Safety and home
Home modifications
Home modifications are changes to a house that make it safer and easier to use for an older adult or a person with a disability. Examples include grab bars, ramps, wider doorways, better lighting and walk-in showers. They range from small fixes to remodeling.
Why it matters for your family
Small changes prevent many falls. The National Institute on Aging says many state and local governments have education or home modification programs to help older people prevent falls. AARP notes that Original Medicare typically does not pay for home safety equipment or modifications. Some Medicare Advantage plans may cover certain items in limited cases. Families often spend on big projects before a simple check. A home safety assessment can show which changes matter most. A common mistake is hiring a contractor with no experience in accessibility. Ask the local Area Agency on Aging about help with costs. Plan changes for the person's current and likely future needs.
Source: aarp.org
Read more: What is Home Care? How to Benefit from These Services?
Related terms
- Home safety assessmentA home safety assessment is a room-by-room check of a home for hazards that could cause falls or injuries.
- Grab barsGrab bars are sturdy handles fixed to a wall, usually in a bathroom, that give a person something solid to hold when standing, sitting or stepping.
- Wheelchair rampA wheelchair ramp is a sloped surface that lets a person using a wheelchair, walker or scooter get over steps or a raised threshold.
- StairliftA stairlift is a motorized chair that rides on a rail fixed to a staircase.
- Walk-in tubA walk-in tub is a bathtub with a watertight door in its side, so a person can step in instead of climbing over a high wall.
- Area Agency on Aging (AAA)An Area Agency on Aging is a public or private nonprofit agency that a state designates to meet the needs of older adults in a local area.
