Creating a Safer Home for Older Adults
Aug 24, 2026
According to AARP’s Home and Community Preferences Survey, “Older adults overwhelmingly want to stay in their homes (75%) and communities (73%). . .”
Experts suggest that creating a safe home environment is key to ensuring older adults can do just that. With some free or low-cost changes, you can make your home safer as you age.
FamilyMeans’ Caregiving & Aging team works with caregivers who are looking for support and resources to help them care for their loved one while taking care of themselves. Lynn Amon, MSW, LSW,social worker with FamilyMeans, says, “We’re here to help you in your caregiving journey. Many of the older adults and families we work with tell us that they want to stay in their own homes as long as possible.” She continued, “For most people, that means making adjustments to their environment to accommodate changes in their needs or to support a new chronic condition to create safer living spaces.”
Here are some helpful tips to make your home safer:
To reduce the risk of falls, it’s important to inspect your home thoroughly. Are your pathways filled with clutter or are they clear? What about cords? Is the flooring slippery? If you have carpet, can you maneuver a wheelchair, scooter or walker on it? Do you have loose area rugs that are a tripping hazard?
Clutter: Overall clutter can be a major fall-risk in the home, and it can also increase anxiety. For those living with dementia, clutter can be over-stimulating.
Bathroom: Consider using a shower chair and a raised toilet (or a raised toilet seat that’s placed on a typical toilet) and installing grab rails. Use only non-slip mats/rugs.
Doors and cabinets: Install lever handles in place of typical door handles.
Lighting: Improve your lighting by using brighter bulbs and easy-to-use lamp pulls. Take advantage of natural light.
Technology: “Smart home” features can detect falls, shut off valves, secure your home, and even notify you when there’s a change to a loved one’s routine.
More complicated and costly renovations could include installing zero-threshold entries and widening doorways.
AARP has several guides and checklists to help you make your home safer. Download their HomeFit Guide (link to the PDF: https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/housing/info-2020/homefit-guide-download.html) and view a flyer that provides tips to reduce the risk of falls.
The FamilyMeans’ Caregiving & Aging team members are experts in identifying and sharing resources and information—especially when there’s a change to a loved one’s health status or condition. To learn more about support for caregivers and programming options for those living with dementia, contact our Caregiving & Aging team. Call 651-439-4840, send an email to familymeans@familymeans.org, or submit an online inquiry using the “Connect with Us” button on our website (https://www.familymeans.org/help-for-caregivers/.)