As a golden oldie who is also a caregiver, my mantra has been to think ahead.
Knowing that I will not wake up 20 years younger tomorrow, I have accepted that survival and quality of life depend on attitude and planning. The rearranging of our stuff for easy access has prevented me from becoming a candidate for TV's Hoarders while putting a plus in the column for independence. When Covid isolated us, I took it as a sign to purge and organize, and I am still doing it. Maybe I have gone overboard with a grabber in every room, a few canes in strategic places, a house walker, and a car walker, but if this kind of crazy keeps me from crying out, "I've fallen, and I can't get up," it is worth it. The checklist you devise for safety and well-being will probably be different than mine. It is more important to recognize a pitfall and take care of it before you find yourself in a situation that could have been prevented. The confidence in being proactive is a by-product. Another bonus: your checklist will be shorter, and when the inevitable unforeseen shows up, you will be better prepared. Also, what we can no longer do has been put in more capable hands. I am sure the young people we have come to rely upon and the economy appreciates our efforts. Even though there are days that I am amazed at what I still accomplish for both my husband (94), who has dementia, and myself( 86) to remain independent, there are also days when I am overwhelmed. When I was a girl, my Mother would not let me play until the chores were done. That work ethic can leave me feeling like a juggler trying to keep the balls in the air for perpetuity. But wisdom tells me it is a rule that needs adjustment. Even if only for a few moments, I do something for pleasure or escape: a song, a puzzle, responding to this forum. So far, so good. GloRo