Avoiding Falls: Making Your Home Safe if You Have Limited Mobility

Bigger Home Modifications continued...

Control-free lighting. Consider installing motion- or sound-activated lights in the bedroom or anywhere you need quick lighting or have difficulty reaching switches. “Something like ‘the Clapper’ sounds silly, but it can be very useful,” Van Oss says. 

Limited hand and finger mobility. Consider replacing conventional faucet handles in the kitchen and bathroom with easy-to-use levers. You might also equip cabinet doors with D-shaped handles.

Bath safety solutions. Glass tub or shower doors can be a big safety hazard. A shower curtain (hung from a spring-loaded pole) is safer in case of a fall. It also affords more room to get in and out of the tub or shower. A walk-in or roll-in shower with a sturdy seat are ideal. For extra safety and convenience while bathing, use a hand-held showerhead.