Simple Changes At Home To Improve Safety For Aging Loved Ones

Key Takeaways:

• Stop Falls Before They Happen: Making the home safer can help older adults avoid falls and feel more comfortable every day.
• Simple Changes for a Safer Home: Adding things like brighter lights and grab bars can make the house safer without spending a lot of money.
• Living Safely at Home: Checking the home and making small changes can help seniors stay independent and feel safe as they get older.

As people get older, their homes should still be a safe and comfortable place where they can move around easily. But as they age, things like trouble walking or seeing clearly can make everyday spaces more dangerous. Simple changes, like adding brighter lights, putting up grab bars, or using smart technology, can help prevent falls and make their home safer. These small adjustments can help older adults stay in their homes longer and feel more confident.

Learning how to make a home safer can be easier with the right guidance. Joining a caregiver workshop can give families helpful tips and tools to create a safe and comfortable space for their aging loved ones. Here is one to consider: 

Building Better CaregiversⓇ is a six-week online program designed to support and empower caregivers. It offers education and support in a convenient, online setting. We understand the difficulties and challenges of being a caregiver, that’s why we offer Building Better Caregivers as a tool to help make life a little easier for caregivers and less isolating.

Caregivers can join at any time, work at their own pace, and participate whenever they want. Each group is made up of 30 caregivers who connect through weekly lessons, discussion boards, and one-on-one conversations, offering one another tips and support for their personal caregiving challenges.

The program is led by trained staff members many of whom have been caregivers themselves. These leaders guide discussions, share personalized resources, and keep workshops safe and supportive. 

Building Better Caregivers has been recognized as a proven program by the Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging and the Family Caregiving Alliance. 

“It was very helpful to learn things I might not have known and get tips and support from the others in the group. It helps just knowing there is someone who knows what you’re going through and can offer helpful tips, not just listen.”

– Building Better Caregivers Participant

Why Home Safety Changes Matter For Aging Loved Ones

As people get older, moving around, seeing clearly, and doing everyday tasks can become harder. This makes accidents at home, like falls, more likely. The CDC says that falling is the number one cause of injuries for older adults, and many of these accidents happen in their own homes. But small changes, like adding grab bars or better lighting, can help keep them safe and make daily life easier.

Making a home safer isn’t just about preventing falls—it can also help older adults feel more comfortable and need less help from others. When families fix safety problems early, they can create a home that keeps their loved ones safe and independent while avoiding emergencies.

Checking On Home Safety: Where To Start

Look Around The Home For Safety Issues

Walk through each room and hallway, paying close attention to the places your loved one uses the most. Check for things they could trip over, like loose rugs, clutter, or uneven floors. Make sure there is enough light, especially in dark areas and at night.

Find The Most Dangerous Spots

Some areas in the home are riskier than others. Bathrooms can be slippery, kitchens may have hard-to-reach items, and stairs can be dangerous if the handrails are wobbly or missing. Fixing these areas first can help prevent accidents.

Think About Their Movement And Health Needs

If your loved one uses a walker or wheelchair, make sure doorways and hallways are wide enough for them to move easily. If they have trouble seeing or remembering things, adding motion-activated lights or using bright colors to highlight important areas can make the home safer.

Use A Safety Checklist

Groups like AARP and the National Institute on Aging have home safety checklists to help families spot risks. Talking to an expert, like an occupational therapist, can also give helpful advice on what changes are needed. These tools make sure nothing important is missed when making the home safer.

Essential Home Changes For Aging Loved Ones

Simple changes can help make a home much safer and more comfortable for older adults. Here are some important areas to focus on:

Entryways And Exits: Making It Easy To Get In And Out

Getting in and out of the house should be safe and simple, especially for people who use wheelchairs or walkers. Adding ramps can help them move more easily. Handrails, non-slip mats, and lights that turn on when someone walks by can also help prevent falls.

Bathroom Safety: Stopping Slips And Falls

Bathrooms can be dangerous because the floors get wet and slippery. Adding grab bars near the toilet and inside the shower or bathtub gives extra support. Using non-slip mats, a walk-in tub, or a raised toilet seat can help make the bathroom safer and easier to use.

Kitchen Changes For Safety And Easy Use

Some older adults may have trouble bending down, reaching high places, or using kitchen appliances. Keeping everyday items like dishes, food, and cooking tools within easy reach can help. Installing faucets that are easier to turn, bright lighting, and stoves that turn off automatically can make the kitchen safer.

Bedroom Changes For Comfort And Security

A comfortable bedroom can help older adults feel safe and independent. Having a bed that’s easy to get in and out of, along with grab bars nearby, can give extra support. Adding nightlights, a phone within reach, and an emergency call button can also help in case they need assistance.

Living Room And Hallway Safety Improvements

Keeping hallways and living spaces free of clutter helps prevent accidents. Rugs should have non-slip pads, and furniture should be placed so there’s plenty of space to walk. Adding handrails in hallways and light switches at both ends of a hallway can make it easier and safer to move around.

Smart Technology For Added Safety

New technology can help older adults stay safe and independent. These smart devices can assist with daily tasks, keep track of activity, and alert caregivers if there’s an emergency.

Smart Lights For Better Visibility

Good lighting helps prevent falls, especially at night. Motion-activated lights turn on automatically when someone walks into a room, making hallways and bathrooms safer. Smart light bulbs can also be controlled by voice or a phone app, so seniors don’t have to get up to turn them on or off.

Emergency Buttons For Quick Help

Medical alert systems make sure help is always close by. A simple button on a wristband or necklace can call for help if needed. Some devices even have fall detection, which sends an alert automatically if a fall happens.

Smart Locks And Security Systems

Keeping seniors safe means more than just preventing falls. Smart door locks let family members or caregivers unlock the door remotely in case of an emergency. Video doorbells and security cameras help seniors see who is at the door without needing to answer it themselves.

Voice-Controlled Helpers For Easy Tasks

Devices like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant can make life easier. Seniors can use voice commands to set reminders for medicine, turn on appliances, or call family members. This helps them stay independent while avoiding extra movement or strain.

Smart Sensors For Home Safety

Smart sensors can detect when something isn’t right, like a stove being left on, a door left open, or a lack of movement. Caregivers get alerts if anything seems unusual, allowing them to check in quickly. These systems help seniors stay safe while giving families peace of mind.

Home Changes That Are Affordable

Making a home safer for older adults doesn’t have to cost a lot. Many simple and affordable changes can help prevent falls and make daily life easier.

Improve Lighting With Affordable Solutions

Good lighting helps seniors see better and avoid falls. Cheap LED nightlights can be placed in hallways, bathrooms, and bedrooms to help guide them at night. Battery-powered motion-sensor lights are also a great low-cost way to brighten up important areas when someone moves.

Install Grab Bars And Handrails

Adding grab bars in the bathroom and handrails on stairs and hallways doesn’t have to be expensive. Many affordable options are sold at hardware stores and can be installed with basic tools. These simple changes give extra support and help prevent slips and falls.

Reduce Tripping Hazards With Simple Fixes

Loose rugs and cluttered walkways can be dangerous, but they are easy to fix. Using double-sided tape or non-slip pads keeps rugs from sliding. Moving furniture to clear walking paths and keeping common areas tidy can also improve safety without spending any money.

Elevate Everyday Comfort With Small Adjustments

Small changes can make daily tasks easier for seniors. Furniture risers can raise chairs or beds to make sitting and standing more comfortable. Adding soft grips to utensil handles or replacing round doorknobs with lever-style handles can help people with arthritis or weak hands.

Use DIY Solutions For Added Safety

Many safety improvements can be done at home without hiring a professional. Adhesive stair treads, tension rods for closet grab bars, and repurposing household items for accessibility are budget-friendly ways to make a home safer. With a little creativity, home safety can be improved without spending a lot of money.

When To Get Professional Help

Some home changes can be done on your own, but others need expert help to make sure they are safe and done correctly. Knowing when to call a professional can prevent mistakes and ensure the home meets the needs of aging loved ones.

Hire Experts For Big Changes

If a home needs bigger doorways, ramps, or major layout changes, it’s best to hire a contractor. Professionals make sure the work follows safety rules and is built to last. Trying to do big renovations yourself can lead to unsafe conditions and expensive repairs later.

Plumbing And Electrical Work Should Be Done By Professionals

Adding things like walk-in tubs, handheld showerheads, or extra lighting may require changes to plumbing or wiring. Plumbers and electricians have the right skills to do the job safely. If these changes aren’t done properly, they could cause leaks, electrical problems, or new safety risks.

Occupational Therapists Can Give Personalized Advice

An occupational therapist (OT) can look at a senior’s physical needs and suggest the best home changes. They can recommend mobility aids, rearrange furniture, and improve accessibility based on health conditions. Getting help from an OT ensures that changes are truly useful.

Experts Ensure Safety Equipment Is Installed Correctly

Grab bars, stair lifts, and non-slip flooring only work if they are put in the right way. Professional installers know the best places to install them to provide the most support. If these safety features are not installed properly, they might not work when needed most.

Aging-In-Place Specialists Help Plan For The Future

Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists (CAPS) are trained to make homes safer and more comfortable for seniors as they grow older. They help plan long-term changes that allow seniors to stay independent for as long as possible. Working with a specialist can help families prepare for future needs and avoid frequent home adjustments.

Final Thoughts 

Creating a safe and easy-to-use home for older family members helps them stay independent and live comfortably. Small changes, like adding grab bars, making rooms brighter, and removing things that could cause falls, can help prevent accidents. By checking the home for safety risks and making simple improvements, families can create a safer space without needing major repairs.

Technology can also help keep seniors safe. Devices like medical alert systems, motion-sensor lights, and voice-activated assistants add extra protection and make daily tasks easier. While many changes can be done cheaply and on your own, some projects need expert help to make sure they are installed correctly and last a long time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Simple Changes At Home To Improve Safety For Aging Loved Ones

What is the best way to convince an aging loved one to make home changes?

The best way is to talk to them with kindness and focus on making their life easier and safer. Instead of pointing out what they can’t do, explain how small changes can help them stay in their home longer and do things more easily.

How can I check if their home needs changes without making them feel uncomfortable?

Watch how they move around the house and see if they have trouble with things like stairs or reaching for kitchen items. Start with small fixes, like better lighting or non-slip mats, before suggesting bigger changes.

Are there programs that help pay for home safety changes?

Yes. Some programs, like Medicaid’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) and Veterans Affairs (VA) grants, can help. Some local organizations and state programs also offer money for home improvements to help seniors stay safe.

How do I know if a home change will be useful for a long time?

Think about future needs, not just what’s needed now. Features like grab bars, wider doorways, and smart home technology can keep the home safe for years to come without needing frequent changes.

What mistakes do people make when making a home safer for seniors?

One mistake is only thinking about their needs today instead of what they’ll need later. Other common mistakes include installing safety equipment the wrong way, not having enough lighting, or making changes that make the home harder to use.

Can home changes be made in a rental?

Yes. Some changes, like removable grab bars, stair rails that don’t need screws, and stick-on lights, can work in a rental. If bigger changes are needed, like a ramp, talking to the landlord may help find a solution.

How can we make safety changes while keeping the home looking nice?

Many safety items are designed to look good and match the home’s style. For example, grab bars can come in different colors, furniture risers can blend in, and motion-sensor lights can be small and stylish.

What changes help seniors with memory loss or dementia?

Clear labels on drawers, using different colors to mark important areas, and door alarms to prevent wandering can help. Keeping the home familiar and easy to navigate also makes them feel safer and less confused.

How can I help my loved one accept home changes?

Let them be part of the decision-making process so they feel in control. Make changes slowly instead of all at once and explain how each one will make daily life easier without taking away their independence.

What’s the best way to keep their home safe as they get older?

Check on their needs regularly to see if new changes are needed. Getting advice from experts, like occupational therapists or aging-in-place specialists, can help make sure the home stays safe and comfortable over time.

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