Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death among adults over 65 in the United States. According to the CDC, one in four older adults falls each year, and falls result in more than 800,000 hospitalizations annually. The good news is that most fall hazards and home safety risks are preventable.
This room-by-room guide gives you a practical checklist for making a parent’s home as safe as possible, whether they are aging in place independently or receiving care support.
How Do You Make a Home Safe for An Elderly Person?
Home safety for elderly individuals centers on three priorities: fall prevention, accessibility, and emergency preparedness. This involves removing trip hazards, improving lighting, installing grab bars and handrails, ensuring clear pathways, managing medication safely, and having emergency contact and response systems in place. Most modifications are low-cost and can be implemented without major renovations.
Entry and exits
- Install a handrail on both sides of any outdoor steps
- Ensure outdoor areas are well-lit with motion-activated lighting
- Check that walkways are clear of cracks, raised edges, or slippery surfaces
- Keep a non-slip mat at the front and back door
- Consider a keypad door lock to eliminate fumbling with keys
- Ensure the doorbell is audible throughout the home
Living room and common areas
- Remove all loose rugs and throw mats
- Secure any area rugs with non-slip backing and tack the edges down
- Clear pathways of furniture that narrows walking routes
- Arrange furniture to provide natural resting and balance points (chairs with arms, solid surfaces to hold)
- Ensure electrical cords are secured and out of walking paths
- Position frequently used items (remote controls, glasses, phone) within easy reach
- Install adequate ambient and task lighting; consider higher wattage bulbs
- Add night lights for pathways used after dark
Kitchen
- Store frequently used items at counter height to avoid reaching up or bending down
- Use a step stool with a handle grip if reaching above shoulder height is needed
- Keep the floor dry and immediately clean up any spills
- Use a cart or trolley to transport heavy items rather than carrying them
- Consider an automatic stove shut-off device for parents with memory concerns
- Ensure knives and sharp tools are stored safely but accessibly
- Install lever-style faucet handles for ease of use with limited hand strength
Bathroom (highest priority area)
- Install grab bars next to the toilet (one on each side or one on the wall), inside the shower, and at the shower entry
- Place a non-slip mat inside the shower or tub and on the floor outside it
- Install a handheld shower head for seated bathing
- Add a shower chair or transfer bench for parents who cannot safely stand throughout a shower
- Install a raised toilet seat if sitting down and standing up is difficult
- Set the water heater to 120 degrees F or lower to prevent scalding
- Ensure good lighting, including a night light for nighttime bathroom visits
- Keep the bathroom door unlocked or use a door that opens outward for easier emergency access
Bedroom
- Adjust bed height so the person can sit on the edge with feet flat on the floor
- Install a bed rail or grab bar to assist with getting up
- Keep a lamp or light switch within reach of the bed
- Use motion-activated night lights for the path from bed to bathroom
- Keep a phone, medical alert device, and glasses within reach of the bed
- Keep the floor completely clear of items that could be tripped over at night
Stairs
- Install sturdy handrails on both sides of all staircases
- Ensure stair treads are in good condition, not worn or slippery
- Apply non-slip strips to each step
- Ensure adequate lighting on all staircases with switches accessible at both the top and bottom
- Consider whether a stair lift is appropriate if stair use is becoming unsafe
Medication management
- Use a weekly pill organizer to prevent missed or double doses
- Store all medications in one designated location
- Keep an up-to-date medication list including dosages, timing, and prescribing physician
- Review all medications with the pharmacist or physician periodically for interactions or appropriateness
- Consider an automatic pill dispenser with reminder alerts for more complex medication schedules
Emergency preparedness
- Post emergency contact numbers (family, physician, pharmacy) in a visible location
- Ensure your parent has a working phone that is always accessible and charged
- Consider a medical alert system with fall detection and two-way communication
- Confirm that smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are installed and functioning
- Have a simple emergency plan that your parent understands: who to call and when to call 911
FAQ: home safety for elderly parents
What is the most common home safety hazard for elderly people?
Falls caused by tripping hazards, poor lighting, and lack of grab bars in the bathroom are the most common and most preventable home safety risks for elderly individuals.
How much do home safety modifications typically cost?
Many modifications are low-cost. Non-slip mats, improved lighting, and cabinet organizers can be implemented for under $100. Grab bar installation typically costs $100 to $300 installed. Stair lifts and major accessibility modifications are more significant investments. Some state programs and non-profit organizations offer grants or subsidized modification services for eligible homeowners.
Who can assess home safety for an elderly parent?
Occupational therapists specialize in home safety assessments for aging adults. Many Area Agencies on Aging also offer free or low-cost home safety assessments. Your parent’s physician can provide a referral.
A safer home makes independent living possible longer
Most elderly individuals strongly prefer to remain in their own home. Making that home safe is one of the most concrete and meaningful contributions a family caregiver can make to that goal.
