Five Home Upgrades That Make Aging in Place Safer

The majority of serious injuries among older adults come from falls at home — and the fixes are usually simpler and cheaper than families expect.

Start in the bathroom, where most falls occur. Grab bars anchored into studs (not suction cups) at the toilet and in the shower, plus a handheld shower head and a sturdy seat, transform the riskiest room in the house.

Second, lighting. Add motion-sensor night lights along the path from bedroom to bathroom, and brighten stairways and entries. Poor lighting is a factor in a large share of nighttime falls.

Third, address thresholds and rugs. Transition strips over raised door thresholds and removing or taping down throw rugs eliminate the most common tripping hazards.

Fourth, railings on both sides of every staircase — and check that existing railings run the full length of the stairs, not just partway.

Fifth, consider the entry. A zero-step entrance or a properly sloped ramp with handrails matters more with every passing year. A home services professional who specializes in senior safety can walk your home and prioritize the list for you.