Whether you’re living with an older family member or you’re a senior yourself, you want to make sure your home is safe for the challenges older people can face. Fortunately, small investments can have a big impact. So, walk around your home, room by room, and note where you could make the following modifications.

Guard against falls everywhere in your home. Anyone can trip and fall, of course, but falls are more common for folks 65 and older, so take these measures:

• Remove all clutter and objects from floors, including child and pet toys, which should be kept in a container when not in use.
• Keep electrical cords out of all pathways.
• Tack scatter rugs to the floor, remove them from the top or bottom of stairs, and install stair treads on all stairs, indoors and out.
• Place furniture pieces about three feet apart, so people can walk around them.
• Provide plenty of lighting throughout the house and install night lights to illuminate paths to the bathroom at night.

For bathroom safety:

• Install grab bars and a waterproof, non-skid bench in the shower.
• Get comfort height toilets and install a grab bar nearby.
• Place nonslip bath mats next to showers and tubs.
• Put bottles and sponges in a shower organizer, instead of on the floor or rim of the tub. 
• Consider a walk-in tub—some offer aromatherapy and hydrotherapy, for a spa-type experience.

In the bedroom:

• Choose a bed frame that’s closer to the floor for anyone who may fall out of bed when asleep.
• Install soft carpeting to cushion potential falls.
• Consider an electronically adjustable bed.

If you or loved ones require more extensive safety modifications, contact a contractor who is a National Association of Home Builders certified aging-in-place specialist (CAPS).

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