The Basics

Simple steps to improve safety and support independent living at home.

A woman with gray hair balances in a yoga pose with arms outstretched, in a studio with others practicing.

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White sneakers and pants on a blue, textured surface, viewed from above.

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Yellow-gloved hand wiping a white surface with a blue cloth.

Wooden rack with towels and a basket containing soap, hanging against a white wall.

A glowing orb lamp sits on a bedside table next to a bed with white linens and pillows.

White door with a silver handle and keyhole.

View through doorways into a gallery with paintings on red and green walls. White door frames contrast with teal walls.

A monstera plant in a woven basket sits on a white staircase against a white wall.

Person installing wooden flooring, kneeling and using a pencil to measure a plank

A teal armchair sits next to a wooden tripod floor lamp. The setting is a cozy room with brown walls.

Clear food storage containers with orange lids filled with various dry goods, arranged on a white shelf.

Dog playing with toys on a wooden floor. chews a green turtle toy. Several other toys are scattered nearby.

Kitchen Adjustments

No Cost Suggestions:

1. Don’t multitask. Focus on one movement at a time; avoid talking on the phone while you are cooking.

2. Take your time. Slow, intentional movement helps avoid slips from sudden turns or pivots.

3. Remove throw rugs. If you keep rugs in your kitchen, opt for rubber-backed rugs or anti-fatigue mats near the sink and stove.

4. Declutter. Remove baskets and loose items from pathways; consider putting these away or, if used regularly, keeping them at counter height.

5. Widen pathways. Move or remove furninture so it is ease to pass through the kitchen and dinning rooms.

6. Everything within reach. Store everyday cookware, utensils and pantry items at waist to shoulder height. Consider open shelves and mounted utensil racks to optimize areas within reach.

7. Clean Floors. Keep paper towel handy to wipe up spills and splashes as soon as they occur. Clean regularly, grease buildup or crumbs can make floors slick. Check out suggested cleaning solutions here.

Low Cost Ideas:

8. Secure electrical cords. Tape down or tie away cords from small appliances to prevent tripping. Check out our blog post on securing cords.

9. Maintain good lighting. Install bright overhead lightbulbs, make sure they are all working. Consider under cabinet lighting if you can. Check out our blog post on lighting ideas.

10. Avoid glass. Use plastic containers for shelf and counter storage. Make sure containers are easy to open and close if you have weak hands. Read more about shatter resistant options here.

11. Consider your pets. Remove all pet toys and loose pet accessories from the kitchen, install gates to prevent surprise visits from pets, keep water and food bowls out of pathways and off the floor so they are easier for you to reach. Learn more ideas for caring for your pets here.

12. Avoid unstable step ladder. When you have to access a top shelf item, use a sturdy step ladder with side handles and an attached tray. Consider installing pull-down shelves when practicle.

13. Rely on auto shutoff. When considering preparing food, invest in small appliances that simplify the process and provide the added safety of an auto shutoff feature. Slow cookers, tea kettles, egg cookers and more are affordable can be a real life saver.

14. Choose stable chairs. Avoid swivel and rolling chairs, attach non-slip leg caps to all chairs and counter stools.

15. Use a fire blanket. In a fire emergency, a fire blanket can be a quick and easy response, avoiding the weight, complexity and trigger challenges of a standard fire extinguisher.

Do These If You Can:

16. Repair the floor. Check for loose tiles or floorboards. Have a professional repair or replace uneven surfaces promptly.

17. Hire professional services. For dependable and routine cleaning, considering hiring a cleaning service. For permanent, mounted anfd installed items hire a dependable contractor that is a Certified Aging in Place installer.