Add Safety and Accessibility to Your Home
This Home Modification Assessment Guide from Bellin Health Home Care Equipment is designed to help homeowners evaluate their living spaces for potential safety hazards and identify areas that may benefit from modifications. By systematically assessing each part of your home, you can make informed decisions to enhance safety, accessibility, and comfort. This guide is particularly useful for older adults, individuals with mobility challenges, and caregivers looking to create a safer living environment. Whether you're planning to age in place or simply want to improve your home's safety, this guide provides practical steps and considerations to help you achieve your goals. For professional assistance, reach out to home modification experts at Bellin Health Home Care Equipment.
General Home Safety Assessment
Start by identifying high-risk areas in your home. Look for places where falls or accidents are more likely to occur, such as stairs, bathrooms, and kitchens. Clearing clutter from pathways is essential to prevent tripping. Ensure that all areas, especially stairways and entryways, are well-lit.
General FAQs
Are there any places where you or others have previously tripped or fallen?
Every home has trouble spots that can cause falls, especially for seniors looking to age in place. Mark these areas for further inspection and potential modification.
Are walkways and common areas free of obstacles?
Clear pathways and consider adding storage options like shelves or cabinets. Not only will this reduce clutter in your home, it will also improve safety and accessibility.
Are there any dark corners or poorly lit areas?
Dark areas inherently increase your risk for falling and hurting yourself. Install additional lighting fixtures or replace current bulbs with brighter ones.
Bathroom Safety Assessment
Bathrooms can be particularly hazardous, so it's important to assess them thoroughly. Check if grab bars are installed near the toilet, shower, and bathtub to assist with standing and sitting. Non-slip mats or strips should be in place in the shower and bathtub to prevent slipping. Make sure that faucets, showerheads, and other fixtures are easy to reach and use.
Bathroom Safety FAQs
Are there places in the bathroom where you feel unsteady or need support?
Install grab bars near the toilet, shower, and bathtub.
Are the shower and bathtub floors slippery
Add non-slip mats or strips to the shower and bathtub.
Are faucets, showerheads, and other fixtures easy to reach and use?
Replace fixtures with more accessible options if needed.
View Our Bathroom Safety Checklist
Stair Safety Assessment
Stairs are another critical area to assess. Determine if a stair lift is needed for safe navigation between levels. Ensure that sturdy handrails are installed on both sides of the stairs and that they are at a comfortable height. Check if the steps are clearly marked and well-lit.
Stair Safety FAQs
Do you have difficulty climbing stairs
Consider installing a stair lift for easier access between levels.
Are handrails sturdy and available on both sides of the stairs?
Install or reinforce handrails on both sides of the stairs.
Are the steps clearly marked and well-lit?
Improve step visibility with better lighting or reflective tape.
Find the Right Stair Lift for Your Home
Living Room Safety Assessment
In the living room, focus on the arrangement of furniture to allow for easy movement and accessibility. Ensure that there are no sharp corners or unstable pieces. If you have difficulty getting in and out of chairs, consider purchasing a lift chair for better support. Rugs and carpets should be secured with non-slip pads or tape to prevent slipping.
Living Room Safety FAQs
Is the furniture arranged to allow easy movement and accessibility?
Rearrange furniture to create clear pathways and secure any unstable pieces.
Do you have difficulty getting in and out of chairs?
Consider purchasing a lift chair for easier sitting and standing.
Are rugs and carpets secured to prevent slipping?
Secure rugs and carpets with non-slip pads or tape.
See If a Lift Chair is Right for You
Bedroom Safety Assessment
In the bedroom, check if the bed is at a comfortable height for getting in and out. If needed, adjust the bed height or add a bed rail for additional support. Install nightlights to illuminate the path to the bathroom, making it safer to navigate at night. Ensure that a phone or emergency alert system is within reach from the bed and create an emergency plan.
Bedroom Safety FAQs
Is the bed at a comfortable height?
Adjust the bed's height if you are having difficulty getting in and out of bed. If you are worried about falling out of bed, installing a bed rail can provide extra peace of mind and a sturdy hand-hold to assist you.
Is the path to the bathroom well-lit at night?
You don't want to risk a fall by getting out of bed to use the bathroom at night. Installing a nightlight to illuminate the path can reduce your risk.
Is a phone or emergency alert system within reach from the bed?
Should you need assistance at some point, you'll want to make sure communication devices are easily within reach. Create an emergency plan for who you'll contact and how you'll reach them if you fall in the bedroom.
Outdoor Safety Assessment
Finally, assess the outdoor areas of your home. Check that walkways and driveways are even and free of cracks. If you use a wheelchair, determine if ramps are needed for access. Ensure that outdoor areas are well-lit to prevent falls.
Outdoor Safety FAQs
Are walkways and driveways even and free of cracks?
Uneven surfaces increase your risk for falling outside. Additionally, cracks can catch your foot, cane, walker or rollator which can cause a sudden fall that you may not be able to brace for. We recommend repair or replacing cracked or uneven surfaces.
Do you need to accommodate mobility devices?
If someone in your home uses a wheelchair, mobility scooter or power chair, it's probably necessary for you to install a ramp to allow access to your home. Ramps can be customized to fit your home's unique layout.
Are outdoor areas well-lit?
Even seemingly safe areas outside your home become more dangerous after the sun goes down. Adding or enhancing any outdoor lighting can make your home's exterior safer and reduce the risk of sustaining a fall.
Outdoor Ramp FAQs
Is there a step or elevation change around your home's frequently used entrances?
Changes in elevation present a real challenge for anyone using a mobility device like a scooter or power chair, especially in high-traffic areas. A ramp system can be configured to your home's unique layout to improve accessibility and safety at the same time.
Are pathways leading to entrances wide enough to accommodate mobility devices?
It is recommended that pathways be at least 36 inches (3 feet) wide. If you have narrow pathways around your home, mobility ramps allow you to make a clear path that is wide enough for mobilty devices, allowing your home to be more accessible for you or any loved one using a mobility wheelchair or mobility scooter.
View Our Accessibility Ramp Guide