5 quick home tweaks for safety and independence

3. Adjust furniture height to suit you

Raising chairs, beds, or couches slightly can make it easier to stand up safely. Furniture raisers or cushions reduce strain on knees and hips. This can make getting up and sitting down feel more stable and comfortable. 

Quick tips: 

• Add a firm cushion to sofas or chairs for a bit of extra height. 
• Consider using furniture raisers for couches, chairs, or beds that are too low. 

4. Add non-slip surfaces and anti-trip mats

Floors that can get wet, such as in bathrooms and kitchens, are common areas for slips. So are outdoor walkways. Non-slip surfaces can help prevent accidents and keep you moving confidently. 

Quick tips: 

• Lay extra grip mats on outdoor paths during wet weather for added safety. 
• Loose rugs are a common trip hazard. If you have rugs, ensure they're non-slip. 
• Use anti-slip mats in showers, bathrooms, and kitchens. 
• Use anti-fatigue mats to reduce pressure and pain when standing in one place for a long time, such as in front of the stove or sink.  Always ensure the mat is non-slip. 

5. Keep essentials within reach

Keep your frequently used items at waist height. This reduces bending and stretching, making daily tasks safer and easier. Simple rearrangements in kitchens and laundries can help to reduce strain and prevent falls. 

Quick tips: 

• Keep clear storage where you frequently need it. For example, you can place a chair or small table near entryways for placing down heavy items. This allows you to stay steady and have free hands when opening doors. 
• Use pull-out or pull-down shelves. This reduces bending and reaching for cabinets that are too high or low. 
• Use cabinet carousels so you don’t have to stretch for items in the backs of cupboards. 

An occupational therapist can help you future-proof your home

An occupational therapist (OT) can help you: 

• Adapt tasks to stay independent and keep living at home 
• Find products that make it easier for you to keep doing the things you do every day 
• Find ways to protect your joints and manage pain 

Find an OT in your local area with the search tool on Occupational Therapy Australia website. Can’t find an OT in your area through OTA? You can also check Healthdirect’s tool for finding an OT by location.  

Improving your abilities and independence

Altering your home so you can keep doing daily tasks on your own helps you keep living independently. This is part of an approach known as reablement. It’s all about improving or regaining your functional abilities.  

Other reablement strategies include:

• Using assistive technology so you can keep doing essential tasks like getting dressed for yourself
• Building up your strength and stamina so you can do more tasks without help, like carrying heavy groceries inside
• Changing the way you do a task so that you can keep doing it, like sitting on a chair to cook if you get too tired from standing

Start small, start now

Small modifications can make a big difference in creating a home that supports your independence for years to come. Why not try out at least 1 of the quick tips in this article today? 

If you need more information about healthy ageing, you can reach out to one of LiveUp's helpful navigators on 1800 951 971.

Looking for more home adjustment tips? LiveUp has resources to help you:

• Learn about ways to keep your house cool in summer while improving energy efficiency.
• Explore low-cost tools to help you future-proof your bathroom.

References

Aclan, R., George, S., & Laver, K. (2023). Common home hazards among healthy older aged adults and potential modifications required for age-friendly housing. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 70(6), 667-676. https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.12918   

Kanzi, N., et al. (2023). Environmental and behavioral risk factors for falls among older adults: A systematic review. Journal of Aging Research, 2023, Article 8564397. https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/8564397 

National Institute on Aging. (n.d.). Preventing falls at home: Room by room. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/falls-and-falls-prevention/preventing-falls-home-room-room 

How to use this information

LiveUp provides free information to help you make informed decisions about your health. This information is for general and educational purposes only, is not intended to provide a comprehensive guide, and does not replace medical advice. Everyone is different, so some of these tips may work better for you than others. You should use your own judgment and seek medical advice when applying this information to yourself, to determine if it is suitable in your circumstances. Your use of, or reliance on, this information is solely at your own risk. Independent Living Assessment Incorporated is not responsible or liable for any injury, loss, or damage caused as a result of your use of, or reliance on, this information.