Home Modification
Everyone should feel safe in their home; it’s what makes a house, your home. To prevent falls at home, you should consider some appropriate home modifications; they could be critical to ensuring your safety from slips, trips and falls.
Home modifications
Some home modifications won’t cost a dime and are easy to do; perhaps you should remove that rug you’re always tripping over? Perhaps plug in some night lights by the stairs? Is everything you need on a daily basis within easy reach? Why not check your home and see what simple, common sense things you can do to prevent slips, trips and falls around the house?
If more help is needed for mobility around the house, then some home modifications for the elderly or infirm may carry a cost and require some minor remodeling. Would the installation of grab bars and transfer poles help you or your loved ones get around the house with greater safety?
When it comes to wheelchair home modifications for the disabled for improved wheelchair accessibility, more extensive work will be necessary. The installation of wheelchair ramps, or having doors widened or a roll-in shower installed obviously requires more work, and will be more expensive. But what price can you put on safety in the home? And besides, the costs of home modifications will be significantly less than the cost of hospitalization should a serious trip or fall occur.
Where do I start?
You may be eligible for home modification assistance; your eligibility will depend on a few factors such as where in Arizona you live, and if you already receive home services. Our frequently asked questions sheet will help you find the answers to a variety of questions on how to get started, things to ask contractors, some home modification examples and more. Watch the following videos to find simple ways to improve your home and increase your safety:
Bathroom Safety Video:
Bedroom Safety Video:
Kitchen Safety Video:
Download here our Frequently Asked Questions pdf >
Who should I call?
We’ve made it easy for you to find a home modification provider based here in Maricopa County; simply go to our resources page and enter your zip code. You'll be provided with a list of Maricopa County home modification agencies and providers who can help you.
When considering providers, be sure to ask what levels of home modifications they can do for you; make sure you get a firm estimate of the costs involved and the approximate time it will take them to complete the modifications you need.
Examples of Home Hazards
Denis Flynn from Rebuilding Together talks about the importance of Home Modification
More questions? Contact us
If you have any questions that our FAQs haven’t answered, please contact the Arizona Fall Prevention Coalition through the Area Agency's 24-hour Senior HELP LINE at 602-264-HELP (4357) or by email here.