Whether you’re getting older, you have developed an injury or you or a family member has a disability that makes it more difficult to navigate your home, there are a lot of things you can do to make your home a little (or a lot) easier to get around, including the following:
1. Clear the Clutter (No, Seriously)
Okay, so if you or your family member has trouble getting around the house, one thing that is really going to make it even more difficult is having lots of clutter around the place, making your hallways and rooms a hard squeeze to get around. Whether it’s piles of shoes by the back door or tons of boxes stacked up in the spare room, if you want your home to be easier to navigate, it has to go!
2. Widen Your Doorways
Okay, so this is more of a major upgrade to your home, but if you are going to find it hard to get around for the foreseeable future, then it is definitely worth considering having your doorways widened because this will make it easier for your to use mobility aids like crutches or wheelchairs without it being a major operation every time, which wil be better for your health and wellbeing! Even adding just a few extra centimetres to your doorways can make a huge amount of difference to how easily you can move from room to room.
3. Get the Right Furniture (Bye-Bye, Clunky Coffee Tables)
You might love your furniture, but you know what? It could be causing you more problems than it’s worth in aesthetic style if it makes it harder for you to get around your own home with ease! Things like chunky coffee tables and bulky couches can significantly reduce the amount of space you have in your home, and make it more likely you will injure yourself when doing so. So, switching to sleeker tables and chairs, and choosing furniture with round edges rather than sharp ones is a good idea. A foldaway table or a storage ottoman can also be a lifesaver when floor space is at a premium.
4. Make Stairs Less of a Struggle
Stairs—love them or hate them, they’re not going anywhere (well, unless you live in a bungalow, in which case, lucky you). If you’re starting to dread the climb, it might be time to think about some stair-related solutions. Consider adding a sturdy handrail or even see if you can get a callback from a stairlift professional if the idea of gliding effortlessly up and down sounds like a dream. It’s not just about luxury—it’s about keeping those knees happy for years to come.
5. Add Grab Bars in the Right Places
Grab bars aren’t just for bathrooms anymore. They can be your secret weapon in all sorts of places. Installing them by stairs, in hallways, or even next to your favourite armchair can give you that extra bit of stability when you need it most. And don’t worry, you can choose stylish designs that won’t make your home look like a hospital. Think sleek, minimal, and totally functional.
6. Embrace Smart Home Tech
We live in a world where you can turn your lights on, lock your doors, and control the heating from your phone. Why wouldn’t you want to make the most of it? Smart home tech is a brilliant way to make your home more accessible. Voice-activated assistants like Alexa or Google Home can handle tasks like dimming the lights, playing music, or reminding you to take your meds (because let’s be honest, we all forget sometimes). You can even get smart locks and security systems to keep your home safe without lifting a finger.
7. Floor-Friendly Choices: Keep It Slip-Free
Floors might not seem like the most glamorous part of your home, but they’re crucial when it comes to getting around easily. Slippery surfaces are an accident waiting to happen, so opt for non-slip flooring, especially in areas like the kitchen and bathroom. Hardwood, laminate, or textured vinyl are all good choices that balance style with safety. Throw in a few well-placed rugs (with anti-slip backing, of course), and you’ll have a home that’s both cosy and functional.
8. Lighting That Leads the Way
Good lighting isn’t just for ambience—it’s key to making your home safer and easier to navigate. Install motion-sensor lights in dark hallways or outside the front door so you’re never left fumbling around in the dark. Consider under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen to brighten up work surfaces, or even add floor-level lighting to guide you through the house at night. Not only will this make your home look super fancy, but it’ll also prevent any midnight trips over rogue slippers.
9. Ramps: Not Just for Wheelchair Users
Ramps aren’t just for wheelchairs—they can be a lifesaver for anyone with limited mobility. If you’ve got steps leading into your home or even down to the garden, a ramp could make life so much easier. And don’t worry, ramps can be designed to blend seamlessly into your home’s exterior, so you won’t feel like you’re installing a skateboard park out front. Plus, it’ll be handy when you’re trying to wheel heavy shopping or furniture inside—practical and stylish? Yes, please.
10. Install Lever Handles: Twist-Free Living
Standard door knobs can be a pain (literally) if you have arthritis or any other condition that makes gripping difficult. Swapping them out for lever handles is a simple yet brilliant fix. Not only are they easier to use, but they also add a sleek, modern look to your doors. Plus, they’re perfect for those moments when you’ve got your hands full and need to use your elbow to open the door. Levers for the win!
11. Kitchen Adjustments: Cook Without the Chaos
If your kitchen feels more like an obstacle course than a place to whip up a meal, it’s time for a few tweaks. Lower shelves or install pull-down shelves to make reaching pots and pans easier. Invest in a sit-stand stool so you can cook or prep while seated. And, of course, make sure your appliances are within easy reach—no more stretching across counters to reach the kettle! A few small adjustments can make cooking (and even washing up) a breeze.
12. Create Wide, Open Spaces (No More Zig-Zagging)
Open-plan living isn’t just trendy—it’s practical. If your home feels a bit cramped or your furniture arrangement has you zig-zagging from room to room, consider opening up your space. Knock down a non-structural wall or rearrange your furniture to create a more open, flowing layout. This makes it easier to move around and creates a sense of space that makes your home feel less like a maze and more like a sanctuary.
13. Bathroom Bliss: Walk-in Showers and More
We’ve all slipped in the shower at least once—it’s practically a rite of passage. But as you get older, those slips can turn into something more serious. Installing a walk-in shower with non-slip tiles is a simple way to make your bathroom safer. Add in a few grab bars for good measure and, if you’re really looking for luxury, a shower seat. You’ll be wondering how you ever lived without it.
14. Make the Garden More Accessible
Your garden should be a place of joy, not a zone of frustration. If you love spending time outside, but find yourself struggling with steps, uneven paths, or hard-to-reach flower beds, it’s time for a garden makeover. Level out the paths, install a ramp if needed, and raise the flower beds so you can tend to them without bending down. And don’t forget to add a comfortable bench for those times when you just want to sit and admire your handiwork.
15. Add Storage at Eye Level
Many people who struggle to get around the whose also struggle to reach things that are high up, which is why it might be a good idea to think about getting some storage in place that is at eye level. That way, no one in your home will have to stretch and strain themselves to reach the things they need. The kitchen and bathroom, in particular, could usually benefit from this kind of low-level storage such as pull-out drawers, but you can have low-level storage everywhere.
If you want a space that is as easy to navigate as it is stylish, then these tips will definitely help!