How to Make Your Parent's Home Safer as They Age

Home safety for seniors is something most families think about after a fall — not before one. But the adjustments that make a home safer for an aging adult are often simple, relatively inexpensive, and far less disruptive than dealing with the consequences of a preventable accident. Here is a practical room-by-room guide.

The Bathroom

The bathroom is statistically the highest-risk room in a senior's home. Priority modifications:

• →Install grab bars beside the toilet and in the shower or tub — properly anchored into studs, not just drywall
• →Place non-slip mats or adhesive strips in the tub or shower floor and on the floor outside it
• →Add a shower chair or bench for seniors who fatigue easily or have balance issues
• →Consider a handheld showerhead for easier use while seated
• →Ensure adequate lighting — especially for nighttime bathroom trips

The Bedroom

• →Night lights or motion-activated lighting for nighttime navigation
• →A bed height that allows feet to rest flat on the floor when seated at the edge
• →Clear pathway from the bed to the bathroom
• →Phone or call device within reach of the bed

The Kitchen

• →Frequently used items stored at waist height — not requiring reaching overhead or bending to low cabinets
• →Non-slip floor mats
• →A sturdy stool if any reaching is necessary
• →Automatic stove shut-off devices for seniors with memory concerns

Stairways and Hallways

• →Secure handrails on both sides of any staircase
• →Adequate lighting throughout — including at the top and bottom of stairs
• →Remove throw rugs and loose carpet edges from all walking surfaces
• →Clear pathways of cords, furniture corners, and stored items

The Role of a Caregiver in Ongoing Safety

Home modifications reduce risk. A present, trained caregiver reduces it further — by assisting during high-risk activities, keeping the home tidy and clear, noticing changes in the client's mobility or condition, and providing the kind of consistent supervision that safety modifications alone cannot replicate.

Frequently Asked Questions