Staying safe at home
- Where you are
- What you need
- 3Your guidance
You've made it — here's the guidance for your situation.
Most families don't think about home safety until something happens — a fall, a close call, a neighbor who noticed something was off. The good news is that many risks can be reduced with simple, affordable changes, and planning ahead is always easier than reacting after the fact.
What families typically look at
Removing trip hazards like loose rugs and cluttered hallways Adding grab bars in bathrooms and handrails on stairs Improving lighting in hallways, stairways, and entry points Installing a medical alert or personal emergency response system Reviewing medication management — pill organizers or reminder systems Considering whether the home layout still makes sense long-term
What to do first
Walk through the home with fresh eyes, or ask someone else to do it. Look at the bathroom, the stairs, the entry, and the kitchen — these are where most incidents happen. Make a short list of what feels unsafe and start there.
A note about next steps
If safety concerns are pointing toward a bigger conversation about whether the home is still the right fit long-term, that's worth exploring separately. There's no rush — but it helps to understand the options before a crisis forces the decision.
Next step: the site's aging-in-place and housing guides cover what to plan for, and Real Property Planning's Find a Professional page lists independent professionals you can contact directly.
Find a Professional