Getting around the house comfortably shouldn’t be a struggle, so whether you’re thinking about your own needs or helping someone else, there are simple and effective ways to make a home easier to move around in. You don’t need a full renovation, just the right changes in the right places.
Mobility support at home can mean better safety, more confidence, and less reliance on others. Here are five smart ways to create a space that’s easier to live in, no matter your age or ability.
1. Keep Walkways Clear and Floor Surfaces Safe
It might seem obvious, but the layout of your home plays a big part in how easy it is to move around. Narrow spaces, clutter, or badly placed furniture can become obstacles over time, especially for anyone using a stick, walker, or wheelchair.
Think about the main routes through your home: between the bedroom and bathroom, kitchen and lounge, front door and hallway. These should be wide enough to move through without squeezing past anything.
Also consider the flooring. Thick rugs, uneven mats, or shiny tiles can all increase the risk of slipping or tripping. Swapping them out for flatter, more secure surfaces can make walking far easier and safer.
2. Use Rails, Handles, and Small Supports Where It Counts
Not every change needs to be big or expensive. Simple additions like grab rails can have a big impact on day-to-day confidence. They’re most useful in places where balance or strength is more likely to be tested, near steps, in the bathroom, or by the front door.
You can also look at things like:
- Raised toilet seats for easier sitting and standing
- Handles beside the bed for added support
- Lever taps instead of twist taps for those with joint issues
The goal is to reduce effort and make movements feel steadier and more natural.
3. Think About Stairs and the Best Way to Use Them
Stairs can become one of the biggest barriers to staying safe and mobile at home. They’re tiring, risky, and sometimes painful to climb, especially if you need to carry anything or have reduced balance.
One helpful solution is a stairlift. It allows full access to both floors of a home without the physical strain of going up and down on foot. Stairlifts come in various designs, including straight and curved models to fit different spaces.
If you’re considering one, it’s worth exploring your options carefully; stairlift cost depends on several factors like length, design, and fitting. You don’t need to make a quick decision, and local support services or independent retailers often offer assessments to help you understand what would work best.
4. Adjust Everyday Items to Be Within Easy Reach
Sometimes mobility isn’t just about walking, it’s about reaching, bending, or carrying things. Moving everyday items to more accessible spots can help reduce unnecessary strain.
This might mean:
- Storing frequently used kitchen items at waist height
- Keeping medication or chargers on a low bedside table
- Using lightweight pans, kettles, or vacuums
If someone has trouble gripping or lifting, there are simple tools like jar openers, long-handled reachers, or wide-handled cutlery that can make things easier without changing habits too much.
5. Improve Lighting and Visibility in Key Areas
Mobility and visibility go hand in hand and poor lighting can make even familiar spaces feel more dangerous. Shadows hide steps, corners, and clutter, especially for those with declining eyesight.
You don’t need anything fancy. Just make sure key areas like hallways, stairs, and bathrooms are well lit with clear, even lighting. Motion sensor lights or night lights in the bedroom or hallway can also help during late-night trips to the toilet.
Try to reduce glare, too, as this can be just as disorienting as darkness. Frosted bulbs, lampshades, or adjusting the direction of a spotlight can make things much easier to see.