Home safety

Home Safety Hub

A safe home supports how your parents want to live. It is easy to move through, quick to get help in, and free of the hazards that cause most injuries. Unaddressed hazards can contribute to falls, injuries, delayed help, and routines becoming harder than they need to be. Small, well-chosen changes usually matter more than big renovations, especially when each change is tied to your parents’ routines and goals.

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Last reviewed: August 23, 2026

A practical path forward

Start with these steps

Walk through the home at the time of day it is hardest to see or use, noting anything risky or tiring.
Make one low-cost change first: better lighting, a secured rug, or a grab bar.
Bring in an occupational therapist or qualified contractor for anything involving mobility, structure, or complex needs.

What this section covers

Fall prevention. The biggest home risk, and the hazards and habits that reduce it.
Bathroom safety. Grab bars, seating, and non-slip changes for the riskiest room.
Mobility and accessibility. Entries, doorways, stairs, and universal-design changes for changing abilities.
Home safety upgrades. How to prioritize fixes and where technology like medical alerts helps.
Emergency preparedness. A plan and kit for outages, storms, and evacuations.
Home maintenance and upkeep. Keeping alarms, systems, and repairs from becoming hazards.
Downsizing. Choosing a home that fits and making a respectful plan for belongings and the move.

A sensible order to work in

Start with quick wins (lighting, rugs, clutter, alarms), then address the bathroom and any fall risks, then plan larger accessibility projects and an emergency kit. Revisit the home as needs change. What works now may need adjusting later.

Next step

Review home safety.

Guidance, not a substitute for professional advice

This page is general information, not medical or construction advice. Seek qualified occupational therapy, accessibility, or contractor support when a change involves mobility, structural work, or complex safety needs.