How to Make a Home Safer for an Older Relative

Home is where most older people want to stay, and with a few thoughtful changes it can stay a safe place for a long time. You do not need a full renovation. Often the most useful improvements cost little and take an afternoon.

The best approach is to walk through the house with your relative, at the times of day they actually move around. Notice where they hesitate, reach for support or squint in poor light. Their own sense of what feels risky is valuable information.

Start with floors and walkways

Trips and slips are a common worry in later life, and many hazards sit at ankle height.

• Remove or secure loose rugs, or fix them with non-slip backing.
• Keep cables, shoes, bags and pet bowls out of walking routes.
• Repair lifted carpet edges and uneven thresholds.
• Rearrange furniture to leave clear, wide paths between rooms.
• Wipe up spills straight away, especially on hard floors.

Improve the lighting

Eyesight often needs more light with age, and shadows can hide steps or objects. Brighter bulbs in hallways and on stairs, light switches at both ends of a staircase and plug-in night lights between the bedroom and bathroom all help. Make sure a lamp can be switched on easily from the bed before getting up in the dark.

Room by room

Bathroom

Wet surfaces and tight spaces make the bathroom a place worth extra attention. Non-slip mats inside and outside the bath or shower, grab rails near the toilet and bath, and a shower seat can make washing calmer and safer. A raised toilet seat may help people who find it hard to stand up. An occupational therapist, if your area offers one through local services, can advise on equipment that suits your relative's needs.

Stairs

Firm handrails on both sides, good lighting and clear steps are the basics. Contrasting tape on the edge of each step can make them easier to see. If stairs are becoming a real struggle, it may be worth moving the bedroom downstairs rather than waiting for a fall.

Kitchen

Store everyday items between waist and shoulder height so there is no need for step stools. Check that the cooker has clear controls and consider an automatic kettle that switches itself off. A smoke alarm and, where gas or fuel appliances are used, a carbon monoxide alarm should be fitted and tested regularly.

Bedroom

A bed at a comfortable height, a sturdy chair for dressing and a phone or alarm within reach of the bed are simple measures with big benefits.

Think about routines, not only objects

Safety is partly about how the day runs. Rushing to answer the door, getting up quickly at night or carrying heavy laundry downstairs all add risk. Talk through which tasks could be done differently, or by someone else. Our guide on caring for elderly parents at home covers how to share these jobs across the family.

Medicines, eyesight and health checks

Some medicines can cause dizziness or drowsiness, and changes in vision or hearing can affect balance. It is sensible to ask the doctor or pharmacist for a medicines review from time to time and to keep up with eye tests. If your relative has had a fall, or seems unsteady, mention it at their next appointment even if they were not hurt.

Changes in memory can affect safety too, for example forgetting that a hob is on. If you have noticed this kind of pattern, our article on raising memory concerns with a doctor may help you prepare.

A quick safety checklist

Keep their independence in view

A home that is safe but feels like a hospital ward is not much of a win. Involve your relative in every change, explain the reason, and respect their choices where you can. Small, agreed improvements tend to be used. Changes imposed without discussion often get quietly undone.

If there is a fall with injury, a head knock, sudden confusion or difficulty breathing, call your local emergency number straight away.