Table 6 Home modifications by room/area (centers for disease control and prevention).

Bathroom

• Shower or bath chairs

• Hand bars/grab bars

• Non-slip rubber mats or textured strips on floor of the tub or shower.

• High contrast markings (e.g., white tub and dark rubber mat)

• Shampoo and conditioner - use a rubber band to mark and distinguish the bottles

• Organize and declutter the bathroom so it is easier to find everyday items

• Toothbrush - white bristles and colored toothpaste or squeeze toothpaste into mouth

• Colored bath towels on a white wall for higher contrast

• Black toilet seat over a white toilet for higher contrast

• Good diffuse and task lighting throughout the environment

Floors

• Remove rugs or tape down edges of rug

• High contrast rugs - light floors with darker colored rugs; dark floors with lighter color rugs

• Eliminate floor clutter and keep objects off the floor

• Tape down cords and wires

Kitchen

• Re-arrange items to avoid excess pivoting, bending down, and turning around

• Put commonly used items within easy reach around waist level

• Never stand on a chair to reach items; consider a step-stool or ask someone else for assistance

• Add task lighting and/or under cabinet lighting

• High contrast outlets and light switches

• Curtains and blinds maybe necessary in the home to block out the extra lights if too much glare

• Label spices with bolder labels/label maker

Stairs and steps

• Stair climber

• Necessities on a single level in the home

• Add handrails to both sides of stairs

• Repair any loose stairs and make sure carpet is firmly attached

• Non-slip treads on steps

• Light switches on the top and bottom of the steps

• Bright overhead lighting

• Mark the top two and bottom two steps with high contrast tape to mark the beginning and end of the step

Bedroom

• Add bright light bulbs

• Curtains and blinds maybe necessary if too much glare

• Place lamps close to bed within easy reach; avoid dark lamp shades

• Install night lights or motion sensing lights for an easier to see path when dark

• Create a clear walking path from bedroom to/from bathroom

• Place mobility aid accessible to bed for use during the night trips to bathroom

Entry way

• Place shoes in a designated area by the front door; avoid placement in the middle of the room

• Place purse and keys in a designated location off floor

• Remove rugs or tape down edges of rug

• Overhead lighting