Making a parent's home safer room by room

Short answer
Most home safety changes are simple: grab bars, non-slip mats, brighter lighting, secured rugs, and rails on both sides of the stairs. Walk through each room with your loved one and fix the paths they use every day first.

Most home safety changes are simple, and many cost little. The goal is to remove the most common hazards on the paths your loved one uses every day. These suggestions draw on CDC's STEADI Check for Safety brochure and the National Institute on Aging's room-by-room guide.

Before you start

Walk through the home with your loved one, not for them. Ask how they use each room, where they feel unsteady, and what they would like to change. People are more likely to keep changes they helped choose.

Entry and outside steps

Repair broken or uneven steps, add a sturdy handrail, and make sure the porch and walkway are well lit. A grab bar near the door gives something to hold while unlocking. Plan who will clear ice, snow, or leaves.

Stairs and hallways

Rails on both sides of the stairs, running the full length, are one of the most important fixes. Keep stairs clear of objects, fix loose carpet, and place light switches at the top and bottom. Night lights help in halls.

Living areas

Arrange furniture so there are clear walking paths. Remove throw rugs or secure them firmly. Keep cords along walls and out of walkways. Make sure a light can be turned on from the doorway.

Kitchen

Keep everyday items between waist and shoulder height so your loved one does not need to climb or bend low. If a step stool is needed, choose one with a handrail. Wipe spills right away. An automatic stove shut-off device is worth considering for someone with memory changes.

Bedroom

Place a lamp within reach of the bed and add night lights along the path to the bathroom. Keep a phone or medical alert device reachable from bed.

Bathroom

Install grab bars inside and outside the tub or shower and next to the toilet. Towel bars are not designed to hold a person's weight. Use nonslip mats or strips, and consider a shower chair, a handheld shower, and a raised toilet seat.

Alarms and emergencies

The U.S. Fire Administration recommends smoke alarms on every level and outside sleeping areas, tested monthly. Alarms with strobe lights or bed shakers are available for people with hearing loss. Add carbon monoxide alarms where needed, and keep a one-page emergency sheet by the phone.

Do not skip the health side

CDC encourages older adults to talk with their doctor about falls, review medications, check vision, and keep up with strength and balance exercise. An occupational therapist can evaluate the home and recommend changes, especially after a fall or hospital stay.

Finding help

The local Area Agency on Aging may know of programs that help with home changes. Find yours through the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116. For larger projects, hire a licensed, insured contractor and get written estimates. Our free Home Safety Checklist scores each room and builds a prioritized fix list you can print.