Bathroom Safety Assessment Checklist
Walk through this checklist one section at a time — floor, toilet, shower/tub, lighting, and storage — checking off what's already safe and noting what isn't. It takes about 15 minutes and gives you a concrete list to act on, in priority order.
Use this checklist to walk through a bathroom the way a fall actually happens — one area at a time, at the moments where balance and footing matter most. If you’re assessing a parent’s home from a distance, this also works well as a list of specific questions to ask on your next visit or video call.
Floor and entry
Toilet
Shower or tub
Lighting
Storage and reach
What to do with the results
If most items are checked, this bathroom is in reasonably good shape — revisit the checklist every six to twelve months, since needs change gradually and it’s easy not to notice.
If several items are unchecked, prioritize in this order: floor and lighting first (lowest cost, fastest to fix), grab bars second (moderate cost, high impact), then shower/tub modifications (the larger projects, like a curbless shower (opens in a new tab) or walk-in tub (opens in a new tab)) as budget allows.
If you’re unsure whether a specific change is necessary or safe for a particular medical condition, a professional home safety assessment from an occupational therapist can give a more tailored recommendation — see our guide to what a home safety assessment costs (opens in a new tab) for what to expect.