Right at Home offers a few helpful tips. 

The floors are too slick, and the stairs are too many. Most homes in Australia are not designed to accommodate the needs of people aged 65 and older. It is worthwhile to consider home modification as a beneficial solution to reduce the potential for injuries, and make everyday tasks easier for older individuals. Modifying a home can range from removing potential fall hazards to extensive remodelling.

Whether repairing or upgrading your home, be sure to involve your older loved one as much as possible in the decision making. Go through each room, noting any areas that need improvement. The work could be a do-it-yourself project or require a contractor.

Home assessment checklists can include the following items:

All Rooms

• Flooring free of cracks, splits and up-turned edges
• Carpets secure with no loose or torn patches
• Bright lighting with handy, easy-control switches
• Properly grounded electrical outlets within easy reach
• Space to add video home monitoring

Kitchen

• Easy-to-use faucets, cabinet doorknobs and stove controls
• Comfortable counter height and depth

Bathroom

• Nonslip surfaces in the bathtub or shower
• Grab bars near the toilet and bathtub or shower
• Shower/bathtub bench or seat

Stairs and Inclines

• Secure handrails on both sides of stairway at proper height
• Ramps to replace stairs or steps inside and outside

You may find monetary help for home modifications via the Commonwealth HACC Program. To find out about services in your area phone 1800 200 422.

Right at Home offers a Home Safety Checklist to help evaluate your home while our carers identify potential safety hazards. Right at Home also offers an in-home-safety monitoring service, driven by wireless devices that report back to our Care Managers.

What home repairs and upgrades do you find most beneficial for older Australians?

Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home companionship and personal care, and assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently and age in their home. Right at Home Australia is your local expert for issues related to caring for your loved ones, and is dedicated to keeping you informed about home care. Right at Home is a My Aged Care government approved home care provider for levels 1-4, and offers flexible in-home services such as nursing, post-operative care, respite care, assistance with daily living such as grooming, hygiene, transport, shopping, meal prep, domestic services and social support, so that your loved ones can enjoy a vibrant life. Our nurses and caregivers are screened, highly trained and insured prior to entering your home, so you can trust us with the caregiving while you focus on your loved ones. We have offices in Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Wagga Wagga (servicing Southern NSW including Albury, Griffith and other parts of Riverina), Padstow (servicing Padstow, St George and South West Sydney), Toowoomba (servicing Toowoomba and Darling Downs). Right at Home Australia's care team is made up of supervisors and carers who are highly skilled, compassionate and devoted to improving the lives of their clients and their clients' families. With no admin or subscription fees Right at Home allows you to get more care from your package or budget. ​

To find out more, please give us a call on 1300 362 609 or visit our website.