Preparing for Caregiving

Whether it's your home or your loved one's home, minor changes to the layout can immensely improve your outcomes. Trips and falls are some of the most common injuries experienced by mobility limited individuals. In some cases, these seemingly minor incidents have caused severe injuries, and can result in a fatality. In this article we will go over some simple ways to make the home safer, as well as some suggested modifications.

---

Bathroom

The bathroom is the place where you are guaranteed to spend some time with your loved one. Even if they are mostly independent, making simple changes can greatly improve safety and prevent accidents.

	Modification
Bathing	Use a shower seat to prevent falls Install a handheld shower head Add non-slip mats or non-slip strips in the tub/shower Install grab bars near the shower and tub Consider toilet frame rails if grab bars are not an option
Personal hygiene and grooming	Keep toothbrushes and toothpaste at an accessible level - avoid high cabinets or shelves Use electric razors with guards Dementia Specific: Keep hazardous items (mouthwash, razors, etc) in a locked/ separate location.
Toileting and continence	Use a raised toilet seat to prevent falls Install a grab bar near the toilet Remove fabric rugs or mats, apply non-slip mats
Dressing	Keep towels close to the shower Use bath robes

---

Bedroom

The bedroom should be a safe, calm environment that supports both independence and rest. Many accidents occur here during transitions, especially when getting in and out of bed or moving around at night. Thoughtful setup can significantly reduce risk.

	Modification
Bed	Make sure the bed is at appropriate height Consider bed rails Avoid overly soft or high beds Keep a lamp within arm's reach Keep one side clear of obstacles at all times
Nighttime Safety	Add a nightlight for visibilitiy Use motion sensor lights when possible Keep a phone/ alert device nearby Opt for a bedside toilet if needed
Mobility/ Fall Prevention	Remove loose rugs or secure them Keep cords tucked/ hidden and out of walkways Use non-slip mats beside the bed, especially in tile homes Keep enough space for walkers/ wheelchairs
Dressing/ Storage	Keep daily clothing within reach Avoid items on high shelves or in area that require bending Use easy open drawers Keep essentials like glasses, water, medications nearby Dementia Specific: Use cabinet locks or place hazardous items like medication out of reach

---

Kitchen

The kitchen is a high-use area where safety risks often come from cooking, reaching, and clutter. Simple organization and safer tools can reduce the chance of burns, cuts, and falls.

	Modification
Bed	Make sure the bed is at appropriate height Consider bed rails Avoid overly soft or high beds Keep a lamp within arm's reach Keep one side clear of obstacles at all times
Nighttime Safety	Add a nightlight for visibilitiy Use motion sensor lights when possible Keep a phone/ alert device nearby Opt for a bedside toilet if needed
Mobility/ Fall Prevention	Remove loose rugs or secure them Keep cords tucked/ hidden and out of walkways Use non-slip mats beside the bed, especially in tile homes Keep enough space for walkers/ wheelchairs
Dressing/ Storage	Keep daily clothing within reach Avoid items on high shelves or in area that require bending Use easy open drawers Keep essentials like glasses, water, medications nearby Dementia Specific: Use cabinet locks or place hazardous items like medication out of reach

---

Living Area

The living room is typically where most daily movement and relaxation happens. A safe layout here helps prevent trips, supports mobility, and encourages independence.

	Modification
Furniture and Layout	Keep walkways wide and clear Avoid overcrowding the room Remove sharp-edged furniture Add furniture "bumpers" on sharp corners Avoid glass tabletops or class decor - these can pose a hazard
Seating	Use firm chairs with armrests Avoid low or soft seating - this makes it hard to get up Check chairs and stools for wobbly legs Keep seating within reach of tables or stands
Floor Safety	Secure or remove rugs Keep cords tucked/ hidden and out of walkways Avoid low placed ottomans Keep enough space for walkers/ wheelchairs
Accessibility	Keep remotes and phones within reach Provide footrests or recliners Ensure stairs are well lit, preferably each step Make sure handrails are sturdy and not loose Add non-slip treads or strips If possible, invest in a stair lift. Dementia Specific: Avoid having the person stay on the top floor unsupervised if possible. Add baby gates with an additional lock if needed, as long as you do not restrict the movement of the person to necessary areas.

---

Outdoor Areas

Outdoor spaces can present hidden hazards such as uneven surfaces, poor lighting, and clutter. Proper maintenance helps ensure safe entry and exit from the home.

	Modification
Entryways	Install ramps if needed Keep steps sturdy and even Add handrails on stairs Ensure clear access to doors
Walkways and Paths	Keep paths clear of debris Remove rocks or provide assistance through uneven paths Repair cracks or uneven surfaces Ensure wide enough paths for mobility aids
Lighting and Visibility	Install bright outdoor lighting Use motion-sensor lights if possible Light all entry points and stairs Avoid dark or shadowed areas
General Safety	Remove tripping hazards like hoses or tools Keep outdoor furniture stable and arranged safely Store gardening equipment properly Avoid clutter near walkways and doors Dementia Specific: Lock away sharp garden tools, items, and pesticides.

---

More Support

When you're ready for the next step, check out some other ways you can prepare your loved one's home for dementia or move onto common caregiver problems.

---

Pardon our ads, they allow us to keep our site running and keep our helpful content free to access.