5 Small Changes You Can Make Today for a Safer Home

You don't need a full remodel to create a safer home. Discover 5 simple, affordable changes you can make right now to enhance accessibility and prevent accidents.

We believe that everyone deserves a home that is both beautiful and safe. While we specialize in comprehensive aging-in-place and accessibility remodels, we know that a full-scale project isn't always possible right away.

The good news? You don’t have to wait for a major renovation to make a significant impact on your home's safety. Often, it’s the small, thoughtful adjustments that prevent the most common accidents.

Here are 5 simple changes you can implement today to create a safer, more comfortable living environment for yourself or your loved ones.

1. Illuminate the Path: Add Night Lights to Key Areas

Poor lighting is a major culprit for slips and falls, especially during nighttime trips to the bathroom. Harsh overhead lights can be jarring to sleepy eyes.

• The Simple Change: Plug in soft, automatic night lights in hallways, bathrooms, and kitchens. Look for models with built-in motion sensors or ambient light sensors that turn on automatically when it's dark.
• Why It Works: This creates a gently lit path without the need to fumble for a switch, reducing disorientation and the risk of tripping over unseen obstacles.

2. Banish the Slip: Apply Non-Slip Strips in the Tub/Shower

The combination of water, soap, and a smooth surface creates one of the most dangerous spots in any home.

• The Simple Change: Pick up a pack of adhesive non-slip strips or a suction-backed bath mat from your local hardware store. Ensure it has a strong, textured grip and is securely in place before your next shower.
• Why It Works: This instantly provides much-needed traction underfoot, dramatically reducing the risk of a slip and fall while you bathe.

3. Create a "Landing Zone": Clear Clutter from Stairs and Hallways

It’s easy for clutter to accumulate, but items left on stairs or in walkways become serious tripping hazards.

• The Simple Change: Take five minutes to walk through your main pathways. Pick up stray shoes, magazines, electrical cords, or pet toys. Make sure hallways and stairs are completely clear.
• Why It Works: This creates an unobstructed "clearance zone" for safe movement, which is especially crucial for those using a walker, cane, or who have an unsteady gait.

4. Secure Your Rugs: Apply Rug Grippers or Double-Sided Tape

Area rugs can add warmth to a room, but their corners can easily curl, creating a perfect trap for toes and walker legs.

• The Simple Change: Lift the corners of your rugs and apply a rug gripper pad or strong double-sided carpet tape to the entire underside. For a zero-cost solution, simply remove throw rugs from high-traffic areas for now.
• Why It Works: This secures the rug firmly to the floor, eliminating the trip hazard and creating a smooth, stable surface to walk on.

5. Re-Think Your Seating: Use a Shower Chair

Balance can be challenging, and simple tasks like washing your feet can become risky.

• The Simple Change: Place a sturdy, waterproof shower chair or bench in your tub. This allows you to sit while bathing.
• Why It Works: The shower chair conserves energy and prevents falls from standing on a wet, slippery surface. It can also help maintain balance and reduce the strain of bending over.

Small Steps Lead to a Safer Home

Your journey to a safer home doesn't have to be overwhelming. By starting with these five simple, low-cost changes, you’re taking proactive steps toward greater independence and peace of mind.

Of course, these are just the beginning. If you're ready to explore more permanent solutions like curbless showers, wider doorways, or smart home integrations, we're here to help.