The Caregiver’s Guide: Making Home Visits Safer and Easier for Everyone
Tue, Jul 1st, 2025
Caring for an aging parent, a loved one recovering from surgery, or someone with mobility challenges can be deeply rewarding—but it can also be stressful if the home environment isn't prepared.
Whether you’re a full-time caregiver or just hosting loved ones for the weekend, a few thoughtful adjustments can make all the difference in ensuring their safety, comfort, and dignity. In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical ways to prepare your home for caregiving visits—without making it look like a hospital.
1. Walk Through With Their Eyes Before they arrive, take a few minutes to tour your home from their perspective. Are there steps they’ll struggle with? Are walkways clear of rugs, cords, or clutter? Are doorways wide enough for a walker or wheelchair?
Pro Tip: Try moving through your space using a walker (borrow one if possible) to truly understand the layout from their point of view.
2. Install Grab Bars in Key Locations Grab bars aren’t just for the bathroom. While a well-placed grab bar near the toilet and in the shower is a must, also consider placing one by stairwells, next to the bed, or at the entryway. These can prevent serious falls and provide confidence to those who might otherwise hesitate.
Bell House Medical offers discreet, professional grab bar installation with options that match your decor.
3. Think About Lighting Poor lighting is a common cause of household accidents. Make sure all hallways and rooms are well-lit, especially at night. Consider plug-in nightlights in bathrooms and bedrooms.
Smart Solution: Install motion-activated lights for hands-free convenience.
4. Declutter Pathways and Common Areas One of the easiest and most important steps is to remove tripping hazards. Tuck away electrical cords, secure loose rugs, and clear walkways of shoes, pet toys, or baskets.
Bonus: Clear surfaces in high-traffic areas like kitchen counters and nightstands so assistive devices don’t knock items over.
5. Rethink Bathroom Safety The bathroom is one of the most dangerous places in the home for someone with mobility issues. In addition to grab bars:
- Use non-slip mats inside and outside the shower
- Install a handheld showerhead
- Provide a sturdy shower chair
- Keep toiletries within easy reach
Optional Upgrade: Add a raised toilet seat to ease transfers.
6. Make Seating Safe and Comfortable Low, soft chairs may be difficult to rise from. Offer firm, armless chairs with proper back support and a stable base. You can also place a non-slip cushion on the seat to raise it slightly. We also rent and sell lift chairs.
7. Prepare for Rest and Recovery If your loved one is staying overnight:
- Place a table or nightstand within easy reach of the bed
- Stock it with water, tissues, glasses, medications, and a call bell or cell phone
- Ensure there’s adequate lighting and space for mobility aids
Comfort Tip: Provide extra pillows for positioning support
8. Communicate and Set Expectations Ask your loved one or their regular caregiver about specific needs before they arrive. This helps you avoid last-minute scrambling and ensures their comfort. Consider:
- Dietary needs
- Medication schedules
- Physical or occupational therapy routines
Helpful Tool: Keep a daily checklist or notebook with care tasks and notes.
Making your home safer and more welcoming doesn’t have to be expensive or overwhelming. With just a few small changes, you can help reduce stress for yourself and your guest—and show your loved one how much you care.
Need Help With Home Safety Upgrades? Bell House Medical specializes in grab bar installation, fall prevention, and accessibility solutions. Contact us today for a consultation!