Speak to a Licensed Sales Agent! Hours: Mon-Thur 7am-8pm; Fri 7am-7pm; Sat 9am-5pm; Sun 10am-3pm CT
The Importance of a Senior Home Safety Assessment
As we age, our risk for falls and other injuries increases. According to the National Institutes of Health, the prevalence of falls among people 65 and older who live alone is 80%. Thankfully, getting a senior home safety assessment can help older adults be proactive about reducing their fall and injury risk, and live independently for longer. In this article, we’ll discuss the process for getting a home safety assessment, what it entails and how Medicare can help cover it.
No obligation to enroll
What is a home safety assessment?
A home safety assessment is when a licensed healthcare professional, like a medical social worker or an occupational therapist, evaluates your home to identify hazards and risks, suggests recommendations for improvements and provides home safety tips. The assessor will typically look for:
- Fire safety: They’ll ask if you have a fire exit plan and check to make sure your fire extinguisher is current and your smoke detectors are working.
- Home structure: This includes floor stability, door width, ventilation and any stairs in the home. They’ll also look to see whether your home’s structure will allow for modifications like a stair lift or wheelchair access.
- Fall risk: Falls risks include unsecured or bulky rugs and runners, loose carpet, extension cords in walkways, clutter and even pets that could cause you to fall.
- Electrical safety: The assessor may check to make sure the wiring, outlets, grounding and power strips are all safe and able to support any medical equipment that relies on electricity.
How do you get a home safety assessment?
There are several options through which you may receive a home safety assessment. If you’ve recently been hospitalized, your doctor may order one as part of your follow-up care. You may also be eligible for a home safety assessment if you’re currently receiving home health services.There are also non-profit and community organizations dedicated to providing home safety assessments. You can visit the National Council on Aging website to find a local program and determine if you qualify.
Who pays for a home safety assessment?
Medicare beneficiaries can receive a home safety assessment, usually at no cost to them, as part of their Welcome to Medicare visit. This one-time visit is offered during the first 12 months of Medicare Part B coverage. Medicare Advantage plans will also typically cover an assessment, since these plans are legally required to provide the same coverage as Medicare Parts A and B, but exact details may vary by plan. A home safety assessment will cost up to $200 out of pocket, but non-profit organizations in your area may offer a free or reduced-cost evaluation.
Have questions about Medicare coverage for home safety assessments? Let SelectQuote help.
Keeping your environment safe is an important part of staying healthy and independent as you age. At SelectQuote, we have over 35 years of industry experience and knowledge to answer any questions you have about Medicare coverage for home safety assessments. We can quickly and easily search and compare Medicare Advantage plans on your behalf, finding you the right coverage with home safety benefits and any other details that matter most to you.
No obligation to enroll
Article Categories
Get Your Free Medicare Insurance Quote Today.
No obligation to enroll
We do the shopping. You do the saving.
No obligation to enroll
SelectQuote Senior Insurance Services is a division of SelectQuote Insurance Services. © 2025 SelectQuote Senior Insurance Services. All rights reserved.
Please see the Disclosures Page for more information.
MULTI-PLAN_SQSRW2026_M