Senior Home Modifications: How to Prevent Falls & Stay Safe at Home
As we age, our homes need to adapt to ensure safety, independence, and comfort. Falls are one of the leading causes of injury for older adults, but with proper home modifications, many of these accidents can be prevented. At Harmony Home Concepts, we specialize in aging-in-place solutions that help seniors stay in their homes safely and confidently.
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) has published a helpful room-by-room guide to preventing falls at home, and we want to highlight some key takeaways along with practical Senior Home Modifications that we can provide as Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists (CAPS).
Room-by-Room Home Safety Modifications for Aging in Place
1. Entryways & Garage: Reduce the Risk of Slips and Falls
- Install stair railings on both sides of entry steps to provide stability.
- Add grab bars near doors for extra support when coming and going.
- Improve outdoor lighting to reduce tripping hazards at night.
- Consider a zero-step entry or ramp installation for easier access.
Our Solution: We recently helped a client by installing stair railings and grab bars leading from their garage into their home. These small changes made a big difference in their ability to return home from rehabilitation safely.
2. Kitchen: Make Everyday Tasks Easier and Safer
- Lower countertops and install pull-out shelves for easier access.
- Use lever-handle faucets with pull-out sprayers for convenience.
- Install non-slip flooring to prevent slipping on spills.
- Place heavier items on lower shelves to avoid the need for reaching or climbing.
Our Solution: We offer custom pull-out shelves that make it easier to reach items in cabinets without excessive bending or stretching—a game-changer for seniors!
3. Bathroom: The Most Dangerous Room in the House
- Install grab bars near the toilet and in the shower.
- Use a curbless shower with a hand-held showerhead for accessibility.
- Choose non-slip mats and flooring.
- Upgrade to a comfort-height toilet for easier use.
Our Solution: We provide secure grab bar installations using special mounts that don’t require studs, allowing us to place them exactly where you need them.
4. Living Areas & Hallways: Clear the Path to Safety
- Improve lighting in common areas and stairways.
- Secure or remove loose rugs and clutter to prevent tripping.
- Install lever-style door handles for easier access.
- Raise outlets and lower light switches for convenience.
Our Solution: We help clients with simple but effective home modifications like better lighting, smart layout adjustments, and lever-handle upgrades to improve accessibility.
5. Bedroom: Create a Safe and Comfortable Environment
- Place a bedside lamp within easy reach.
- Install motion-sensor lighting for nighttime visibility.
- Use bed rails if extra stability is needed.
Our Solution: We can help install motion-activated lighting and other senior-friendly features to make bedrooms more accessible and safer at night.
Your Guide to Home Safety for Seniors
For more insights, check out this helpful NIA Home Safety Infographic for a quick visual reference on Senior Home Modifications helping to make your home safer.
Why Work with a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS)?
As a CAPS-certified professional, I understand the unique challenges of aging at home and know exactly how to create a safe, barrier-free environment that fits your lifestyle. Whether it’s installing grab bars, stair railings, pull-out shelves, or curbless showers, we’re here to help you stay in your home comfortably and reduce fall risks.
At Harmony Home Concepts, we believe that a safe home is a happy home.
Need Senior Home Modifications? Contact Us Today!
Serving Wichita and surrounding areas
Call us at 316-712-6060
Visit us at HarmonyHomeConcepts.com
Let’s create a safer, more accessible home so you can age in place with confidence!
