Adapting homes to make it safer for elderly people

Adapting a house for elderly people can bring peace of mind and wellbeing, and it can also help maintain the autonomy and confidence of those who live there. The good news is that major renovations aren’t always necessary to create a safer, more accessible environment – simple changes can improve comfort and reduce risks.

In this article you’ll find practical ideas to make a home a safe, comfortable space designed around the needs of elderly people.

Why is it important to adapt a home?

As we age, mobility and reflexes change. Everyday activities such as climbing stairs, having a shower or even moving around the house can become more difficult. Domestic accidents – such as falls or knocks – are one of the main causes of loss of independence among elderly people. A safe, adapted environment can make the difference between needing others or continuing to enjoy independence.

Adapting a home doesn’t mean giving up comfort or aesthetics. It’s about making small adjustments that make daily life easier and provide peace of mind for both the elderly person and their family.

7 tips to make a home safer

1. Check floors and rugs

Rugs can slip, and uneven floors can lead to falls. Ideally, remove rugs or secure them with non-slip backing. Avoid loose cables across the floor and keep hallways clear.

A useful detail is to have contrasting floor colours, which help with depth and edge perception, especially if the person has sight problems.

2. Improve lighting

Good lighting is key to preventing trips. Fit lights along routes such as hallways, stairs and bathrooms. Keep switches within easy reach and, if possible, install motion-activated night lights.

Warm white bulbs are a practical choice: they provide clarity without glare.

3. Adapt the bathroom

Bathrooms carry a higher risk. Helpful measures include:

• Fitting grab rails beside the toilet and shower.
• Using non-slip mats.
• Replacing the bath with a level-access shower tray.
• Raising the toilet height or adding supportive seats.

To go a step further, consider single-lever or thermostatic taps to reduce the risk of scalding, as they regulate water temperature.

4. Make everyday items easy to reach

Avoid the need to climb on chairs or bend excessively. Store frequently used items on shelves or in cupboards between waist and shoulder height. It is also convenient to keep the most-used items always at first sight.

5. Adjust the furniture

Furniture that’s too low or with sharp corners can be uncomfortable and hazardous. Reorganise spaces to allow easy movement, especially if a stick, walker or wheelchair is used.

Where possible, replace very soft chairs with firm, high-seat options with armrests to make standing up easier.

6. Enhance kitchen safety

The kitchen concentrates many risks. Simple changes include:

• Installing smoke and gas detectors.
• Using lightweight, easy-to-handle utensils.
• Avoiding hobs that could be left on or leak gas; opt for induction where possible.
• Storing frequently used food and utensils on accessible shelves.

7. Consider supportive technology

Certain devices can add an extra layer of safety: telephones with large keys, fall-alert systems or emergency wristbands. These bring peace of mind to both the elderly person and their family.

Nowadays, there are also sensors that flag long periods without movement and simple home-automation controls to switch on lights or manage appliances with an easy remote.

Beyond physical safety

Making a home safer also has an emotional dimension. Feeling protected, comfortable and independent boosts self-esteem and reduces anxiety among elderly people. These changes also make co-living easier and relieve family concerns by ensuring a cared-for environment for your loved one.

Recognising that needs change with age – but the right to live with dignity and peace of mind doesn’t – is a way of offering responsible support.

A few extra recommendations

• Carry out regular checks to spot new risks. What isn’t an issue today may become one over time.
• Ask the elderly person which changes feel most comfortable – their view is key to making the space feel like their own.
• Don’t try to do everything at once. Small, gradual changes can significantly improve safety.
• Consider professional accessibility advice for tailored guidance.

Adapting a home doesn’t mean having to give up on what’s already been done; it’s about looking again to reduce risks and bring peace of mind. Ultimately, the aim is to keep the house a place to feel comfortable, independent and accompanied, even as the years go by.

Other articles you may find useful

Tips to keep your mind active in later life

What is emotional health and how can you look after it?

How to validate your emotions