If moving around your own home is starting to
feel harder, that's not only frustrating, it
can be dangerous. And here's the thing, most
falls don't happen outside. They happen right
in your home in places we know well. Today I'm
going to walk you through how to make a home
mobility -friendly. That means easier to move
through, safer to use, and less tiring on your
body. You'll learn simple changes you can make
room by room, what matters most, and where to
start so you don't feel overwhelmed. And just
so you know where I'm coming from, I'm Robin
Schiltz, a Senior Home Safety Specialist. I've
spent years helping older adults and families
make homes safer so people can stay independent
longer. This is practical stuff, not fancy renovations.
Alrighty, let's get into it. When I say mobility
friendly, I don't just mean wheelchairs. I mean
for walkers and canes, balance changes, stiff
joints, slower reactions, all of it. A mobility
friendly home works with your body, not against
it. The first thing to look at is pathways. How
do you actually move from room to room? You want
clear, wide walking paths. That means removing
small furniture, plant stands, magazine racks,
or anything that sticks out. If you have to turn
sideways to get through, that's a problem. Rugs
are another big one. Loose throw rugs slide,
curl, and trip people up. If you keep rugs, they
need non -slip backing or double -sided tape.
Honestly, fewer rugs in the home is better. Lighting
matters more than most people realize. Poor lighting
makes it hard to judge depth and distance. Add
brighter bulbs, especially in hallway, stairs,
and entryways. Motion sensor lights are great,
so you're not fumbling for switches. Now let's
talk about floors. Slippery surfaces are not
your friend. Polished tile, glossy wood, and
wet bathroom floors all increase fall risk. Non
-slip mats in the bathroom and kitchen make a
big difference. If you're remodeling, choose
flooring with texture, not shine. And keep cords
out of walking paths, always. Next up is doorways
and transitions. Thresholds that you barely noticed
years ago can become tripping hazards. If there's
a lip between rooms, look at low profile transition
strips. Doors should open easily. If twisting
a doorknob hurts your hands, switch the knob
to a lever handle. That's a small change with
a big payoff. Let's move now into the bathroom
because this is where I see the most injuries.
Grab bars are essential, and no, towel bars do
not count. Grab bars should be installed near
the toilet and in the shower or tub. They give
you something solid to hold onto when sitting,
standing, or stepping in and out. A raised toilet
seat can reduce how far you have to bend, which
is huge for knees and hips. In the shower, use
a non -slip mat and consider a shower chair.
Sitting while bathing reduces fatigue and the
risk of slipping. A hand -held shower head lets
you wash without twisting or reaching. These
are practical, dignity -preserving changes. Alright,
moving on to the kitchen, this is about reach
and balance. You want to store everyday items
between waist and shoulder height. If you're
using a step stool, that's a red flag. Pull out
shelves in Lazy Susan's reduced bending and stretching.
Make sure there's good lighting over counters
and the stove. And if standing for long periods
is hard, a sturdy stool lets you sit while prepping
food. Alright, let's talk about stairs, even
if you only have a few. Handrails should be on
both sides if possible. They need to be secure
and easy to grip. Steps should be well lit with
light switches at the top and bottom. If depth
perception is an issue, adding contrast strips
on the edge of each step can help your eyes see
where one step ends and the next begins. If stairs
are becoming a daily struggle, that's important
information. It doesn't mean you failed. It means
your home needs to change with you. Sometimes
that means moving essential living spaces to
one level or exploring options like stair lifts.
Now let's talk about bedrooms and living spaces.
First of all, bed height matters. If the bed
is too low, it's hard to stand. If it's too high,
it's hard to get in it safely. You want your
feet flat on the floor when sitting on the edge.
Chairs should have arms so you can push up, not
rock forward and back and strain. Soft and low
couches are tough on mobility. You want to keep
frequently used items within easy reach. That
includes phones, glasses, medications, remotes.
Nightlights are a must for trips to the bathroom.
Falls at night are very common. Here's something
I want to say clearly, too. Making a home mobility
-friendly is not about giving up independence.
It's about protecting it. Every smart change
reduces effort, pain, and risk, and most of these
changes are affordable and can be done one step
at a time. If you're not sure where to start,
start where you've already noticed difficulty.
Where do you feel unsteady? Where do you hesitate?
That's your answer for where to start. And if
you're a family caregiver who's listening, these
changes also protect you. Fewer falls mean fewer
emergencies, fewer injuries, and less overall
stress. So thanks for joining me today. Please
share this episode with someone you care about
who could use the information to make their life
safer. You'll find more resources for seniors
and caregivers on our website at seniorsafetyadvice
.com. And if you're searching for an Aging in
Place Specialist, please visit our sister website
at aginginplacedirectory .com. Also, if you haven't
subscribed to our YouTube channel or to this
podcast yet, go ahead and do that right now,
and then come back tomorrow for another Daily
Moment of guidance and encouragement, right here
on the Senior Safety Advice Podcast. Until next
time, thanks for listening, take care, bye!