The kitchen is the heart of the home, but for an aging adult, it can also be a hotspot for potential hazards. From slippery floors to hard-to-reach cabinets, what was once a familiar space can become fraught with risks that threaten their safety and independence.
The good news? You don’t need a full-scale remodel to create a safer environment. With just a few simple tools and one afternoon, you can implement these 13 quick fixes that will dramatically reduce the risk of falls and accidents, transforming the kitchen back into a place of comfort and confidence.
Prevent Falls with Simple Home Modifications
Did you know that many useful safety updates take less than one day to complete?
These quick fixes can prevent falls and other injuries.
Avoiding these accidents helps seniors live longer and more independently.
13 Quick Home Modification Fixes in a Single Day
Our list of 13 quick-fix tasks could be done in one day. We’ve included helpful tips, product suggestions, and how-tos.
But you could also focus on the list items that are the biggest threats to your older adult’s safety and independence.
If possible, assign some tasks to members of your family or caregiving team – together you’ll get more done, more quickly.
Your senior may insist that they will take care of these things themselves, but let’s be honest, if they haven’t fixed them already, they probably never will.
Besides, once all the fixes are done, they’ll probably be relieved to have a safer living space.
13 Safety Solutions for the House and Kitchen
| Â Tip Number | Safety Problem | Safe Solutions |
| 1 | Is the house address clearly visible from the street? | Remove any cords from areas used for walking. It’s best to attach cords along the base of walls so they’re out of the way. Get longer cords if needed. A staple gun can help to secure them. |
| 2 | Are emergency contact numbers posted by all telephones and on the refrigerator? | Are all electrical cords secure and out of walking areas? |
| 3 | Are all rugs and doormats skid-proof and well secured? | Remove any cords from areas used for walking. It’s best to attach cords along the base of walls so they’re out of the way. Get longer cords if needed. A staple gun can help to secure them. |
| 4 | Is the water heater temperature too high? Is there any risk of scalding people? | Lower the water heater temperature. Please do this by turning the temperature-setting dial on the water heater itself. |
| 5 | Are all hallways, doorways, stairways, and landings clear of obstructions? | Remove clutter or decorations from these areas to reduce the chances of tripping, stumbling, or falling. |
| 6 | Is the water heater set at a temperature that won’t scald? | Lower the water heater temperature. Please do this by turning the temperature setting dial down on the water heater itself |
| 7 | Are smoke detectors installed in every room? Are there any carbon monoxide detectors? | Move all necessary items up or down to avoid the need for step stools or bending over too far. Expert Tip: This is also a great chance to get rid of clutter! |
| 8 | Are working flashlights readily accessible? | Buy strong, lightweight, easy-to-operate flashlights and place them in easy-access locations in frequently used rooms. A few suggestions: Amazon Duracell Ultra 550 Lumens Aluminum Flashlight 12 AAA Batteries Included (3 Pack)Amazon Eveready LED Flashlight (8-Pack) Bright Reliable Flashlights for General Purpose Home Depot Eveready General Purpose LED Flashlight 2 Pack |
| 9 | Is a first-aid kit easily accessible? | Put band-aids, antibacterial cream, and other basic first-aid items in a convenient location. |
| 10 | In the kitchen, are often-used items within easy reach? | Move all necessary items lower or higher to prevent the need for step stools or bending over too far. Expert Tip: This is also a great chance to get rid of clutter! |
| 11 | In the kitchen, is there a safe step stool with a handrail? (This assumes your older adult can still safely use it.) | If not, buy a new countertop microwave. Here are some options from Home Depot. |
| Â 12 | Are jars and canned foods easy to open? | This is a great jar opener that opens jars and cans with the touch of a button. |
| 13 | Does the microwave work properly? | Lower the water heater temperature. Please do this by turning the temperature-setting dial on the water heater itself. |
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Next Steps: Quick and easy one-day fixes for common bathroom and bedroom hazards
Final Thoughts on Home Safety Tips for Seniors
Completing these simple updates is one of the most potent acts of care you can provide. It’s not just about preventing a fall; it’s about preserving your loved one’s ability to enjoy the daily rituals of making a meal or a cup of tea with dignity and independence.
Each non-slip mat placed and each grab bar installed is a building block for a safer, more secure home. Take that first step today – your efforts will bring invaluable peace of mind to both of you, ensuring the kitchen remains a warm and welcoming heart of the home for years to come.
Recommended for you:
— Q & A: How Do I Help My Aging Parents Live Safely?
— VIDEO: Get Up From a Fall MacGyver Style!
— Bathroom Safety for Older Adults: Grab Bars and More!
This article wasn’t sponsored, but does contain affiliate links. We never link to products or services for the sole purpose of making a commission. Recommendations are based on our honest opinions. For more information, see How We Make Money.
About the Author
Connie is the founder of DailyCaring.com and was a hands-on caregiver for her grandmother for 20 years. (Grandma made it to 101 years old!) She knows how challenging, overwhelming, and all-consuming caring for an older adult can be. She also understands the importance of support, especially in the form of practical solutions, valuable resources, and self-care tips.
[…] so each room is bright and making switches easily accessible. Further suggestions can be found here in this home safety for seniors […]
Michelle of N.C. My problems is I am living in a condo that over 20 years old. I am having problems with my kitchen lights and now I am having problem with my stove . I need help checking my sink. I also am having problem with hot water heater. Carpet is buckling up safely hazard. I am a 69 year senior with a lot of medical bills and heart problem.
I’m so sorry about your situation. There are organizations that can provide affordable home repair help. More info here — https://dailycaring.com/7-sources-of-home-repair-assistance-for-seniors/
You may also want to check with your local Area Agency on Aging to see if they can connect you with programs that may be able to provide additional help. More info here — https://dailycaring.com/local-community-resources-for-seniors-and-caregivers-area-agency-on-aging/
My friend and his wife need some electrical devices outside and inside their home. Where can they get help for this situation. Please. Is there an y senior organization that can help them especially outside the house/
There are many organizations that offer help with home repairs, we’ve got contact information for 7 of these in the article 7 Sources of Home Repair Assistance for Seniors — https://dailycaring.com/7-sources-of-home-repair-assistance-for-seniors/
You could also contact your local Area Agency on Aging to see if they can connect you with free or low-cost home repair resources in the area. Here’s info on how to find them — https://dailycaring.com/local-community-resources-for-seniors-and-caregivers-area-agency-on-aging/
I hope your friend is able to find help to get these repairs done.
I don’t have running water in my kitchen and none of my electrical plugs works in the kitchen using electric cords for stove, ice box, and microwave.
I’m so sorry you’re in this situation. You may want to see if you can get financial help for repairs to your kitchen. We share 7 options here — https://dailycaring.com/7-sources-of-home-repair-assistance-for-seniors/
I have an infestation of fleas, and no help, I have severe allergies and asthma I need emergency help.
I am so sorry Ellen! That sounds like a really tough situation. I’d suggest contacting your county’s Area Agency on Aging to find out about local resources that could help. Here’s more info about those organizations — https://dailycaring.com/local-community-resources-for-seniors-and-caregivers-area-agency-on-aging/