Source: University of Buffalo Department of Rehabilitation Science
Home Safety Self Assessment Tool (HSSAT) – Living Room
The Home Safety Self Assessment Tools (HSSAT) v.5 is an easy to use instrument to screen for areas that pose a risk for falls at home. The HSSAT v.5 was developed by the Occupational Therapy Geriatric Group at the University of Buffalo, as a combined effort with the Health Foundation for Western and Central New York.
Who should use this tool?
Falls are the leading cause of injury, disability, nursing home placement, and death in adults over the age of 65 years. In the United States, one in every three older adults falls each year. Use of this tool helps to prevent future falls. Anyone who is preparing to age safely at home or someone who is caring for an aging family will find this tool very valuable in identify potential environmental hazards in the home, along with recommendations to address those issues.
How does this tool work?
There are safety checks organized around 10 locations both inside and outside the home for you to assess. Use the checklist to find and correct/fix the hazards that might cause you or your loved one to trip or fall.
Go to each room/area of your home with this checklist; look for the hazards/items that are listed below the picture on each page.  Go through the solutions and take the necessary action to fix those problems that are a potential hazard.