Most home safety advice is a list of products. The useful version starts with a question: what does this person actually do in this house, and where does that become risky?
Start with the routine, not the room
Walk through a normal day: getting out of bed, the bathroom, breakfast, the letterbox, the garden, the stairs, bed. The risk sits in the transitions, not in the rooms.
Ask the person to show you how they do each thing. Do not assume. Many people have developed a workaround that works perfectly, and many have a workaround that is quietly dangerous.
The five things that matter most
- The bathroom. Wet floor, no rails, stepping into a shower over a bath, a low toilet.
- The night path. Dark hallway, loose rug, no light switch by the bed.
- The stairs. No rail, poor light, clutter, unclear step edges.
- The floor. Cords, rugs, pets, boxes, uneven paving.
- The medication and the eyes. Dizziness, sedation, and vision that has not been checked.
Fix those before considering a full renovation.
Who can assess it properly
An occupational therapist is the right person. They assess function, the home and the person's goals, and recommend specific equipment. Ask your GP for a referral, or ask My Aged Care about an assessment.
For NDIS participants, ask your support coordinator or plan manager whether an OT assessment and home modifications can be funded.
What modifications cost
It varies widely. A grab rail, a night light, a non-slip mat and a shower stool can be a few hundred dollars. A ramp, a bathroom rebuild or a stairlift can be thousands.
Ask for a quote before the work starts, and ask whether the provider is qualified for the type of installation. A rail fixed into plasterboard is worse than no rail.
Funding
- My Aged Care may fund modifications through a package or a home modifications scheme.
- NDIS can fund home modifications where they relate to the disability.
- State schemes and community programs sometimes help with equipment.
- Private health extras may cover some equipment.
Ask before you buy. Retrofitting funding to a purchase is usually not possible.
The cheapest fix is often the best
Remove the rug. Move the lamp. Put a light in the hallway. Fix the loose paver. Most falls are caused by ordinary things, and ordinary things are cheap to change.
Talking about it without a fight
Frame the change around what the person wants to keep doing, not around risk. "So you can keep the garden" works better than "so you do not fall".
Let them choose the colour of the rail, the position of the light, the style of the mat. Control over the details makes the change easier to accept.
Review it
A home that was safe at 75 may not be safe at 80. Review after a fall, a hospital stay, a new diagnosis or a change in medication. Ask the OT to reassess if function has changed.
Common questions
Do I need an occupational therapist?
For a proper assessment, yes. For obvious hazards, you can start with the bathroom, the night path and the floor.
Who installs grab rails?
A qualified handyperson or builder, depending on the wall. Some providers specialise in aged care modifications.
Can I get funding for modifications?
Possibly through My Aged Care, the NDIS or community programs. Ask before you buy.
What if the person refuses changes?
Start with the least intrusive fixes and explain the reason. Let them choose the details.
How often should I review home safety?
After a fall, a hospital stay, a new diagnosis, or any change in mobility or medication.
Sources and further reading
This guide is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice. If you are worried about your health, call your GP. In an emergency, call 000.