(This article by Ana Durrani originally appeared in the March 2026 issue of Military Officer, a magazine available to all MOAA Premium and Life members who can log in to access our digital version and archive. Basic members can save on a membership upgrade and access the magazine.)

 

From cluttered walkways to throw rugs that become tripping hazards, a familiar home can bring unexpected risks as we age.

 

Getting older often means having to rethink our living spaces. With falls sending millions of older adults to the emergency room each year, reevaluating what to keep and what to remove in your home environment is essential to protect your safety, independence, and quality of life.

 

“Aging can bring on physical changes such as reduced balance, vision, or mobility, which increase the risk of accidents and falls,” said Nicole Brackett, a U.S. Army Reserve veteran and director of quality and care delivery at Homewatch CareGivers.

 

For adults age 65 and older, falls are the leading cause of injury. That amounts to 1 in 4 older adults falling each year, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

 

“Homes that felt perfectly safe for decades can quietly become obstacle courses,” said Mary Kay Buysse, co-executive director of the National Association of Senior & Specialty Move Managers. “The difference between thriving at home and struggling often comes down to small, thoughtful changes.”

 

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A majority — 75% — of adults ages 50 and older want to stay in their own homes as they get older, according to an AARP report.

 

Proactive planning now can help minimize accidents or emergencies before they happen and “promotes peace of mind for both the seniors and their loved ones,” Brackett said.

 

Safety Additions

Your home should be a sanctuary, so make sure it’s a safe one.

 

“In the military, preparation and attention to detail are critical,” said Cassandra Bennett, a U.S. Army veteran and owner of ComForCare Home Care, which provides home care services. “Safety isn’t about restriction. It’s about empowerment.”

 

Taking a few simple steps, from improving lighting to removing trip hazards, “can prevent falls and help seniors maintain safety, confidence, and independence,” she said.

 

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Grab bars: Installing grab bars in your home can improve stability when getting around your home and especially when entering and exiting showers or using the toilet.

 

“Strategically placed grab bars aren’t signs of weakness — they’re tools for confidence,” Buysse said. “Install them beside toilets, in showers and tubs, along stairways, and in any area where balance might be tested. Choose models that can support full body weight.”

 

Brackett especially advises installing “sturdy handrails on both sides of stairways to provide support and reduce the chance of slips or falls.”

 

To ensure better stability, make sure grab bars are “screwed in and not suction cup,” said Dena Wilkie, a certified aging-in-place specialist and the owner and founder of Home and Able LLC.

 

Walk-in or curb-free shower: Showers are a danger zone for nasty slips and falls.

 

“Stepping over a high tub edge becomes increasingly risky with age,” Buysse said. “A walk-in shower with a built-in seat and handheld showerhead makes bathing safer, easier, and more dignified. This single upgrade often provides the greatest impact on daily safety.” Mitzi Beach, an interior designer, 50-plus lifestyle specialist, and founder of Lifesizing, said she knows an active, early 60-year-old who tripped over the tile curb of her very high-end bathroom shower while getting in.

 

“After months of unsuccessful physical therapy, she endured a life-changing knee replacement, all from a healthy woman tripping in her own bathroom,” Beach said.

 

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Lever-style door handles: Upgraded lever-style door handles are a must for those with limited hand strength.

 

“These can be easier to grip than traditional knobs, especially for those with arthritis,” Brackett said.

 

Lever handles just require a gentle push and “no twisting, no struggling, no frustration,” Buysse added.

 

Nonslip flooring or mats: Nonslip flooring or mats can reduce the risk of falling in kitchens, bathrooms, and other spaces.

 

“Good anti-slip, rubber-backed bathmats for both in and out of the shower are critical for safety,” Wilkie said.

 

Brackett suggests applying nonslip strips in showers, tubs, and kitchens where surfaces might get wet. She also said to select slip-resistant mats instead of rugs.

 

“Flooring should feel secure with every step. Replace slippery tile in bathrooms and kitchens with textured alternatives,” Buysse said. “If hardwood floors are too slick, consider area rugs with nonslip backing.”

 

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Motion-activated night-lights: Forget “clap on, clap off” lights. Illuminate your home for better navigation.

 

“Lots of inexpensive, rechargeable lighting options are out there,” Wilkie said. “Add light anywhere you do your daily tasks: above the kitchen sink, under the cabinets, in the bathroom, in your closet, at your desk.”

 

Increase lighting in hallways, staircases, and entryways or anywhere it is poorly lit. “You can also use motion-sensor lights to illuminate paths at night,” Brackett said.

 

Having bright, even lighting can transform safety. “Motion-sensor lights and nightlights eliminate fumbling for switches in the dark and provide automatic guidance during nighttime trips to the bathroom,” Buysse said.

 

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors provide critical early warnings, especially for seniors with slower responses or reduced senses.

 

“Having a professional come out to test the detectors and switch batteries is crucial so a senior is not reaching in high places or climbing on high surfaces,” said Richie Drew of One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning.

 

Emergency response: Many devices can be used to improve safety in the home.

 

“Consider integrating devices such as fall-detection sensors, voice-activated assistants, or emergency call systems that can help provide immediate assistance in case of an accident,” Brackett said.

 

Aging adults can also wear a life alert button or smartwatch with fall detection that connects to emergency response or family members. “This safety net provides reassurance for both the resident and their loved ones,” Buysse said.

 

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Convenience and Accessibility

As people age, their physical abilities such as strength, balance, vision, and mobility might decline. Adding convenience and accessibility features can help reduce strain and prevent accidents but also allow older adults to move around comfortably without assistance.

 

“Aging in a well-arranged, personalized environment promotes emotional well-being, reduces social isolation, and encourages continued engagement in community and hobbies,” said Sandy Markwood, a national advocate for aging issues and CEO of USAging.

 

Smart tech: Smart home technology is a game changer for older adults and can add instant convenience.

 

“Voice-activated lights, thermostats, and door locks can eliminate the need to move through dark rooms or struggle with physical controls,” Buysse said.

 

Older adults can also add smart-tech security systems with multiple cameras and video doorbells.

 

“Security systems can have video so that knocks on the front door can be investigated without having to open the door,” said Kurt Clason, who is a Coast Guard veteran, certified aging-in-place specialist, and owner of Clason Remodeling Co. Family members and friends can also remotely monitor the house to ensure their loved ones are safe.

 

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Don’t want to leave your cozy warm bed to raise the heat? Install a smart thermostat.

 

“For some seniors, medications may make them feel colder or warmer throughout the day. Smart thermostats can be programmed to cool or heat areas of the home at specific times,” Drew said.

 

Smart features can also extend to the bathroom space. “Smart shower features include a rain head shower fixture with a ... hand-held shower sprayer and attached grab bars by a shower seat,” Beach said.

 

Kitchen space: The kitchen is the heart of the home and one of its most frequently used spaces.

 

“Below-counter kitchen drawers are super smart versus upper cabinets,” Beach said. “Below-counter doored cabinets, even with pullouts, require constant bending, which is why drawers are ergonomically superior for storage.”

 

Appliance drawers are the new must-have to avoid straining and to help bring items closer.

 

“Major new options are quickly becoming the kitchen darlings like microwave drawers, dishwasher drawers, and refrigerator and freezer drawers,” Beach said.

 

Reorganizing so frequently used items sit between waist and shoulder height is also helpful. “This eliminates dangerous reaching and bending. Consider pull-down shelving systems, lazy Susans in corner cabinets, and drawer organizers that bring items forward,” Buysse said.

 

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Mobility-Friendly Design

For those considering redesigning their homes, Brackett recommends “widening doorways, lowering countertops, or adding ramps.”

 

The minimum the space should be is 32 inches to allow a wheelchair to fit through, Clason said. “If budget is not a concern, there are several new elevators that are pneumatic that don’t need a lot of infrastructure to install,” he added.

 

Setting up your home for one-level living, if possible, can be helpful, too.

 

“Think about where a bedroom may go on the first floor, and consider upgrading a first floor bathroom to a full bath,” Wilkie said.

 

Also take a look at your furniture placement and whether it allows for easy navigation throughout the home. Select the right pieces of furniture, too.

 

“Chairs and couches should have firm cushions and strong arms that make sitting down and standing up easier,” Buysse said. “Avoid low, soft furniture that’s difficult to rise from. Consider lift chairs for those who need extra assistance.”

 

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Remove or Replace

It’s also important to take inventory of your home’s small hazards and tackle them before they become big problems.

 

Cluttered walkways: Walk with a family member through your home and “view it through a safety lens, removing any trip hazards including legs of chairs or tables, clutter, electrical cords across pathways, etc.,” Wilkie said.

 

Cords should be secured along walls with cord covers, or replaced with cordless alternatives for lamps and devices, Buysse said.

 

Remove loose throw rugs and replace them with low-pile, nonslip options or secure them with tape. Clear cluttered hallways or crowded furniture to create wider paths, particularly for older adults who use walkers, experts say.

 

“Keeping spaces open and well-organized can greatly reduce fall risk,” Brackett said.

 

If your home has excessive decorative items, it’s time to toss those.

 

“Piles of throw pillows, stacks of blankets, and floor decorations create both visual clutter and physical obstacles. Simplify to what’s truly used and loved, keeping surfaces and pathways clear,” Buysse said.

 

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Insufficient lighting: Poorly lit areas can lead to accidents. Experts advise upgrading to brighter, LED lighting.

 

“Dark corners, shadowy hallways, and dim rooms all increase fall risk and create anxiety. Add floor lamps, LED light strips, or additional overhead fixtures wherever visibility is compromised,” Buysse said.

 

Light up outdoor areas, too, such as the front door and garage, and clear any clutter. Clason advises removing front steps and, if possible, to grade in a ramp.

 

Step stools: Climbing on a stool to reach things can create a high fall risk.

 

“Move items from high shelves or cabinets to lower, more accessible locations to eliminate the need for reaching or climbing,” Brackett said.

 

Instead invest in a reacher or grabber tool to get hard-to-reach items or “to retrieve smaller items from the floor, avoiding the need to bend down and risk a fall,” Wilkie said.

 

Clason advises removing front steps and, if possible, to grade in a ramp.

 

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Unstable furniture: Get rid of wobbly chairs or smaller tables that can tip over, and replace them with sturdy furniture with rounded corners.

 

“People naturally reach out to steady themselves,” Buysse said. “Furniture that rocks, tips, or shifts under pressure is dangerous. Replace it with sturdy, stable alternatives, or secure pieces to walls where appropriate.”

 

Now that those items are out of the way, the next step is deciding what to do with them.

 

“Make charity donations, do garage sales, or family giving are ways to downsize items,” Beach said.

 

Experts say making these small adjustments today can prevent major injuries later. Consulting a professional for personalized safety assessments is a smart first step.

 

“The goal is simple: Remove what creates risk, add what provides support, and create space for life to continue with confidence,” Buysse said.

 

Ana Durrani is a freelance writer in California.