A stroke can be life-altering, especially for seniors who may face long-term mobility challenges, weakness, or cognitive changes. About a third of stroke survivors experience permanent disability, making home safety and accessibility top priorities for recovery. Whether your loved one is returning to their own home or moving in with you, preparing the environment ahead of time can help ease the transition from hospital to home and reduce the risk of injury.
In this guide, we share 8 essential tips to help you create a safer, more accessible living space for a stroke survivor.
1. Install Grab Bars
One of the most important home modifications after a stroke is the addition of grab bars. These simple devices provide critical stability, especially in the bathroom where most falls occur. Install grab bars near:
- The toilet
- Inside and outside the shower or tub
- Hallways or stairways (as needed)
Ensure the grab bars are securely fastened to wall studs or use mounting hardware rated for the user’s weight. Depending on your loved one’s mobility, you may also want to include other supportive features, such as:
- Non-slip shower mats or tiles
- Shower chairs or transfer benches
- Handheld shower heads
- Raised toilet seats
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2. Reorganize the Kitchen
After a stroke, reduced strength or one-sided weakness can make it difficult to reach overhead or lift heavy items. Rearranging the kitchen can help your loved one remain as independent as possible. Consider these tips:
- Move frequently used items to lower shelves or countertop level.
- Use clear, easy-to-open containers for pantry staples.
- Label shelves and drawers to help with memory or cognition issues.
- Store lightweight cookware and dishes in accessible places.
You might also want to install a reacher/grabber tool or rolling cart to reduce strain when moving items around.
3. Modify the Bedroom & Closet Setup
Maintaining independence in getting dressed and ready each day can greatly improve your loved one’s dignity and confidence if they have a disability after a stroke. Help support this by:
- Removing closet doors for easier access
- Lowering hanging rods or using a double rod setup
- Switching to bins or baskets instead of heavy drawers
- Using adaptive tools like sock aids, dressing sticks, and zipper pulls
If your loved one needs support getting dressed, consider adaptive clothing with Velcro closures or magnetic buttons. Adaptive clothing is especially helpful for older adults with limited hand dexterity.
4. Remove Obstacles & Reduce Fall Risks
Stroke survivors are at a high risk of falling. Uneven walking, shuffling, or balance problems make obstacles in the home more dangerous. Do a full walkthrough of the home with these safety measures in mind:
- Clear clutter from hallways and entryways
- Secure or remove area rugs
- Install nightlights in bedrooms, bathrooms, and hallways
- Use furniture with rounded corners and sturdy arms for sitting or rising
- Widen walking paths to accommodate mobility aids like walkers or canes
Schedule a free home safety assessment with your local Caring Senior Service to help identify and address additional risks.
5. Add Entryway Ramps & Indoor Mobility Solutions
Steps and stairs can pose a serious challenge after a stroke. If your loved one uses a wheelchair or has difficulty with stairs, consider:
- Installing a permanent or portable ramp to access the front door
- Using threshold ramps to smooth uneven transitions between rooms
- Moving essential items (bedroom, bathroom, etc.) to the main floor
- Installing stair lifts if multi-floor access is necessary
Check with local or federal assistance programs for funding options for these types of home modifications.
6. Evaluate Bed Height & Sleeping Safety
Your loved one’s ability to get in and out of bed is key to their independence and safety. The bed height should allow them to sit with feet flat on the floor and knees at a 90-degree angle. If needed:
- Use risers or a new bed frame to raise a low bed
- Swap out a tall mattress for a thinner one
- Consider an adjustable bed or hospital bed for more flexibility
- Install a bed rail for added support
Also ensure there’s a clear, well-lit path from the bed to the bathroom, and remove any trip hazards in the area.
7. Use Visual Cues for Navigation
After a stroke, some seniors experience cognitive impairments or visual-spatial difficulties, making it harder to navigate familiar environments. Using clear visual cues throughout the home can help reduce confusion and promote independence.
- Label important areas like the bathroom, kitchen, or bedroom with large-print signs or icons that are easy to read and understand.
- Color-coded labels or pictures on drawers and cabinets can also help your loved one identify where items are stored
- Increase contrast in the home by using bright, bold colors to highlight key features like light switches, door frames, or stair edges.
These visual distinctions can help prevent missteps and guide your loved one safely through the home.
8. Install Voice-Activated Technology
Smart home devices like voice assistants (e.g., Alexa, Google Home) can make a big difference in the daily life of a stroke survivor. These tools allow users to control their environment using simple voice commands, which can be especially helpful for individuals with limited mobility, vision changes, or weakness on one side of the body.
Stroke survivors can use voice assistants to:
- Turn lights on and off without having to navigate across the room
- Set medication reminders to help stay on schedule
- Make hands-free phone or video calls to loved ones or caregivers
- Play music, audiobooks, or the news, promoting cognitive stimulation and comfort
- Control thermostats, TVs, or appliances with compatible smart devices
Voice-activated technology is relatively easy to set up and can be customized to meet your loved one’s needs and routines — making it a powerful addition to any post-stroke home environment.
Support for Stroke Survivors at Home
Adjusting to life after a stroke is never easy, but creating a safe and supportive environment can make a world of difference. These home modifications help stroke survivors regain independence, reduce fall risks, and feel more confident in their daily routines.
If you don’t know where to start, Caring Senior Service can help. Our professional caregivers are specially trained to support stroke survivors, and we offer a free Home Safety Assessment to evaluate and recommend improvements for your space. Contact your local Caring team today to get started.
