For older adults in the Bronx, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Westchester, aging at home brings comfort, dignity, and familiarity. But staying safe at home doesn’t happen by accident—it requires thoughtful changes to reduce risks and support independence.
At Cooperative Home Care Associates (CHCA), we’ve supported thousands of NYC families with personalized, in-home care. Along the way, we’ve seen how simple home modifications can make all the difference.
Here are 10 essential upgrades to help your loved one age safely in place:
1. 🚿 Install Grab Bars in Bathrooms
Bathrooms are common places for slips and falls. Placing grab bars near the toilet and inside the shower or bathtub provides stability and support. Choose bars that are professionally installed and meet ADA guidelines for weight capacity.
2. 💡Improve Lighting Throughout the Home
Poor lighting is a hidden hazard. Install bright, energy-efficient lighting in hallways, staircases, and entryways. Add nightlights in bedrooms and bathrooms for better visibility during the night.
3. 🧹Remove Trip Hazards
Eliminate loose rugs, extension cords, and cluttered walkways. Use non-slip mats in kitchens and bathrooms. Smooth, even surfaces reduce the risk of falls and support mobility aids like walkers or canes.
4. 🪜 Install Stair Rails on Both Sides
For older adults with stairs in their homes, secure handrails on both sides of staircases provide vital support. Consider grip-friendly textures and contrasting colors for better visibility.
5. 🚪Widen Doorways for Mobility Devices
If your loved one uses a walker or wheelchair, narrow doorways can be a barrier. Widening doorways to 32–36 inches allows for safer movement and reduces the risk of bumping into frames.
6. 🚽Swap Out Bathroom Fixtures
Install a raised toilet seat with side handles to make sitting and standing easier. Lever-style faucets are easier to use than knobs, especially for those with arthritis or limited hand strength.
7. 🪑Choose Supportive Seating
Chairs with sturdy arms and firm cushions help seniors sit and stand safely. Avoid low or deep seating, which can be difficult to get in and out of independently.
8. 🛏 Adjust Bed Height
Make sure the bed is the right height—ideally, your loved one’s feet should rest flat on the floor when sitting on the edge. Use bed rails if needed, but be cautious—they must be installed correctly to avoid entrapment risks.
9. 🛎️ Add Emergency Alert Systems
Install easy-to-access call buttons, wearable emergency response devices, or smart-home systems that alert caregivers or family members in case of a fall or other emergency. If your loved one resists these tools, offering a trial period or letting them choose the style can help them feel more open to using them.
10. 🚪Install Entryway Ramps and No-Step Entries
If stairs are a challenge, consider adding a ramp with handrails or creating a no-step entry. This supports safe coming and going—not just for seniors, but for caregivers and visitors too.
Remember, home modifications can be a sensitive topic for seniors because they may see them as a sign of aging or losing independence. To ease these concerns, emphasize that the changes are meant to support their safety, comfort, and independence—not take anything away. Involve them in the planning process so they feel ownership, and focus on small, non-intrusive updates first (like grab bars or better lighting - or whichever modification they are most interested in) to ease the transition.
Not sure where to start? CHCA’s clinical staff works with families to assess the home and recommend practical, affordable modifications. We also help connect families to local resources, like:
Every small change you make today can have a big impact on your loved one’s comfort and safety tomorrow. Whether they live in a walk-up in the Bronx or a brownstone in Brooklyn, a safer home is within reach.