Creating a Safe Home for the New Year

The beginning of a new year often feels like a transformative time—new experiences, new opportunities, and for many, new challenges. As we age and our bodies change, adjustments must be made to ensure safety and comfort in the home. One in four seniors will fall or be injured in the home- this leads to millions of hospitalizations yearly. This year, we encourage you to assess the safety of your home and see if there are any improvements you can make for your loved one with limited mobility. This article will break down multiple safety tips for each room of the house. 

The room with the highest risk for falls is the bathroom, with 80% of falls happening there. Often, surfaces are slippery, wet, and generally awkward to navigate. It's important to ensure bright and clear lighting at all times- nightlights can be great for visibility in a small area when daylight is scarce. A non-slip rug on the floor is a good addition, as tiles can be slick- even when dry. However, any rug can pose a fall risk, and so it’s essential to ensure the rug is low profile and easy to walk over. It is also recommended to add grab bars to aid in stability when walking, sitting, or using the shower. The shower can be an area of concern- but with some preparation, it can be made much safer. Along with grab bars installed in the shower, you can add non-slip mats to the floor of the shower or tub, and a water-safe bench or chair to allow for seating and breaks during the shower process. A  commonly overlooked safety concern is the temperature of the water. It is important to make sure that your water is set at a safe temperature (no higher than 120 degrees) to prevent scalding or burns from the water. Check this regularly to ensure proper function. Stock the bathroom often to make sure that all needed supplies are available and items are easily in reach.

Another area of concern is the bedroom. It is vital to keep the bedroom accessible to the individual- this is an important space to them. Keep pathways clear of tripping hazards so they may move around comfortably. As in any other room, clear lighting is important, and an easy-to-access light at the bedside can be helpful. You can even add “clap on/clap off” lights to the room or add adapters to existing lights to make it easier to turn them on and off. Getting in and out of bed may be physically exerting for the individual or the caregiver helping them - you can add grab bars to the side of the bed to aid with independence in the transition. If you do install bed rails, check with the manufacturer often- to stay aware of any recalls, as bedrails do carry risks of their own.  It could be beneficial to address the height of the bed. You can add a sturdy stepstool if the bed is too high, or risers to the bedframe, if it’s too low. Lowering closet shelves and using tools such as grabbers or shoehorns can help with reachability issues when dressing or undressing. Do a regular walkthrough of the bedroom and speak with your loved one frequently to ensure they are able to move around and access their things with ease.

For many people, the kitchen is a room of love and connection. As we age, it can become a difficult and unsafe place to navigate. Make sure there is plenty of sturdy seating available so that your loved one may continue to cook safely or have a safe place to enjoy the aromas. Similar to the bathroom, kitchen floors are often made of tile, which can get slippery. Clear pathways with safe non-slip rugs can help. Keep frequently used ingredients or tools on lower shelves or in lower cabinets so that they can be reached with ease. Regularly test all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide monitors in the home to ensure they are working properly. In the event of an emergency, it’s important to make sure there is a fire extinguisher accessible as well as a personal phone or call button to alert the appropriate parties for help.

 Accessibility in the home is non-negotiable, and keeping your loved one safe can be a daunting task. Luckily, today, we have many tools and resources available to help with this process. Communication will be your biggest asset. Ask your loved one what changes can be made to make their daily living and tasks easier to accomplish. If you are concerned about the safety of the home, you can reach out to a professional to ask clarifying questions, set up a safety assessment walkthrough, or acquire additional assistance. 

Sources: 

Mayo Clinic Health System- Household Safety Checklist for Senior Citizens 

Shelley Geerdes, published July 31, 2023

Consumer Reports- How to Set Your Bedroom Up for Aging in Place

Catherine Roberts, published April 23, 2025

Elder Care Alliance- 10 Bathroom Safety Tips for Seniors

Published May 22, 2025

United States Consumer Product Safety Commision-  Older Americans are More Likely to Suffer Fatalities from Falls and Fires; CPSC Report Highlights Hidden Hazards Around the Home

Published March 07,2022