Sabrinas Organizing

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home Organization
  • Healthy Recipes
  • DIY Home Projects
  • Browse Gift Ideas
  • Donate Stuff
  • Recycling Events 2025
  • Solution Consultations
  • Virtual Organizing
  • Disclosure Policy and Cookies
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home Organization
  • Healthy Recipes
  • DIY Home Projects
  • Browse Gift Ideas
  • Donate Stuff
  • Recycling Events 2025
  • Solution Consultations
  • Virtual Organizing
  • Disclosure Policy and Cookies
×
Home » Home Organization » Downsizing » How to Create a Safe Place for Your Senior Parent

How to Create a Safe Place for Your Senior Parent

Last Modified: August 26, 2024 Sabrina Quairoli This blog uses cookies. It also has affiliate links. We earn sponsored content income.

While living in their own home may be an option for some seniors, there are things you should consider to make the space safer for them to age in place. This post shares several tips on how to make a safe (Affiliate Link) place for your senior parent.

Jump to:
  • Secure the railings on the different staircases.
  • Keeping your elderly parents on the ground is essential.
  • Bathrooms are a hazardous place for older adults.
  • Laundry baskets may be challenging to get into, especially if they are deep.
  • Getting in and out of bed can be an issue.
  • Some kitchen items need replacing.
  • Some older adults have issues holding plates and forks.
  • Are your senior parents ready for an emergency or weather issue?
  • Keep Parents Hydrated.
  • Install Internet-connected security cameras.
  • Install proper lighting
  • Outside safety
  • Keeping your parents' paperwork and valuables secure is essential.

But, first, before purchasing home items, walk through the house with your senior parent and have them run through their normal daily activities. Jot down the tasks and areas they seem to struggle with. These are the areas you should consider adjusting to them. Make sure they are involved when it comes to any process change. It needs to be easy for them to do and remember. Let's begin.

Please note: the items below are from Amazon (Affiliate Link).com, and at no additional cost to you, I will receive a referral fee if you purchase an item(s). 

Secure the railings on the different staircases.

If there is a two-level or more home, be sure the railings are secured to the studs in the wall. 

My father was staying with us, and when he was using the railing, it separated from the wall because one of the railing anchors was not attached to a stud.

If they have issues going up and down stairs and you can afford it, you can purchase a chair (Affiliate Link) lift that mounts to the stairs instead of the wall. Some newer homes don't have two railings on the stairs, so adding the additional secure railing will help, as well.

Keeping your elderly parents on the ground is essential.

Another way to create a safe (Affiliate Link) place for senior parents is to ensure their essential items are between 3 feet and 6 feet off the ground. They should not be standing on chairs or ladders. Using something that will help them stay on the ground and reach high or low items is very useful. You can purchase different lengths for them.

You can easily buy grabber bars and store them in different areas of the home if there are several small things that need to be taken down from top shelves (Affiliate Link). To help them stay on the ground, I found some grabber bars on Amazon (Affiliate Link) (affiliate). Be sure it is easy to move and not too heavy.

Bathrooms are a hazardous place for older adults.

They can easily fall while doing a simple routine (Affiliate Link). Some items, like shower bars(affiliate), shower seats(affiliate), and toilet bars(affiliate), should be secured and fastened to the wall.  Bars for the toilets also help them get up and down quickly.  If you don't know how to install the bars, get a handyman to do it for you. They need to be in studs to ensure they can hold the weight of the person using them.

Installing grips on the tub floor and maybe even removing the tub and replacing it with a shower with a sliding door may work better for them. This type of method works well with people who have knee or hip issues.

Laundry baskets may be challenging to get into, especially if they are deep.

If your elderly parent has issues bending, looking for a better laundry basket (Affiliate Link) will help them with the day-to-day laundry chores. Use cloth laundry baskets(affiliate) that either attach to the basket or can hang from wall hooks nicely. Shallow laundry baskets stored on a secure dresser are helpful when they can't bend too much. Some laundry baskets also have detachable bag inserts, making it easy for the parent to carry to get washed.

Getting in and out of bed can be an issue.

Getting in and out of bed may be problematic if they have leg or hip issues. Look for things like bed rails(affiliate) or support they can use on the side of their bed.

Check the pieces of furniture (Affiliate Link) around their bed. Are they too close to the bed? Will they injure themselves if they fall?

Also, check the floor. Rugs (Affiliate Link) with no non-grip backing can be an easy trip hazard when getting in and out of bed. Look for rugs (Affiliate Link) with non-grip backing to help prevent a fall(affiliate).

Some kitchen items need replacing.

Kitchens can be tricky for older adults. You can shadow them around the kitchen when they are cooking and observe where they place the most used items. Are they at eye level, or are they reaching to get an item? Rearranging the items they use most often will keep them on the floor and prevent them from accidently injuring themselves.

If they like to cook, you may want to check their kitchen pots and pans(affiliate) to ensure they are located in an easy-to-access area where they do not have to reach to get to their kitchen. They may also be too heavy to use, so swapping them out for a lighter version may be a good idea too.

Dining room chairs and stools near islands can be an issue for your senior parent. Ensure they are not too heavy to move, too high, or blocking a walking area. If a chair (Affiliate Link) is too heavy, add furniture felt pads(affiliate) under the feet to help it glide a little better.

Lower Cabinet Drawers work better for older adults. If you don't have drawers, you can swap them out by either doing it yourself or hiring a company, like Mr. Handyman, to help install the right sturdy drawers.

Some older adults have issues holding plates and forks.

If the plates, glasses, and forks fall and break, it could be a hazard for your loved one. Swap out their plates, forks, and glasses for ones that are easier to handle. We found that smaller, lighter glasses are more accessible to hold than large glasses for people with smaller hands or arthritis. Thin handles on coffee mugs also help with easy grip.

Are your senior parents ready for an emergency or weather issue?

Your senior parent may be unprepared for the power going out, a flood or other weather-related issues. So, now is the time to visit these emergencies and create a preparedness backup system and process. Visit my posts about this topic below for more in-depth hacks and tips.

  • How to Make a DIY First Aid Kit for the Home square image
    How to Make a DIY First Aid Kit for the Home
  • How to Make an Emergency What If Scenario List - square image
    How to Make an Emergency What-if Scenario List
  • How to Organize Important Documents in a Fireproof Safe
    How to Organize Important Documents in a Fireproof Safe
  • I want my free copy of How to Make a Home Management Binder
    How to Make a Useful Home Management Plan and Binder

Keep Parents Hydrated.

Many elderly people do not drink enough water to stay hydrated. They may also need that extra water to help them digest their medicine. Add easy-to-hold small pitchers of water(affiliate) to their bedroom, living room, and any other place not near a water source.

We ordered a Water Cooler Dispenser that filtered the tap water to dispense filtered water to my father in his room. It allowed him to be independent and was able to get his water.

Install Internet-connected security cameras.

If you set up internet-connected security cameras, you can see your loved one from a distance to check out what they are doing. It's good to have one at the front and back doors, but you may also want one on the patio or porch area if they like to go outside.

If your parent is OK with it, having one in a discrete spot in the kitchen and stairs may be helpful.

Getting a medical alert can also help your loved one. The 24/7 help
with ADT Medical Alert Systems
in an emergency works excellent for a family's peace of mind.

Install proper lighting

There could be areas that you don't realize how dark they are in your senior parent's home until you investigate. By going around the home and checking closets, hallways, and basements, you can note the areas that need a little more light. Some areas that will probably need more light are:

  • If they live in a townhome or an older row home, the steps and hallway.
  • The walk-in closet in their bedroom usually needs more light if they have an older home.
  • The basement steps and basement storage area usually need more light as well.
  • A header room or closet will probably need more light as well.

Ceiling cast lighting(affiliate) works well for these rooms. If there is an outlet in the area, you can use a wired lighting fixture(affiliate) that can be attached to the ceiling. To reduce tripping issues, move the cord by attaching it to the ceiling and side wall near the outlet.

You can also buy battery-operated lights(affiliate) for smaller rooms. These lights work well for a while, but be sure to check them every few months to make sure they are still working. The batteries in these lights can burn out quickly.

Outside safety

The outside of the house may be an issue for your parents if there are steps and other obstacles they may encounter when entering their home. Some areas to look at are the railings walking up or down steps to get inside, the walkway around the house, and the backyard deck or patio. Check to ensure there are no tripping hazards like chipped walkways they may step on while walking to the mailbox, and checking that the door closes properly and locks correctly is essential, too. A damaged deck board can also be a hazard for tripping. Walking around the home and inside and out the doors will help you easily spot these issues.

Keeping your parents' paperwork and valuables secure is essential.

Protecting their valuables and identity is critical if people come in and out of the home. Getting them a wall-safe to hold all their valuables and important documents and a good-quality shredder with crosscuts will be very helpful. Remind them to shred their credit card offers and other private mail quickly. 

On our walk recently, we found several private W-2s and other paperwork thrown on the road from a recent trash pickup. We picked up the items and returned them to the person's mailbox. Hopefully, they got them shredded now. It's a reality we should all be aware of; throwing things away doesn't mean they are destroyed. Private Social Security numbers must be protected, and if they wish to get rid of their old tax paperwork, they must shred them for the best possible protection.

I hope this list of items helps you and your parents stay safe. Remember, create a list of areas to update over time to pace yourself and remind yourself what is next on the to-do list.

Do you have additional ideas you would like to share? Please leave your thoughts in the comments below. Feel free to share with your family and friends. Visit our other post that has even more tips: Incredibly Easy Tips for Organizing An Older Adult's Home

Need more ideas to keep your senior safe in their home? Visit some of these posts for more tips:

8 Ways to Help Your Aging Parents

18 Signs Your Aging Parent Needs Help

If you want to visit our other downsizing posts for seniors, click here.

  • moving truck in front of a house - square image - title at top right corner
    Important Moving Checklists Every Person Needs
  • the title of the article at the top with green back ground and a person taping up a moving box - square image
    10 Tips To Get Your Home Organized And Ready For Sale
  • How to Get Rid of Unused Household Electronics
    How to Get Rid of Household Electronics
  • Simplify Life Quotes to Motivate You to Declutter square image
    Simplify Life Quotes to Motivate You to Declutter
How to create a safe place for your senior parent
How to create a safe place for your senior parent
(Visited 2,196 times, 5 visits today)

More Downsizing Organization Tips

  • a daughter hugging an older mother and the title overlaying - square image
    Incredibly Easy Tips for Organizing An Older Adult's Home
  • The Best Gift Ideas For Older Parents
  • The Benefits to Downsize Your Home
    The Benefits to Downsize Your Home
  • What To Do with Old Yearbooks by SabrinasOrganizing
    What To Do with Old Yearbooks

About Sabrina Quairoli

I love sharing my passion for organizing life and home. I hope you get inspired when visiting my home organizing tips, quick weeknight recipes, party planning ideas, and DIY organizing projects. Visit the About Me page to read my story.

Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. Nancy Haworth says

    October 21, 2019 at 3:57 pm

    Sabrina, thank you for all of these wonderful recommendatiosn for ways to create a safer place for seniors. One other product I highly recommend is foam tubing grips for utensils. My late father-in-law had ALS, and we would bring these with us to restaurants, so he'd be able to use the utensils there. Here's a link: https://www.amazon.com/Vive-Foam-Tubing-PIECES-Dexterity/dp/B01MXVPY53

    Reply
  2. Janet Schiesl says

    October 21, 2019 at 3:50 pm

    I'm helping my mom manage her abilities right now, so thanks for the post. I will research the bed rails. I think she could use one. I've learned that people don't know that these products (and other) are available. Education is important.

    Reply
  3. Janet Barclay says

    October 21, 2019 at 11:26 am

    These are excellent suggestions and you've mentioned a lot of things I'd never thought about. Thank you!

    Reply
  4. Linda Samuels says

    October 21, 2019 at 10:24 am

    These are excellent safety suggestions for elders. When my mom was still in her home, many of the things you mentioned were ones that we had to consider. It got to a point when it just wasn't possible to keep her as safe as we needed to because of her dementia. At this stage, she's in a memory care unit in an assisted living facility. Because of the setup, she has a lot of freedom but all of the safety hazards are removed. We feel better knowing that she's in a safe environment.

    Reply
  5. Seana Turner says

    October 21, 2019 at 9:51 am

    This is such an important post. Sadly, I have a friend whose father fell from a ladder and passed away recently. It was quite a shock. He should not have been on the ladder. I think it is difficult to see our own physical limitations, especially when they come on gradually.

    Reply
Sabrina owner of Sabrina's Organizing and Admin Services

Hey, I'm Sabrina!

Thanks for stopping by and checking out my blog, where you can find Home Organizing, Quick Weeknight Recipes, and DIY Craft Home Organizing Projects. Feel free to browse around to get motivated to improve your home life!

Learn More
Sabrina Morresi Quairoli Received the NAPO Certificate of Study for Essentials of Productivity - digital badge
Sabrina's Organizing Supporting individuals since 1997 BANNER 25 year banner
Ready to Streamline Your Home - Get this year's Declutter Challenge ebook for Free long image

Recent Posts

  • The Most Important Things to Keep in Your Linen Closet-square image
    The Most Important Things to Keep in Your Linen Closet
  • 10 Wonderful Last Minute Gift Ideas for the Entire Family - square image
    10 Wonderful Last Minute Gift Ideas for the Entire Family
  • How to Make Repurposed DIY Day of the Week Closet Dividers in Square with title
    How to Make Repurposed DIY Day of the Week Closet Dividers
  • square image - a gift with a tag on it with the title of the article at the right corner.
    Great Gift Kit Ideas For Your Loved Ones

Popular Posts

  • Yummy Curry Chicken Salad Recipe
  • Places To Donate Jewelry You Do Not Want
  • The Ultimate Cruise Packing List Everyone Needs
  • 43 Positive Mantra Sayings to Keep You on the…
  • This Year's Recycling and Shredder Events
  • 13 Ways to Make Your Bedroom An Oasis
  • Incredibly Easy Tips for Organizing An Older Adult's Home
  • Welcome to Sabrina's Organizing
  • 7 Book Storage Solutions For Small Spaces
  • Powerful Professional Organizer Advise For New Organizers
Get your free copy of our Home Management binder ebook
Get our Holiday Season Planner to help you save money and time with free checklists and Printables to make this season amazing

Amazon Disclosure


Sabrina's Organizing blog is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Sabrina’s Organizing Web Stories

Click on this badge to learn about what this badge means on NAPO.net

Sabrina's Organizing & Admin Services Registered & Insured through 2025

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • About Me
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure Policy and Cookies
  • Google Analytics Privacy Statement and Opt-Out Option
Sabrina's Organizing Supporting individuals since 1997 BANNER 25 year banner

Newsletter and Certifications

  • Sign Up for emails and updates
  • 2024 NAPO Business Stamp of Approval
Sabrina Morresi-Quairoli received Essentials of Productivity Certificate of Study from NAPO.

Contact

  • Contact
  • Solution Consultations
  • Virtual Organizing Consults
  • Write for Us
Productivity and Organizing Blog Carnival Ultimate Star Blogger Member
Sabrina's Organizing,  Sabrina's Admin Services, Organizing on a Dime, and Recipes to Chew On blogs by Sabrina Morresi-Quairoli is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2011-2025. Sabrina's Organizing Blog content by Sabrina Morresi-Quairoli is licensed. Based on work at Sabrina’s Organizing blog, social media content, and newsletters shared, permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available when contacting me.

Manage Consent
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Manage options Manage services Manage {vendor_count} vendors Read more about these purposes
View preferences
{title} {title} {title}