Before care begins, we come to meet you in person, introduce ourselves, and see your home. It's a chance to put faces to names and make sure we're the right fit for each other.
By the time we visit, we've already learned a lot about you through your forms and phone conversations. The home visit is about meeting face-to-face, seeing your space, and making sure we're a good match.
Put faces to names and get comfortable with who'll be coming into your home
Understand your living space so we can prepare your caregiver and plan for your care
Make sure you feel comfortable with us — and we understand what you need
Introductions: We'll introduce ourselves — you'll meet the people behind Silver Home Care.
Conversation: We'll chat — not a formal interview, just getting to know each other. Ask us anything.
Walk-Through: We'll see the areas where care will be provided and note anything that helps us prepare your caregiver.
Next Steps: If it feels right for both of us, we'll talk about caregiver matching and getting started.
The visit typically takes 30-45 minutes — no pressure, no sales pitch.
During our walk-through, we'll take note of your living space. This helps us prepare your caregiver and offer suggestions if helpful.
Safe entry and exit points are critical for both clients and caregivers, especially in emergencies.
Clear, unobstructed pathways
Why: Clutter near doors increases fall risk and can block emergency exits.
Tip: Keep walkways at least 36 inches wide for walker or wheelchair access.
Adequate exterior lighting
Why: Poor lighting makes it difficult to see steps, uneven surfaces, or obstacles — especially during early morning or evening visits.
Tip: Motion-sensor lights are an affordable, easy solution.
Secure handrails (if stairs present)
Why: Loose or missing handrails are a leading cause of falls on stairs.
Tip: Handrails should extend the full length of stairs and be firmly anchored.
Door locks functional / Key access confirmed
Why: Caregivers need reliable entry, and you need security when they're not there.
Tip: Consider a lockbox with a code for caregiver entry — safer than hiding a key.
Falls are the leading cause of injury for older adults. Most can be prevented by addressing flooring hazards.
Free of trip hazards (rugs, cords, clutter)
Why: Loose rugs, electrical cords, and floor clutter cause trips and falls daily.
Tip: Remove throw rugs or secure them with double-sided tape. Use cord covers or reroute cords along walls.
Non-slip surfaces where needed
Why: Smooth floors (tile, hardwood, linoleum) become slippery when wet or when wearing socks.
Tip: Non-slip socks or slippers with rubber soles are an easy fix.
Adequate interior lighting
Why: Dim hallways and rooms make it hard to see obstacles or changes in floor level.
Tip: Use higher-wattage bulbs and add nightlights along frequently traveled paths.
Clear path between rooms
Why: Furniture placement can create tight spaces that are hard to navigate with mobility aids.
Tip: Create wide, direct paths between bed, bathroom, and living areas.
The bathroom is the most dangerous room in the home for falls. Wet surfaces, tight spaces, and frequent transfers create risk.
Grab bars installed (toilet/shower)
Why: Grab bars provide stability when sitting, standing, or moving on wet surfaces.
Tip: Bars should be wall-mounted into studs — suction cup bars are not reliable. Install near toilet and inside shower/tub.
Non-slip mat in tub/shower
Why: Wet tub/shower floors are extremely slippery, even for those with good balance.
Tip: Use a rubber mat with suction cups, or apply adhesive non-slip strips.
Toilet height appropriate
Why: Standard toilets are often too low, making it difficult to sit down or stand up safely.
Tip: A raised toilet seat (with or without arms) is an affordable solution — no plumbing required.
Water temperature safe
Why: Older adults and those with diabetes may have reduced sensation and not feel scalding water.
Tip: Set water heater to 120°F or lower. Caregivers will always test water temperature before bathing.
The bedroom is where many falls happen — often during nighttime trips to the bathroom or when getting in/out of bed.
Bed height appropriate for transfers
Why: A bed that's too high or too low makes getting in and out difficult and unsafe.
Tip: When sitting on the bed, feet should be flat on the floor with knees at a 90° angle. Bed risers or a lower mattress can help.
Clear path to bathroom
Why: Nighttime trips to the bathroom are high-risk — especially when groggy or rushing.
Tip: Remove any furniture, cords, or objects between bed and bathroom. Consider a bedside commode if the bathroom is far.
Nightlight or accessible light switch
Why: Fumbling for a light switch in the dark leads to falls.
Tip: Motion-activated nightlights along the path to the bathroom. Or keep a touch lamp or flashlight on the nightstand.
Phone/call device within reach
Why: If a fall or emergency happens at night, help needs to be reachable from the bed.
Tip: Keep a charged phone on the nightstand. Medical alert devices are excellent for those at higher fall risk.
The kitchen presents unique risks — fire hazards, sharp objects, hot surfaces, and the need to reach high or low places.
Frequently used items within reach
Why: Reaching high shelves or bending to low cabinets increases fall risk and strain.
Tip: Move everyday items (dishes, food, utensils) to counter level or easy-reach shelves. Use a reacher tool for higher items.
No fire hazards near stove
Why: Paper towels, dish towels, or loose sleeves near burners cause kitchen fires.
Tip: Keep the stovetop clear. Never leave cooking unattended. Consider an automatic stove shut-off device.
Appliances in safe working condition
Why: Frayed cords, malfunctioning appliances, or overloaded outlets create fire and shock risks.
Tip: Check cords regularly. Don't use appliances with damaged cords. Unplug small appliances when not in use.
These items protect you from fire, carbon monoxide, and ensure help is accessible in an emergency.
Smoke detectors present and functional
Why: Working smoke detectors double your chance of surviving a fire.
Tip: Test monthly. Replace batteries twice a year. Replace the detector itself every 10 years.
Carbon monoxide detector
Why: CO is odorless and can be fatal. Required in homes with gas appliances, fireplaces, or attached garages.
Tip: Install on every floor and near sleeping areas. Replace every 5-7 years.
Emergency contact numbers accessible
Why: In an emergency, you or a caregiver may need to quickly find family or doctor contacts.
Tip: Post a list by the phone or on the refrigerator with emergency contacts, doctor info, and pharmacy.
Medications stored safely
Why: Proper storage ensures medications remain effective and are not accessible to children or others.
Tip: Keep medications in a cool, dry place (not the bathroom). Use a pill organizer if taking multiple medications.
Medical equipment in working order
Why: Malfunctioning equipment (oxygen concentrators, CPAP, hospital beds) can be dangerous.
Tip: Follow manufacturer maintenance schedules. Know who to call for repairs. Keep backup supplies.
If you use mobility aids, your home needs to accommodate them safely.
Adequate space for walker/wheelchair
Why: Tight doorways and cramped rooms make maneuvering difficult and unsafe.
Tip: Standard wheelchairs need 32" doorways. Remove unnecessary furniture to create wider paths.
Furniture stable for support
Why: People naturally grab furniture for balance — lightweight or wheeled pieces can tip or roll.
Tip: Remove furniture with wheels. Ensure tables and chairs are sturdy enough to support weight if grabbed.
Assistive devices in good condition
Why: Worn-out walker tips, loose wheelchair brakes, or broken cane tips cause falls.
Tip: Check rubber tips regularly. Ensure brakes lock properly. Replace worn parts promptly.
Pets are family — and we want to make sure both our caregivers and your pets stay safe and comfortable.
Pet behavior observed
Why: Some pets are protective of their owners or anxious around strangers — this can affect caregiver safety.
Tip: Let us know how your pet typically reacts to visitors. We'll introduce the caregiver gradually.
Pet containment plan if needed
Why: For everyone's safety, some pets may need to be in another room during certain care activities.
Tip: If your pet is anxious or protective, we'll work out a plan together — like keeping them in a specific room during personal care.
If there are firearms in the home, we want to ensure they're stored safely — for everyone's protection.
Firearms present in the home
Why: We ask so caregivers are aware of the environment and can provide safe, informed care.
Tip: This is confidential information — we simply need to know for safety planning.
Firearms stored securely
Why: Safe storage is especially important in homes where there may be cognitive changes, depression, or confusion.
Tip: Best practice is locked storage (gun safe or lock box) with ammunition stored separately. Trigger locks add an extra layer of safety.
Access limited appropriately
Why: If a client has memory issues or moments of confusion, easy access to firearms can be dangerous.
Tip: Consider having a trusted family member secure firearms off-site if there are safety concerns. We can discuss options — no judgment.
You don't need to do anything special — just be yourself. But if you'd like to prepare, here are a few suggestions.
Adults 65+ fall each year
Of falls happen at home
Are preventable with simple changes
Source: CDC, National Council on Aging
Your home visit is part of our intake process. If you're interested in home care services, let's start the conversation.
Questions about your home visit?
Contact us at
800-719-6912
or
[email protected]
