5 Home Modifications Senior Safety Experts Recommend Most

Most falls and injuries among older adults happen at home. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found that over one in four adults over 65 fall each year. Many of those falls are preventable with the right home changes. The good news is that a few practical changes can significantly lower that risk.

At Chesapeake Caregivers, our team includes a Certified Senior Home Safety Specialist®. We evaluate homes across Anne Arundel County, Queen Anne’s County, and the surrounding Maryland communities. Certain recommendations come up often. Here are the five home modifications experts recommend most for seniors, and why each one matters.

1. Bathroom Safety Upgrades

Bathrooms can have wet floors, tight spaces, and hard surfaces, making things difficult for people with balance or mobility issues. Common recommendations to make bathrooms safer include:

• Grab bars anchored into wall studs beside the toilet and inside the shower or tub
• A walk-in shower with a low or curbless threshold
• A built-in bench or fold-down shower seat
• Non-slip flooring or textured mats in and around the shower
• A comfort-height toilet or raised seat to make sitting and standing easier

A qualified contractor can complete most of these upgrades in a day or two.

2. Brighter, Smarter Lighting

Lighting is one of the easiest and most helpful home modifications to make for seniors. As we age, our eyes need more light to see clearly. Replace dim bulbs with brighter, glare-free ones.

Consider motion-activated lights in hallways, bathrooms, and bedrooms. These turn on automatically, so no one has to search for a switch in the dark. You can also add illuminated switch plates or lighted switches.

Staircases need special attention. Make sure every step is clearly visible from the top and the bottom. A light switch at both ends of the stairs is ideal.

3. Safer Stairs and Entryways

A slip or missed step on a stairway can lead to a serious injury, which is why this category ranks so high on every specialist’s list.

The first fix is simple. Install handrails on both sides of every staircase and make sure they are sturdy. Add non-slip treads to reduce the chance of slipping.

Entryways are also important to consider. Many older Maryland homes often have raised thresholds at the front and back doors. Ramping or removing them takes away a common tripping point. A covered, well-lit entrance with a secure railing makes it safer to enter and leave the home.

4. Wider Doorways and Clear Walking Paths

Widening doorways to 32 or 36 inches is one of the more involved projects on this list, but it can help seniors who use a wheelchair or walker. Here are some easier modifications you can make:

• Remove throw rugs or make sure they have non-slip backing
• Keep extension cords, cables, and chargers tucked away
• Rearrange furniture to open up direct routes between rooms
• Keep the home free of clutter

5. Kitchen Modifications

Move the items used most often to lower shelves. Consider installing pull-out shelves and lazy Susans, which make things easier to reach. Lever-style faucet controls are easier on arthritic hands than twist knobs. Lowering a section of countertop can create a comfortable workspace for someone who is seated.

How a Professional Assessment Can Help

At Chesapeake Caregivers, we offer a free certified home safety assessment as part of our concierge approach to care. We evaluate lighting, flooring, bathrooms, stairs, entryways, and emergency exits room by room.

After the evaluation, we walk through every recommendation with you and your loved one. Once we know what a home needs, we can help coordinate the work. We connect families with vetted, trusted contractors through our trusted partner connections.

Serving Families Across Maryland

Chesapeake Caregivers is a locally owned home care company based in Annapolis. Our team also provides personal care, memory care, specialized care, and full care coordination for families who need ongoing support. We also offer affordable home care options for families who want quality care that fits a realistic budget.

Schedule Your Free Home Safety Assessment

If you are considering home modifications for seniors in your family, call 410-919-0190 or contact us here to schedule your complimentary home safety assessment. We proudly serve families in Anne Arundel County, Queen Anne’s County, Annapolis, and surrounding Maryland communities.