How to future-proof your home

Future-proofing your home can help to reduce barriers that make it difficult for you to complete daily activities as you age.

Making changes to your home could involve an occupational therapist and a professional tradesperson to make sure the modification is right for you, your body and your home, while also meeting Australian Standards.

Here are some simple tips to help future-proof your home.

Walkways and entries

• Consider widening entryways when building or renovating your home to accommodate mobility assistive products like a walker or wheelchair.
• Install a doorway lip safety mat to reduce the risk of tripping.
• Consider placing a bench seat or chair near the front door to place heavy items on while locking or unlocking the door.
• Replace hard-to-grip round doorknobs with lever style alternatives. An easy grip kit is a low-cost alternative to make round doorknobs easier to turn.

On the same level

• Consider moving your bedroom and other rooms you use often to the ground floor.
• Ensure all staircases have a handrail that’s easy to grip. Handrail kits can be purchased from most hardware stores.
• Consider carpeting indoor stairs to make climbing them more comfortable.
• Use non-slip tape on slippery surfaces like outdoor stairs.

In the living room

• Ensure there is enough distance between your furniture and walls to create pathways free of obstacles.
• Avoid purchasing furniture with sharp corners. As we age our skin thins, and therefore corner knocks can lead to injury. You can purchase safety corner protectors for existing furniture.
• Avoid using rugs. If you do, use those that are non-slip.
• Use a cord organiser or tape to secure loose cords to reduce the risk of tripping.
• Adjust the legs of furniture to the proper height. Purchase furniture raisers to elevate the height of furniture, particularly for seating and bedding.

In the kitchen and laundry

• Install a timer on appliances such as the oven to prevent overcooking meals (which is a fire hazard).
• Keep the stovetop and range clear of objects.
• Ensure that dish towels and curtains are not near burners.
• If possible, move regularly used items to a lower level or install pull-down and pull-out shelves.
• Place anti-slip or anti-fatigue mats to reduce discomfort.
• Use tap turners or replace hard-to-turn crossbar taps with lever alternatives.
• Use a universal knob turner to help turn dials on cookers, microwaves, and other appliances.
• Adjust the hot water levels to keep it at a temperature where scalding is not a risk.
• Check out these other helpful kitchen products.

In the bathroom

• Install a hand-held adjustable shower head to wash your back and feet.
• Declutter your bathroom products, making sure there is clear access to the basin, shower, bath, and toilet.
• Purchase a shower stool or chair with non-slip feet to help you shower safely.
• When building or renovating your home consider installing non-slip tiles in your bathroom with flush flooring. Using a non-slip bath and shower mat is a great low-cost option.
• Install a grab bar or railing to help you move around your bathroom.
• Learn more about products for bathroom safety.

Considerations

Shower waterproofing

Most bathrooms have a layer of waterproofing beneath the tile to protect your home from water damage. Drilling through this layer may require resealing to prevent damage after the installation is complete. (E.g. When installing a shower grab rail).

Suitable walls and fittings

The types of walls that you have may affect the type of fixing that can be used to fix assistive products like grab rails. It’s important to choose the right type of rail with the right type of fitting for your wall or surface. This is to ensure they don’t cause damage and can withstand the force placed on them when in use.

Type of grab rail

Make sure your grab rails are properly installed and can hold your weight. A towel raise only holds a few kilos and may rotate, so isn’t safe to hold onto while navigating your bathroom. Grab rails are widely stocked at hardware stores and come in various materials, shapes, and dimensions, each with a different set of benefits. To make sure you have the right rail, it’s best to get professional advice.

Important safety notice

Houses built before 1990 might contain asbestos, so it’s best to find a local tradesperson to consult on your modifications. They’ll also be able to help you determine other important things, like whether water outlets are too close to power sockets.

References

Healthy WA. (2023). Asbestos in and around the home. https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Asbestos-in-and-around-the-home

Get in touch with LiveUp

If you need more information, get in touch with one of our helpful team on 1800 951 971.

LiveUp provides free information to help you make informed decisions about your health. This information is for general and educational purposes only, is not intended to provide a comprehensive guide, and does not replace medical advice. Everyone is different, so some of these tips may work better for you than others. You should use your own judgment and seek medical advice when applying this information to yourself, to determine if it is suitable in your circumstances. Your use of, or reliance on, this information is solely at your own risk. Independent Living Assessment Incorporated is not responsible or liable for any injury, loss, or damage caused as a result of your use of, or reliance on, this information.

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