Most older Australians want the same thing as they age: to stay in the home they love for as long as possible. A familiar home brings comfort, routine and independence – but sometimes small safety risks start to appear without us noticing. 

The good news is that a few simple home modifications can make everyday life easier, safer and more comfortable after 70. These changes don’t have to be complicated.  

Under the new Support at Home program, many people can also receive extra help for equipment and home modifications through the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications scheme, if they’ve been assessed as needing it. 

At For Care, we support many older people who want to stay independent by helping them with home safety, daily tasks and arranging the right supports. 

Here are five home changes that can make a real difference. 

Simple home modifications can make a significant difference to safety, comfort and independence after 70. Changes such as grab rails, better lighting, non-slip flooring, easy-access storage and safer outdoor areas can reduce the risk of falls and support ageing at home. Under the Support at Home program, some people may also access funding for assistive technology and home modifications following an assessment. 

1. Grab rails in key areas 

The bathroom is one of the most common places where older people slip or lose balance. Installing grab rails in the shower, beside the toilet or along a hallway gives you something steady to hold onto. It’s a small change that can prevent major falls and help you feel more confident moving around your home. 

For Care support workers often assist with showering and personal care. Grab rails make these tasks safer and more comfortable for you and give peace of mind to you and your family. 

2. Better lighting throughout the home 

As we get older, our eyes need more light to see clearly. Dim lighting can make it harder to judge steps, read labels or move safely from room to room. Brighter bulbs, extra lamps or sensor lights near hallways and entrances can make a big difference. 

Our team can help you notice areas that are too dark and talk with you about simple lighting improvements to reduce the risk of falls. 

3. Non-slip flooring and safer bathrooms 

Loose mats, shiny tiles and worn carpet edges can easily cause trips and slips, especially when floors are wet. Using non-slip mats, securing rugs, or changing flooring in key areas like the bathroom can greatly reduce the chance of a fall. 

These kinds of changes are exactly the type of home safety improvement that may be supported under the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications scheme, if they’re recommended as part of your care and safety needs.  

4. Easy-access storage 

Everyday tasks like reaching into high cupboards, bending low, or lifting heavy items can become harder after 70. Rearranging the kitchen, bathroom and wardrobe so that frequently used items are at waist or chest height can make daily life much easier. 

For Care support workers can assist with light decluttering and reorganising your home so that the things you use most are easier to reach, and walkways are clear and safe. 

5. Outdoor safety improvements 

Many falls happen just outside the home – on front steps, on uneven paths, or at the doorway. Adding a handrail beside steps, smoothing out uneven paths, or installing a small ramp can make it much safer to come and go. Good lighting near the front door or garage can also help you feel more confident going outside in the evening. 

These outdoor changes can support you to keep doing the things you enjoy, like checking the mail, sitting in the garden, or getting to the car without feeling anxious about tripping. 

How these changes support independence 

Simple improvements like these can remove a lot of the worry from everyday activities. When your home feels safe and easier to move around, you are more likely to stay active, keep your routines and continue doing things for yourself. 

This is exactly what Support at Home is designed to do – help older people stay independent and well in their own homes for longer, with the right mix of services, equipment and modifications where needed.  

Getting help through Support at Home 

If you receive support under the Support at Home program, you may be able to access: 

• regular in-home services (like personal care, cleaning or shopping support), and 

• separate funding for assistive technology and home modifications, where an assessment shows you need them.  

You don’t have to organise all of this on your own. For Care can help you understand your options, arrange assessments, and coordinate any approved home modifications with you. 

Growing older doesn’t have to mean feeling unsafe or unsure in your own home. With a few practical changes, your home can continue to be a place where you feel steady, confident and independent. 

If you’d like help exploring in-home aged care supports or possible home modifications under Support at Home, the team at For Care is here to guide you.