Veranda Senior Home Safety Inspections

Falls are one of the greatest threats to independence for older adults living at home—but many are preventable with the right safety modifications. In the United States, more than one in four adults age 65 and older experiences a fall each year, making falls the leading cause of injury among seniors. Millions of emergency room visits and hospitalizations occur annually as a result. Fortunately, many falls are linked to simple, correctable hazards within the home environment.

At Veranda Home Care, our team includes a Certified Senior Home Safety Specialist® (SHSS) who conducts comprehensive home safety inspections designed to identify potential risks and recommend practical improvements that allow older adults to remain safely and comfortably in their own homes.

While most of our clients utilize this service prior to starting care, it can also be valuable as an independent consultation. Our comprehensive Senior Home Safety Inspection is available as a stand-alone service for $399. This visit includes an in-home assessment conducted by our Certified Senior Home Safety Specialist® and a detailed safety checklist outlining recommended improvements to help reduce risks and support safe aging at home. For families who choose to begin ongoing care with Veranda Home Care, the inspection fee is fully waived. Realtors, contractors, and family members who live out of the area often request inspections to better understand potential safety risks in a home and to identify practical modifications that can help protect an older adult living independently.

Our Process

During a Veranda Home Care safety inspection, our Certified Senior Home Safety Specialist evaluates many areas of the home to identify potential hazards and opportunities to improve safety and accessibility. Key areas we review include:

Fall hazards and flooring safety – loose rugs, slippery floors, uneven thresholds, cluttered walkways, and trip hazards that increase fall risk.

Bathroom safety – shower and bathtub access, grab bar placement, non-slip surfaces, toilet height, and safe entry/exit from bathing areas.

Lighting and visibility – insufficient lighting in hallways, bedrooms, staircases, and nighttime paths to the bathroom.

Stairways and handrails – secure railings, stair visibility, step height consistency, and potential fall risks on stairs.

Kitchen safety – safe appliance use, fire risks from unattended cooking, accessibility of frequently used items, and burn hazards.

Fire and emergency preparedness – smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguisher placement, and emergency exit accessibility.

Bedroom safety – bed height, nighttime mobility risks, access to lighting, and clear pathways for walkers or mobility aids.

Mobility and accessibility – furniture layout, doorway clearance, walker or wheelchair navigation, and safe access throughout the home.

Medication and cognitive safety concerns – risks that may affect individuals living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, including wandering risks, appliance safety, and environmental confusion triggers.

Outdoor and entryway hazards – uneven walkways, poor lighting, steps without railings, and fall risks at entrances.

After the inspection, clients and their families receive a clear safety checklist and prioritized recommendations to help create a safer home environment.