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Getting Ready

Preparing Your Home for In-Home Care

A simple, practical guide to making your home safe and comfortable before a caretaker arrives — built around fall prevention basics, room by room, with an easy checklist you can start today.

7 min read

Small Changes Make a Big Difference

You don't need a major renovation to make your home safe for in-home care. Most of the changes that matter most are simple, affordable, and can be done in a weekend — a few grab bars here, better lighting there. Removing a throw rug that's been a tripping hazard for years.

This guide walks you through every room with a clear checklist. Focus on the bathroom first (it's the most dangerous room), then work your way through the rest of the home.

Bathroom with newly installed grab bars and non-slip mat, prepared for senior safety

Room-by-Room Safety Checklist

Bathroom

Highest Risk
  • Install grab bars near toilet and in shower/tub
  • Place non-slip mats in shower and on bathroom floor
  • Add a shower bench or bath seat
  • Install a handheld showerhead
  • Ensure bright, shadow-free lighting
  • Raise toilet seat if needed (toilet riser)
  • Remove glass shower doors (use curtain instead)

Bedroom

High Priority
  • Ensure bed is at a comfortable height for getting in/out
  • Add nightlights between bed and bathroom
  • Keep a phone/alert device within reach of bed
  • Remove throw rugs and loose cords
  • Ensure lamp is reachable from bed without stretching
  • Consider a bed rail if needed for stability

Kitchen

Important
  • Move frequently used items to counter height (no reaching overhead)
  • Set up a medication station with pill organizer
  • Ensure stove has auto-shutoff or safety knobs
  • Add non-slip mats in front of sink and stove
  • Keep a fire extinguisher accessible
  • Label items clearly if vision is impaired

Hallways & Stairs

Important
  • Install handrails on both sides of stairs
  • Add bright lighting at top and bottom of stairways
  • Remove all throw rugs and clutter from walkways
  • Secure all electrical cords against walls
  • Add nightlights in every hallway
  • Consider a stair lift if stairs are unavoidable

Set Up a Medication Station

One of the most helpful things you can do before care begins is organize medications in one central location. A weekly pill organizer, a clear list of all medications with dosages and timing. And your pharmacy's contact information will help your caregiver provide safe, consistent care from day one.

Well-organized medication station on kitchen counter with weekly pill organizer and prescription bottles

Lighting Is Everything

Poor lighting is one of the leading causes of falls at home. Make sure every room, hallway, and stairway is well-lit — especially the path between the bedroom and bathroom. Motion-activated nightlights are inexpensive and can prevent dangerous nighttime falls.

Senior walking safely through a well-lit hallway with handrails in her home

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Common Questions

The most critical modifications are bathroom grab bars, non-slip mats, improved lighting throughout the home, removing tripping hazards like loose rugs, and ensuring clear walkways. These changes prevent the majority of in-home falls. See our fall prevention guide for more tips.
Most essential safety modifications are surprisingly affordable. Grab bars cost $20-50 each to purchase and $50-100 to install. Non-slip mats, nightlights, and lever-style door handles are under $30 each. A full home safety assessment with basic modifications typically runs $200–$500.
Ideally, make the most critical changes — bathroom grab bars, tripping hazards, and lighting — before care begins. Your caregiver can then help identify additional improvements during the first few visits. Contact us and we can help you prioritize.
Some modifications may be covered. VA benefits can cover home modifications for veterans. Some long-term care insurance policies include home modification benefits. Michigan's MI Choice Waiver may cover certain modifications. Medicare generally does not cover home modifications.
The bathroom is the most dangerous room. Wet, slippery surfaces combined with hard edges create the highest fall risk. Installing grab bars, non-slip mats, a shower bench, and a handheld showerhead can dramatically reduce bathroom fall risk.

Are You in One of These Situations?

We have specific guidance for families going through these common scenarios.

Ready to Get Started with Home Care?

Our team can help assess your home and create a care plan tailored to your loved one's needs and your home's layout.