Most of us adapt as we age — we choose more comfortable shoes, drive more carefully, and follow our doctors' advice. But our homes often don't adapt with us. In fact, fewer than 10% of homes are designed to meet the changing needs of older adults, especially when mobility challenges arise. Creating a safer home starts with three essential areas: fall prevention, medication management, and home accessibility.
For a comprehensive home safety checklist, visit the Health in Aging Foundation's Home Safety Tips for Older Adults. Their free, printable guide includes emergency preparedness and many practical recommendations.
Falls are one of the leading causes of injury for older adults, but many are preventable.
Taking medications correctly is essential for maintaining health.
Every home — and every person — is different. While general safety recommendations are helpful, the most effective solutions are tailored to an individual's needs and living environment.
A home accessibility assessment can identify improvements ranging from simple, low-cost changes to larger modifications. Many of the most effective safety upgrades are also the easiest and least expensive to implement.
If you live far from a loved one, we will create a prioritized list of recommended modifications that include estimated costs and timelines. This makes it easier to plan improvements over time as needs change, so a home adaptation specialist or general contractor can then be retained to help your loved one remain safe, independent, and comfortable at home.
Related reading
For a room-specific breakdown, see Bathroom Safety Modifications: A Room-by-Room Checklist, or get a sense of costs first in How Much Does It Cost to Modify a Home for Aging in Place?