Is Your Home Ready for Mom or Dad to Visit? 7 Simple Ways to Make It Safer for Aging Loved Ones
When your aging parent or grandparent comes to visit, you’re not just setting up the guest room — you’re making space for comfort, safety, and peace of mind. Whether it’s for a weekend stay, a month-long visit or weekly visits, your home can quickly become a haven or a hazard, depending on how prepared you are.
At House Calls, we specialize in helping families adapt their spaces so aging in place (or aging while visiting) feels natural — not stressful.
Here are seven easy, low-cost ways to make your home safer before your loved one arrives:
1. Light the Way
Aging eyes need more light to see clearly. Add nightlights in hallways, bathrooms, and bedrooms to reduce nighttime falls. Swap out dim bulbs for brighter, soft-white ones, especially near stairs and entrances.
2. Eliminate Trip Hazards
Small changes make a big impact. Remove or secure throw rugs, clear cluttered walkways, and tuck away cords. What seems like “just a little clutter” to you could be a serious fall risk for someone with limited mobility or poor depth perception.
3. Check the Bathroom
Bathrooms are one of the most dangerous rooms in the house for seniors. A non-slip mat in the shower or tub and a grab bar near the toilet can go a long way. If your loved one is staying more than a few days, consider adding a raised toilet seat or a shower chair.
4. Rearrange Essentials
Make commonly used items easy to reach. That means snacks, medications, toiletries, and reading glasses should be stored at waist height — no bending or stretching required.
5. Support Safe Seating
Choose firm chairs with arms for sitting and standing support. If your couch or guest bed is too low or too soft, your loved one may struggle to get up. Test seating before they arrive to ensure comfort and ease.
6. Secure the Entryway
Make sure your walkway is well-lit and clear of debris. If you have steps, check that the handrail is sturdy. Consider adding a welcome mat with a non-slip backing or removing mats entirely to avoid bunching underfoot.
7. Do a Walkthrough — From Their Point of View
Slow down. Imagine navigating your home with sore joints, blurry vision, or a walker. You’ll likely notice small issues you’ve overlooked — like tight spaces between furniture or a tricky threshold. Fix what you can, and flag anything bigger.
Want a Simple Checklist to Follow?
We’ve created a FREE, room-by-room Family Home Safety Checklist for people just like you — adult children, grandchildren, and caregivers who want to prepare their own homes for aging loved ones.
👉 [Download the checklist here] and make sure your space is safe, welcoming, and ready — for this visit and the many more to come.
