How to Prepare Your Home for Ageing in Place 

Many people we meet don’t want to leave the home they’ve worked hard for and perhaps have lived in for most of their lives. They just want things to feel safer, easier, and less exhausting, without turning the house into an aged care facility.

Here’s a practical, room-by-room guide to help you set up your home for ageing in place, with funding and cost tips.

Also read: How to Prepare for an Aged Care Assessment

Room-by-Room Home Modifications for Ageing in Place

Basics – start here:

• Clear walkways (hallways, bedroom-to-bathroom route)
• Remove loose rugs or secure them with non-slip backing
• Fix trip hazards like curled mats, uneven thresholds, and wobbly steps
• Keep everyday items between hip and shoulder height
• Add sturdy chairs where you tend to stop and rest (entry, hallway, bathroom)

Bathroom Safety Modifications (Falls Prevention)

Bathrooms are the highest fall risk area due to water and hard surfaces.

High-impact bathroom upgrades:

• Grab rails near the shower and toilet (properly installed into suitable supports)
• Non-slip flooring or non-slip treatment for tiles
• Shower chair or a wall-mounted shower seat
• Handheld shower head
• Raised toilet seat or comfort-height toilet
• Improve heating/ventilation (cold + rushing = higher fall risk)

Quick win: a bright light and a clear path for night-time bathroom trips.

Kitchen & Storage Setup for Easier Daily Living

Kitchens can become difficult due to lifting, reaching, and standing.

Simple kitchen changes that help:

• Move daily items down (mugs, plates, kettle, pantry basics)
• Use pull-out drawers/sliding shelves where possible
• Keep a stable chair or perch stool for breaks during prep
• Use a trolley for carrying meals, shopping, or laundry
• Consider lever taps if grip strength is changing

Rule of thumb: avoid storing heavy items above shoulder height or below knee height.

Bedroom Setup for Safer Nights and Easier Mornings

Many falls happen at night or when getting out of bed.

Bedroom safety tips:

• Set the bed height so you can sit with your feet flat and stand without struggling
• Keep a clear path to the toilet (no baskets, shoes, cords)
• Put essentials within reach: phone, glasses, water, lamp
• Consider a bed rail or stable bedside table for support (depending on your needs)
• If nights are becoming unsafe, a commode can be a sensible short-term option

Lighting and Visibility Upgrades 

Good lighting inside and outside reduces falls and makes the home feel more confident to move around.

Helpful lighting changes:

• Brighter LED globes (choose higher lumens, comfortable colour)
• Motion-sensor lights in the hallway, bathroom, and entry
• Night lights from bed to bathroom
• Light switches that are easy to reach (ideally near the bed and doorway)
• Improve contrast: make step edges and transitions easy to see

Outside (important for rural homes):

• Path lighting to the car, clothesline, bins, and entry
• Handrails on steps
• Clear moss/slippery areas and fix uneven pavers where possible

How to Access Government Funding for Home Modifications (AT-HM Funding)

Assistive Technology & Home Modifications

Equipment and home changes may be supported through Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) funding, depending on your approval.

In-depth Guide: Home Modifications & Assistive Technology: A Guide to Safe Ageing at Home

Common pathways:

• CHSP (Commonwealth Home Support Programme)
• Support at Home program

How it generally works:

1. Contact My Aged Care (Commonwealth Government) for assessment.
2. If approved, you may access supports for equipment (AT) and/or home modifications (HM).

Please note: we can share general guidance, but My Aged Care is your key contact for assessment and approvals. Once your funding is approved and ready, we can talk through what care at home could look like.

What Home Modifications Actually Cost

Costs vary by home, access, and travel (especially in rural areas), but these ranges help with planning:

Related: Aged Care Financial Planning

How to Choose the Right People for Your Home Modifications

For best results, look for people who understand older homes and practical access needs.

You may need:

• OT (Occupational Therapist) for recommendations
• Builder/carpenter for rails, ramps, step/entry fixes
• Plumber for shower/toilet changes
• Electrician for lighting and sensors
• Local hardware store for non-slip products and basic aids

How to choose well:

• Ask if they’ve done home modifications (not just renovations)
• Get a clear quote (materials, labour, travel, timeframes)
• Pick someone you’d feel comfortable having in your home

Talk to Us About Making Your Home Safer

If you’re in the mid North Coast of NSW, the Northern Rivers Region or the Gold Coast and you want to talk through what would make life at home easier, we’re here to help. We focus on client-controlled scheduling, careful staff matching, continuity of care, and longer visits.

If you tell us your town and the main trouble areas, we’ll help you map out a sensible plan.

Also read: Choosing an Aged Care Provider in NSW