Making Home Easier to Move Around
Most homes can become easier to move around in with simple changes: clearer walkways, brighter lighting and sturdy places to hold on. Start with the routes your parent uses every day, especially at night.
Focus on the routes used every day. Lighting changes are quick and inexpensive.
Walk the daily routes
Follow the path from bed to bathroom to kitchen. Look for loose rugs, cords, low tables and dark corners. These everyday routes matter more than rarely used rooms.
Key takeaways
- Focus on the routes used every day.
- Lighting changes are quick and inexpensive.
- Leave wall-mounted installs to a professional.
Light the way
Plug-in night lights, brighter bulbs in hallways and a lamp within reach of the bed are inexpensive and quick to add.
The bedroom to bathroom route at night is the best place to start.
Add places to hold on
Grab bars in the bathroom and a sturdy chair near the door for putting on shoes help many people feel steadier. A licensed contractor should install anything mounted to walls.
A simple plan to try
- Walk the bed to bathroom route at night
- Remove loose rugs and stray cords
- Add night lights along the path
- Ask a contractor about grab bars
Questions families ask
Yes. Caregivers can help clear walkways and suggest simple changes during visits.
No. We recommend using a licensed contractor for anything fixed to walls or floors.
