Tips for a Safe and Accessible Home for Older Adults | Optimove
Get A Free Quick Quote
(Step 1 to 5)

Tell us litte more about you..

Get a Quote

Tips for a Safe and Accessible Home for Older Adults

By Karen Thorogood | May 16, 2023

As our loved ones age, it’s essential to ensure their home is safe and accessible for their changing needs. Whether you’re moving an elderly family member into a new home or looking to make your own home more senior-friendly, there are several things you can do to create a safe and comfortable living space.

Install Grab Bars and Handrails

Installing grab bars and handrails in critical areas like the bathroom and near staircases is crucial in making your home more senior-friendly. These bars can provide extra support for seniors with difficulty with balance or mobility and help prevent falls and serious injury for your aging relative.

  • When installing grab bars and handrails, it’s important to ensure they are correctly installed and can support body weight. Make sure the bars are securely anchored to the wall with screws and that they can hold at least 250 pounds to support the weight of most adults.
  • Consider installing grab bars near the toilet, bathtub, and shower in the bathroom. This will support seniors as they move around in slippery and wet conditions. In the staircase, install handrails on both sides to offer support as seniors climb up and down. Make sure there is also adequate lighting and emergency response services available to the elderly adults.

Choosing the correct grab bars and handrails for your needs is also important. Look for bars and rails with a textured surface or coating to prevent slipping and are easy to grip. Consider options for height adjustments to accommodate different users.

Consider accessibility upgrades

For seniors who use a wheelchair or walker, making accessibility upgrades to the home can greatly improve their quality of life and independence. Here are some of the most common accessibility upgrades and senior safety tips to consider:

  • Widening doorways: Wheelchairs and walkers require extra space to maneuver, making it much easier for seniors to move around the house. Consider widening doorways to a minimum of 32 inches to accommodate a standard wheelchair.
  • Installing ramps: Ramps provide an accessible entrance and exit for seniors who use a wheelchair or walker. A ramp should be at least 36 inches wide and have a slope of no more than 1 inch for every 12 inches of length. Make sure the ramp is slip-resistant and stable.
  • Installing stairlifts: Stairlifts provide a safe way for seniors to navigate stairs in multi-level homes. They are available in straight and curved designs and can be customised to fit the needs of elderly residents.
  • Lowering countertops and cabinets: Lowering countertops and cabinets can make it easier for seniors in a wheelchair to prepare meals and access storage. Make sure that the countertops are at a height that is comfortable for the user, typically between 28-34 inches. Additionally, the electrical outlets should also be accessible for cooking and the use of other appliances.
  • Lever-style door handles: Lever-style door handles are much easier to open than traditional doorknobs, especially for seniors with arthritis or limited hand mobility. This makes aging in place more tolerable for the older adult.

When planning accessibility upgrades, consider consulting with an occupational therapist or home modification specialist to ensure you’re making the right changes for your loved one’s needs. They can recommend and guide you on the best modifications for your home and budget while eliminating potential hazards and fall risks.

Eliminate Tripping Hazards

Tripping hazards are a leading cause of falls for seniors, so it’s essential to be vigilant in removing or minimising them in the home. Here are some home safety tips you can take to reduce tripping hazards and create a safer living environment for your loved one:

  • Remove loose rugs: Loose rugs are one of the most common trip hazards in the home. Consider removing any area rugs or using double-sided tape to secure them to the floor as added safety measures.
  • Tuck away cords and wires: Cords and wires that run across pathways can be a tripping hazard. Ensure to tuck away cords behind furniture or use cord covers to keep them out of the way.
  • Clear clutter: Clutter left on the floor can also be a trip hazard. Make sure to pick up after yourself and keep belongings off the floor to help in reducing fall risks.
  • Apply non-slip strips: Applying non-slip strips to floors and stairs can help prevent slips and falls. Non-slip strips can be easily applied to surfaces like tile, wood, and concrete, providing extra traction for feet. These can help an elderly person with chronic health conditions move about safely inside the home or assisted living community.
  • Insta%MCEPASTEBIN%ll slip-resistant flooring: Consider installing slip-resistant flooring in high-risk areas like the bathroom, kitchen, and entryway. This type of flooring is designed to provide extra grip underfoot, even when wet. The bathroom area is a particular concern for family members because it is here that elderly adults often encounter accidents in their own homes.

By taking these steps, you can greatly reduce the risk of falls and create a safer living environment for your loved one. It’s essential to regularly check for and address any tripping hazards in the home to ensure ongoing safety. Encourage your loved one to wear non-slip footwear with a good grip whenever in the bathroom or laundry room to reduce the chance of falls further.

Provide Night Lights and Accessible Light Switches

Good lighting is critical for seniors, especially those with mobility or vision issues, to navigate their homes safely. Here are some tips to help improve lighting and reduce the risk of falls in the house:

  • Use bright light bulbs: Switching to brighter light bulbs can significantly improve lighting throughout the home. Choose bulbs with at least 800 lumens, and consider using LED or fluorescent bulbs for energy efficiency.
  • Add task lighting: Task lighting can provide additional illumination for areas like reading nooks, workspaces, or kitchen counters. Consider installing under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen or desk lamps in the living room and bedroom.
  • Install motion-activated lights: Motion-activated lights can automatically turn on when someone enters a room or walks through a hallway, making it easier for seniors to see where they’re going without fumbling for light switches.
  • Use night lights: Installing lights in hallways, bathrooms, and easily accessible locations can help prevent trips and falls during nighttime bathroom trips. Motion-activated nightlights are particularly useful for those with poor eyesight as they only turn on when someone walks by, saving energy while providing illumination.
  • Clean light fixtures and lampshades regularly: Dust, dirt, and grime can accumulate on them, reducing their effectiveness and brightness. Periodically clean these surfaces to ensure maximum light output.

By taking these steps, you can create a well-lit home environment that promotes safety and independence for your loved one. It’s essential to regularly check that all light bulbs are functioning and replace them as needed to maintain good lighting.

Optimise Storage and Organisation

Simple tasks such as reaching high shelves or bending down can become more complex as we age. This is why optimising storage and organisation in our homes is essential. By keeping frequently-used items within easy reach and utilising pull-out drawers and shelves in lower cabinets, seniors can maintain their independence and make their daily routines more manageable.

For example, placing commonly used kitchen utensils and dishes on lower shelves can make meal preparation more accessible and seniors-safe. Pull-out drawers in lower cabinets can provide easy access to pots and pans, eliminating the need to bend down and rummage through cabinets.

In addition to the kitchen, optimising storage and organisation in other home areas can also be beneficial. For instance, keeping frequently used clothing items in easy-to-reach drawers can save seniors from the strain of reaching for items stored on higher shelves. Installing pull-out shelves in closets can also help seniors quickly access items that may have been previously out of reach.

By optimising storage and organisation, seniors can maintain independence and enjoy a more comfortable and stress-free living space.

Implement Smart Technology:

Smart Home

As technology advances, more smart home devices are available to help seniors live more independently and safely. These devices offer seniors and their loved ones convenience, security, and peace of mind.

  • One example of a smart home device that can benefit seniors is the smart thermostat. These devices allow users to control the temperature of their homes remotely via smartphone or voice command. This is particularly helpful for seniors who may have difficulty getting up to adjust the thermostat or may forget to do so altogether. Smart thermostats can also learn a user’s habits and preferences and automatically adjust the temperature accordingly.
  • Another useful smart home device for seniors is the intelligent door lock. These locks can be controlled remotely via smartphone or voice command, allowing seniors to quickly and securely lock and unlock their doors without turning keys physically. Some smart door locks offer additional security features like video monitoring and remote access control.
  • Security cameras are also valuable to any senior’s intelligent home setup. These cameras can provide added security and peace of mind by allowing elderly adults (and their loved ones) to monitor their homes remotely. In addition to traditional security cameras at the front door, many newer models offer advanced features such as facial recognition, motion detection, and two-way audio and a medical alert system for the relatives.

Overall, many different types of smart home devices can help seniors live more independently and safely. These devices offer seniors and their families valuable benefits, from smart thermostats and door locks to security cameras and beyond. They can be installed in the senior’s bedroom all over the house for added home safety.

Conclusion

In conclusion, making a few minor adjustments to the home of an elderly loved one can help them maintain their independence and quality of life. From installing non-slip mats in bathrooms to optimising storage and organisation to implementing innovative technology, there are many ways that seniors can enjoy excellent safety, security, and comfort in their homes.

For those unable to do the necessary modifications themselves, hiring Optimove for their removal services may be beneficial. With their expertise and quality service, they can provide seniors with the support they need during relocation planning and the actual move-in. Having professional removalists help with the packing and heavy lifting is one of the best safety tips whenever seniors move into their own homes.

Request a Quick Quote

Quick Quote Form

My partner and I have just used Optimove removals for a double move – stuff out of my house to storage whilst another truck at his place to bring his furniture and belongings to here and more to storage. We went with them based on price and a promise of ‘great care’

The removalist service has been fantastic. The boys all moved fast on both crews, were so easy to deal with, and I’ll be honest I can’t remember the last time I saw everything plastic and or blanket wrapped so well to completely protect everything we have. I would HIGHLY recommend these guys. Jacqueline Nagle

“By far the best removalists I have used. Adam and Chris were fantastic. On time, polite, energetic, fast and careful with all of my furniture. Reasonably priced and very efficient .” Jessie Mariee Watson, 29 August 2016

“I couldn’t have been happier with my choice of Optimove to shift a lot of my precious belongings into storage. The removal team phoned me to give an estimated time of arrival and when they arrived no time was wasted. The 2 removalists were fast and efficient. I was very impressed and would certainly recommend them to anyone looking for removalists and would have no hesitation in employing their services again.” Sue Bertram, 19 August 2016

“Best removal company we have ever used. Optimove removals is a great moving company, two nice lads who moved at a good pace. Everything was well looked after and arrived in perfect condition. Very good prices, next time you are looking to move to a new location check these removalists out. Better than a hiring a truck and moving your own stuff by a long way. On time, polite, no hidden costs – the most energetic men ever!!!!!” Kirsten Maria Corin, 2 August 2016

“On Saturday just gone, Adam and Chris from Optimove did an outstanding job in moving us from Burleigh Heads to Cornubia. They worked tirelessly without stopping for 5-6 hours until the job was done, whilst taking absolute care of all our possessions. They were friendly, honest and just downright good blokes. I high recommend Optimove.” Glen Read, 18 July 2016

“Just wanted to take a second to say a big thank you to the team at Optimove. The guys that arrived on the day were so friendly, helpful and professional. I couldn’t believe that when they said everything would get wrapped and protected that it actually happened. I have moved several times in the past but I found these guys definitely stood out amongst the rest with their speed and professionalism…” Carly Turner, 9 July 2016

Visit our Facebook Page

Don’t just take our word for it, view our customer review videos to hear and see for yourself what our customers have to say about Optimove.

Featured Customer Reviews

  • KayMcGrath
  • Happycustomer
  • happy-customer

Local Moving Services In Australian Cities

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS
SAY ABOUT US

Quality, Value, Responsiveness, Punctuality
We will definitely be using Optimove again and would recommend them to anyone. Izzy, Jerry and Hamish where amazing. Very quick, careful and friendly. There where absolutely no faults with this service. After a bad experience the day before with another company and having to book last minute for the next day; the stress was definitely taken away from us with these guys being absolutely perfect. Booking was also super easy and Bella was very informative and kept us up to date all the time. Thanks guys!
Jessica Schauer
Jessica Schauer
Work done in my required time frame
Like others, I chose this removalist company due to the many 5-star removals reviews, and now it’s my turn to add another one. I was initially hesitant about using an hourly rate service with the fear of time wasting for an additional charge. This was not the case with Optimove. I was assigned TJ and Izzy for my move, and these two guys were absolute-machines. They did not stop for a second and in fact, they even at times very politely hurried me along (but still listened attentively) when I was giving them instructions so that they could get the work done in my required timeframe and not have to charge me extra.
Removalists in Brisbane
Ernie Hu
Brisbane's Best Moving Company
Wow, wow, wow.... We booked Optimove due to the fantastic reviews and they were not wrong! The whole experience was seamless, booking and execution. Every team member was so polite, friendly, helpful - just lovely! On the day, the guys arrived on time and were absolute champions, careful but quick! I highly recommend them and will absolutely use them again in the future. Highly recommend!
Karen Pullar
Karen Pullar
Value For Money, Quality Removals
I have just used Optimove for the third time and they are amazing removalist in Brisbane !! I wouldn’t use anyone else. William and Igor were punctual, fast, friendly, and very efficient. They took really good care of all my stuff and went out of their way to ensure I was happy with everything. From start to end the whole process of dealing with Optimove has been professional and they are a pleasure to deal with. I highly recommend this company for all relocation services.
Leesa Richardson
Leesa Richardson
Fantastic removalist job with next day delivery
Brian and Isaiah moved us from the Hunter to Brisbane and did a fantastic job with next day delivery. Isaiah is a genius packer because he somehow managed to fit all our stuff in the truck and it was packed to the roof. He's strong as an ox too. Brain kept to operation running smoothly, and nothing I asked for was a problem for him. I have used a lot of movers over the years, and Optimove removals would have to be one of the best. I dare say I'll be using them again in the not too distant future too.
Paul Swan
Paul Swan
Best business for all removalist jobs
I was very impressed with the response speed when I was looking for a quote. Then every step after impressed me further with excellent service and the easy communication, the boy’s hard work and professional manner!! I underestimated the amount of my stuff, and the boys had to stay late a few hours to get my moving done. They worked around to accommodate my needs. Thank you so much!! I couldn’t flaw any step of the process! Well done guys! Also, big thanks to the removals business on training staff. Great experience!
Ping Han
Ping Han
Brisbane North Side Removals
Would give these guys more than five stars if I could! I've now used them twice in a couple of weeks to move my stuff into removals storage and then to my new home, and they've gone beyond my expectations both times. Great price, excellent service from start to finish, rapid but also very safe. I couldn't believe the strength of TJ today and the guys' ability to get everything up two flights of stairs with minimal fuss. Will be using and highly recommending Optimove removalists Brisbane for every move in the future. Cheers!
3-Bedroom Removalist Job
Nick Love
Quality removalist company
Our interstate move was handled with great professionalism, patience, and care by this removalist company. This is our first move, and as with any move, there are complexities. Before the move, Liam at head office dealt with our myriad questions and phone calls with great patience and reassurance, especially as we were not going to be there for pick up. Sam and Ahmed, who delivered and offloaded our things, were absolute gems. The 2 men worked fast and hard and took great care in placing every item and box so as not to damage/scratch any walls/floors. I would definitely use them for the next move!
Furniture Move
Agata Mouasher
The best removalists I have ever dealt with.
The best removalists I have ever dealt with. Teejay and Izzy packed everything up so carefully. Plastic wrap and fully protected. They packed up and delivered with no damage, and they were so careful about moving things in the new home.
I will always move with Optimove... No one else compares. Teejay and Izzy... These men were fantastic and so kind. Thanks to the whole team of movers. The easiest move I have ever done.
I am now team Optimove...
Amanda andersen
Amanda andersen
Easy to understand quote
Highly Recommended!
I had to book Optimove movers at the last minute after waiting all day for another removal company that after many excuses didn’t show. They went above and beyond to get us a truck within a few hours.
We are so grateful for the empathy, professionalism, attitude, caring, and helpful way in which they went about the whole process of our move. From our first point of contact with the lovely Rene on the phone to our friendly removalists Brian and William, who respected our furniture and moved everything carefully to our new house with the utmost care.
A big THANK YOU for helping us in a very stressful situation. I highly recommend these removalists!
Sharon Danby
Sharon Danby
Best removals company
Moved a couple of months ago with Optimove and couldn't be happier with their service. Daniel and Brian were fantastic movers. The guys had to move all of our stuff up four flights of stairs as our new apartment doesn't have a lift, and they didn't skip a beat. I was exhausted after going up, and down the stairs a couple of times, these guys were doing it for hours and barely needed to rest. Will definitely be using Optimove for my next move, thanks, guys!
Steven Tillack
Steven Tillack
Was the safe delivery of our items.
Our move was the easiest ever with Optimove. Our two Removalists were Nella and Marc, who took great care of our furniture items. We were delighted with their efficiency and care.
We moved from Toowoomba to Brisbane. It was estimated to take 8 hours; they did it in 6 hours. All our furniture was wrapped, and it arrived at the new house without even a scratch.
Nella and Marc offered a lot of assistance with a friendly attitude. Highly recommend!
Regarding the cost, offered a reasonably average hourly rate. But what mattered most to us, was the safe delivery of our items.
Brisbane / Toowoomba removals
minaki kirollos
Optimove came in the cheapest by far.
We have moved many times over the past 16 years, and have always used large, well-known moving companies. We were a bit concerned, based on how little the quote was and the fact they were new, and we’d never heard of them, but we needn’t have worried. From our first communication, they were professional and quick to reply. Special mention to our removalists, Daniel, Chris, Assad and Sam (we had two deliveries due to the amount of furniture and boxes) - they were all lovely men, friendly, hard-working, and had the truck packed in record time. Just get a quote.
Sharyn Thompson
Sharyn Thompson
Communicative and extremely friendly movers
This is the first time we used professional removalists, and I will never go back! From the first phone call to the handshake after, the team that moved us was professional, timely, communicative and extremely friendly. They thought about the easiest way of removing and transporting our items to our new home, and I honestly could not recommend them highly enough. I will be referring them to all of my friends and family, and they'll be the only people I trust with my next move. 10/10 will use again! :) Great job guys!!
Annika Campbell
Annika Campbell
Friendly people
The staff were professional & friendly movers however the price is not so much.
The original price quoted was $65/ per half hour/ min 2 hours, and when we booked our move for 5 am, we were charged an extra $22 per half hour (which was excellent for the early wake up) but then we had to book a minimum 4 hours! At first, I misread and thought it was $87 per hour which I thought was excellent compared to what I was quoted, but my bad - I didn’t read it correctly. In comparison to pricing, Mini Movers were not going to charge extra for out of hours and were cheaper per hour. We only used 3 hours in the end and the price quoted is not inclusive of GST. Highly recommend local removalists!
L LEUNG
L LEUNG
Absolutely amazing company!
The boys from Optimove removals were amazing. The team who scheduled our move were friendly and understanding. Our removalists, TJ and Brian, were machines and got the job done on time. They packed all of our goods with impeccable care and didn't take any shortcuts. They were fast, efficient, friendly and just downright good blokes. The boys covered all of our furniture in shrink wrap, and nothing at all was marked. The whole Optimove experience was terrific. They charge less than the competitors and provide A+++ class service. Highly recommended and would use them again! Cheers guys!
Local removalist job
Danny Venus
The guys arrived on time. These people were fast and responsible.
Great removalists Brisbane service. The guys arrived on time. They were fast and responsible. I had to move heavy furniture including a piano. They took care of my furniture and moved everything without any damage.
They were fair on estimating time and only started charging from the moment they started working rather than arrival time.
I'm so happy with the hassle-free move and will use them in the future. Stat of the art local removals!
Tara Sima
Tara Sima
They get the job done!
Honestly could not recommend these guys more. Rayzor and John, the two gentlemen who helped me and my children move, were kind, helpful and nothing was too much trouble. I would not hesitate in asking them to help me again and would recommend them to friends and family in a heartbeat. I have moved a few times and now would never use a different company. I never felt rush or uncomfortable with them and the price was extremely reasonable. Do yourselves a favor and hire them! I definitely recommend Optimove removals services.
Holly Ainsworth
Holly Ainsworth
Best Movers Brisbane
Nela, James and Rodrigo showed up on time, moved quickly, catered for all my preferences, and successfully completed the entire move before I knew it. Some of the many things worth noting were Nela’s team’s care factor, commitment to see the task through despite unique challenges that the move presented to us, great communication, kindness and physical strength. I have used Optimove office moves 3 times over the last two years, each time amongst stressful personal circumstances, and time and time again this group of people keeps amazing me. If you are after a smooth move at affordable rates, look no further. Our interstate removalist job was so easy with you. Optimove removalists services are your best option for any removalist job!
MIKE BROOKS
MIKE BROOKS
These guys are the dream team of removalists
Nela and Mana were beyond amazing, these guys are the dream team of removalists, I could recommend them highly enough. On top of doing a stellar job moving us into our new house, they also moved a new (massive) fridge up a tight staircase. They moved heavy items in our belongings as refrigerators and large antiques with care and precision. What’s worth noting about this is that just the day before we had paid for the premium delivery service of the fridge from the good guys who after arriving refused to take it upstairs and left it. I can’t thank you guys enough for the professionalism and all-round great guys that you are!
Lucas Daoud
Lucas Daoud
Great care wrapping and transporting
Last time we moved, we had a terrible experience with a different company, so this time I wanted to make sure we found a good company. I read through what felt like a million reviews to see what people were saying about each company (as you can't always trust the stars)! The reviews for Optimove moving service seemed the most uniformly positive, so we went with them, was easy to get a quote, and I'm happy to say we can now add our own (very) positive review to the list as they were fantastic! They were lovely, friendly, and polite, took great care wrapping and transporting everything, and did an amazing, precision job doing a last-minute balcony lift for a piece of furniture that we hadn't anticipated wouldn't fit via the usual route. They moved a lot of my furniture and heavy items at an excellent price.
Tania Nayler
Tania Nayler
I will be recommending these guys
Damien & David. Absolute heroes. I have never come across two individuals who were not only passionate about what they do for a living but super-enthusiastic, energetic & friendly doing it! Nothing was too hard for them. We are left feeling at peace, relaxed and ready to enjoy our new apartment. I will be recommending these guys & this company for a long, long, long time. Thank you so much Optimove moving service. Thanks again, Damien & David. The boys paid great attention to every detail in our removalist job. Nothing was missed or left behind. You guys made our moving experience really easy & exciting.
Emily Kerrigan
Emily Kerrigan