Friday June 5, 2026
Savvy Living
How to Make a Home Safer and More Accessible
Many adults want to remain living in their own home for as long as possible. However, being able to do so will depend, in part, on how easy it is to move around your living space as you grow older.
Many organizations, including AARP and the National Institute on Aging, offer free guides with practical suggestions for older adults who live independently. These guides include many simple adjustments and modifications that can make your home safer and more accessible. Here is a list of some key improvements to undertake.
Entrance Way:
- Have at least one exterior doorway with step-free access. If there are no step-free access points, consider installing a ramp.
- Place a bench in the foyer to sit on when removing shoes or to set items on while locking or unlocking the door.
Bathroom:
- Install a walk-in shower with a bench and nonskid decals or mats to prevent falls.
- Add a hand-held nozzle to the shower head to facilitate rinsing off while seated.
- Install grab bars on the shower wall and near the toilet.
- Place your current toilet on a riser or install a taller toilet.
- Add a nightlight to illuminate the area when it is dark. Nightlights are available in various designs and functions, including ones equipped with motion sensors.
Bedroom:
- If stairs are too difficult to navigate, create a bedroom on the main level. You could also consider remodeling a downstairs den or office into a bedroom.
- Ensure your bed is easy to get in and out of. Bed risers can be purchased in a range of different heights if your bed needs to be taller.
- Consider purchasing an adjustable bed, which can help shift weight off painful areas and reduce strain.
Kitchen:
- Purchase a stove with safety features that alert you when a burner is left on. Some stoves also automatically shut off if left unattended.
- Relocate major appliances to make them easier to reach.
- Add slide-out drawers or trays to existing cabinets for better access.
- Install a lever-style, light-touch or sensor faucet, which is easier to use than a faucet with turn-style knobs or handles.
Furniture and Rugs:
- Remove extra furniture and unneeded items to create open space and make it easier to move around rooms.
- Utilize chairs that are equipped with armrests. Pushing off the armrests makes sitting down and standing up easier.
- Avoid furniture with sharp corners, which can cause bruises and cuts when bumped.
- Conceal cords away from pathways; however, do not place them beneath rugs.
- If you are using area rugs, they should be secured to the floor with a nonslip mat or anti-slip rug tape.
For more tips, obtain a copy of AARP’s “HomeFit Guide,” a 36-page illustrated guide with more than 100 aging-in-place tips and suggestions to improve a home or apartment. These tips could also be incorporated into designs for a new residence. The guide explains how a well-designed or modified home can meet the varied and changing resident’s needs. It also features simple, low-cost fixes that reduce trip hazards and increase the safety of high-use areas like the bathroom, kitchen and stairway. In addition, AARP also offers videos and HomeFit AR, an app available for smart phones and tablets that will scan a room and suggest improvements. Visit AARP.org/HomeFit to receive a free copy of the guide or to watch the videos.
If you would like hands-on help, you could consider hiring an occupational or physical therapist who works with older adults to provide an assessment. These therapists can evaluate your home and recommend aging-in-place solutions. In some instances, Medicare may also cover the cost of a walk-through.
Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization’s official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.
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