A new year brings new resolutions—and if helping your aging parent stay safe at home is on your list for 2026, you’re not alone. According to AARP research, nearly 90% of adults over 65 want to remain in their current home as they age. But wanting to age in place and being able to do so safely are two different things.

The good news? January is the perfect time to assess your parent’s home and make a plan. Before the busy spring season arrives—and before a fall or injury forces your hand—you can take proactive steps that make a real difference.

This guide will walk you through the most important areas of the home to evaluate and the modifications that have the biggest impact on safety and independence.

Why January Is the Right Time to Act

If you spent the holidays with your parents, you may have noticed things you hadn’t seen before. Maybe Mom was gripping the stair railing tighter than you remembered. Maybe Dad avoided going upstairs entirely. Perhaps the bathroom felt smaller and more hazardous than it used to.

These observations matter. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four Americans aged 65 and older falls each year, and falls are the leading cause of injury-related death in this age group. The majority of these falls happen at home.

January offers a window of opportunity. The holiday rush is over, schedules are settling down, and there’s time to have thoughtful conversations and make informed decisions. Waiting until after a fall means making decisions under pressure—often from a hospital room.

Room-by-Room Safety Assessment

The Bathroom: The Most Dangerous Room

More than two-thirds of home injury-related emergency room visits originate in the bathroom. Wet surfaces, hard edges, and the physical demands of bathing create a perfect storm for falls.

Key modifications to consider:

• Grab bars – Medical-grade stainless steel bars installed near the toilet, in the shower, and by the tub provide critical support. Learn more about grab bar options and proper placement.
• Shower seats and transfer benches – Allow your parent to bathe seated, reducing fatigue and fall risk.
• Raised toilet seats – Make sitting and standing easier for those with hip or knee issues.
• Non-slip flooring and mats – Address slippery surfaces that become hazardous when wet.

For a complete overview of bathroom safety solutions, see our guide to bathroom safety products that help seniors stay independent.

The Staircase: A Daily Challenge

Stairs present one of the most common—and most anxiety-inducing—challenges for aging adults and their families. If your parent has started avoiding the second floor, sleeping downstairs, or limiting trips up and down, it’s time to consider solutions.

Options include:

• Stairlifts – A motorized chair that travels along a rail mounted to the stairs. Available for straight, curved, and even outdoor staircases. Learn how stairlifts help families keep parents safe at home.
• Residential elevators – A longer-term investment that adds value to the home while providing floor-to-floor access.
• Additional handrails – Sometimes a second handrail on the opposite wall provides enough extra support.

Entryways and Outdoor Access

Front and back steps, porches, and garage entries are often overlooked—but they’re “red zone” areas for falls, especially in New England’s icy winters.

Consider:

• Wheelchair ramps – Provide step-free access for those using walkers, wheelchairs, or anyone who struggles with steps. Learn about what to consider when installing a wheelchair ramp.
• Outdoor stairlifts – Weatherproof options are available for porches, decks, and exterior stairs.
• Improved lighting and handrails – Simple additions that make a significant difference.

Living Areas and Bedrooms

Don’t overlook the spaces where your parent spends most of their time:

• Remove loose rugs and secure carpet edges that could cause tripping
• Install bed rails and couch canes for support when sitting and standing
• Improve lighting, especially in hallways and near nightstands
• Ensure clear pathways without furniture or clutter obstructions

Having the Conversation

Perhaps the hardest part of this process isn’t choosing products—it’s talking to your parent about making changes. Many seniors resist modifications because they feel like an admission of decline or a threat to their independence.

The key is reframing the conversation. These modifications aren’t about taking independence away—they’re about preserving it. A stairlift means your parent can continue using their entire home. Grab bars mean they can shower confidently without assistance.

For detailed guidance on this sensitive topic, read our compassionate guide to talking to your aging parents about home safety.

Getting Started: Your January Action Plan

Week 1: Walk through your parent’s home with fresh eyes. Note areas of concern—slippery floors, difficult stairs, inadequate lighting, lack of grab points.

Week 2: Have an initial conversation with your parent. Focus on their experiences: What do they find difficult? What worries them?

Week 3: Schedule a professional assessment. Our free SafeHome Audit provides an objective, room-by-room evaluation with personalized recommendations—no pressure, no obligation.

Week 4: Review options and make decisions together. Prioritize the highest-risk areas first.

For a comprehensive checklist you can print and use during your walkthrough, see our Ultimate Aging in Place Checklist.

Make 2026 the Year of Peace of Mind

Home safety modifications aren’t just about preventing falls—they’re about giving your family peace of mind. When you know your parent can navigate their home safely, you worry less. When your parent feels confident and secure, they maintain their independence and dignity.

This January, take the first step. Whether it’s a simple conversation, a home walkthrough, or a professional assessment, every action moves your family closer to a safer, more confident future.

Home Healthsmith has helped thousands of families across Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut make aging in place a reality. We’re here when you’re ready.

Schedule your free SafeHome Audit today: Contact Us or call 401-293-0415.