How to Modify Your Home for Safety

Home is not just where the heart is. It’s where you feel safe.

As you age at home, though, you may begin to feel less steady on your feet and even fear falling down. This is likely a sign that something needs to change in your home environment.

If you’d prefer to continue living on your own, there are several steps and at-home modifications you can make yourself to reduce the risk of falling and, overall, help you feel safer navigating your house.

Above all, it’s important to continue living the life you want to live. Modifications to your home will increase your sense of independence. You’ll feel safer and more inclined to do more, which is important to your overall wellbeing. You can be safe and dignified.

Below, we’ve compiled some recommended ways to modify your home environment.

Note: Everyone’s needs will vary, as will the methods they choose for help. Please use this as a reference for the types of options available. Above all, you should feel safe — and feel like you’re living true to your preferences, goals, and values — while navigating your house. If you still don’t feel confident getting around your home after trying any of these options, it may be time to seek home care.

Ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you find yourself avoiding or decreasing activities that seem risky? Things like showering/bathing or carrying items from one room to another?

• If you have stairs, do you find them difficult to navigate due to pain or safety concerns? 

• Do you find yourself “furniture walking” — grabbing furniture to steady yourself — as you navigate the house?

• Do you find it difficult to stand up from the toilet?

If you answered “yes” to one or more of these questions, it’s time to start thinking about making a change.

Let your doctor know. If you feel like you’re at risk of falling at home, make sure your doctor is aware. They can likely recommend a physical therapist that can work with you on strength and balance exercises. They can also evaluate whether you need an assistive device for walking.

Ask for a home safety evaluation. Most doctors or occupational therapists will be able to order a home safety evaluation for you, where a professional will visit your home and assess any potential risks. They’ll check everything from your floors and steps to your bathroom and lighting. After their assessment, they’ll recommend preventative measures to make your home safer.

Keep hallways clear. Make sure that all pathways in your home are free of objects, like clothes, books, or furniture, to reduce the risk of tripping.

Secure your rugs. Rugs can be a big slipping hazard. If you have rugs on a hardwood floor, either remove them or secure them to the floor with double-sided tape.

Let there be light. Also make sure that there are bright lights throughout the house — especially in places like stairways and hallways.

Rearrange your cupboards. Move your most frequently used items into lower, easier-to-access cupboards and shelves.

Carry a backpack. This might seem silly, but carrying a backpack with your essential items is an easy way to ensure you always have what you need, reducing the need to make unnecessary trips.

Double your stair rails. A lot of houses only have a rail on one side of the stairs. If your house is like this, consider adding a rail on the other side.

Upgrade your shower. Adding a non-slip mat and handrail in your shower will help you get in and out safely, especially in tall bathtubs that require a high step.

Modify your toilet. Additionally, adding a handrail or raised seat to your toilet can greatly ease the pressure of sitting up.

Again, it all comes down to feeling safe and confident in your ability to get around your house. When you’re at home, you should feel that you can keep being YOU and doing the things that you love. You deserve that.

The most important thing to do is experiment to see what works best and makes you feel safest. If you’re still not feeling confident after that, it may be time to consider home care.