harder.

The family is considering grab bars, shower seating, railings, lighting, or a contractor.

Caregivers are helping more, but no one is sure what support is enough.

What the plan covers

A short list, in the order it matters.

Review the rooms, paths, and routines where safety breaks down.

Sort fixes into what to do now, what can wait, and what needs a local professional.

Leave the family with owners, timing, and a short list to act on first.

Common questions

The questions families tend to carry alone.

What should we fix before another fall?
Do we need grab bars, a shower chair, railings, or a different setup?
Which changes can family handle, and which need a contractor?
How much caregiver help is needed for daily routines?
Helpful answers

Plain answers before a family begins.

What is a home safety assessment for an older adult?

It is a room-by-room look at what makes daily life harder or less safe, with close attention to bathroom use, falls, stairs, lighting, entry access, and caregiver help.

Does Lantern Years serve Wisconsin families?

Yes. Lantern Years serves Wisconsin families who want a clear plan before buying equipment, calling a contractor, or changing the care routine.

Is this the same as an in-home elder care assessment?

No. Families answer a few guided questions and share home photos. If the situation needs hands-on measurement, urgent medical care, or a local visit, the plan says that plainly.

When should a family start a home safety assessment?

A home safety assessment is useful when falls, bathroom transfers, stairs, nighttime walking, winter entries, or caregiver coverage feel uncertain. Planning is easier before the next crisis.

Put the first steps in writing.

Answer guided questions, share home photos, and receive a plan your family can use before the next hard decision.