Most older Australians say they would prefer to remain living in their own homes as they get older. Home is familiar, comfortable, and connected to routines, neighbours and community.

With some planning and small practical changes, many people can continue living safely and independently at home for many years.

Occupational Therapists work with older adults and their families across Townsville, Ayr and Ingham to assess the home environment and identify strategies that improve safety, accessibility and confidence when moving around the home. Often the most effective changes are simple ones.

Start with a Home Safety Check

A good place to start is by taking a walk through your home and considering how easy it is to move around safely.

Ask yourself a few simple questions:

• Is the lighting bright enough, particularly in hallways and near stairs?
• Are there any loose rugs or uneven surfaces that could cause a trip?
• Are commonly used items stored at a comfortable height so you do not need to reach or bend too much?
• Are steps or entrances easy to navigate?

Good lighting, clear walkways and well-placed furniture can make a big difference to everyday safety. The Queensland Government's Stay On Your Feet program offers further self-assessment resources for older Queenslanders.

Focus on High-Risk Areas of the Home

Certain areas of the home are more commonly associated with falls.

Bathrooms are a common location because surfaces can become wet and slippery. Entrances and outdoor areas can also pose challenges, particularly if there are uneven paths, steps without handrails or poor lighting at night.

Bedrooms are another area to consider. Ensuring the bed height is appropriate and that a lamp or light switch is easily reachable can make nighttime mobility safer.

Reduce Clutter and Trip Hazards

Clear walkways allow safer movement throughout the home.

Items such as loose electrical cords, small rugs, shoes left on the floor or excess furniture can increase the risk of tripping. Keeping pathways clear and organising frequently used items within easy reach can help make everyday tasks safer.

A tidy and well-organised environment often improves confidence when moving around the home. Our companion guide on 10 Ways to Prevent Falls at Home and in the Community covers common hazards in more detail.

Consider Simple Assistive Equipment

Simple assistive devices can make daily activities easier and safer.

Examples include:

• Long-handled reachers to help pick up items from the floor or high shelves
• Shower chairs for safer bathing
• Raised toilet seats to make standing up easier
• Bed rails or bed poles to assist with getting in and out of bed

Some homes may also benefit from modifications such as grab rails or handrails. However, these should not be installed without proper assessment. Grab rails need to be positioned at very specific locations and at the correct height to be safe and effective. Incorrectly placed rails can actually increase the risk of falls or make transfers more difficult.

An Occupational Therapist can assess how a person moves within their bathroom or around their home and recommend the most appropriate equipment or modifications. Pairing strength and balance exercises with environmental changes is often the most effective approach. Our companion guide on Falls Prevention Exercises You Can Do at Home outlines simple routines that complement these home changes.

Plan Ahead for Changing Needs

Many people wait until they have had a fall before considering home safety changes. Introducing small modifications early can help prevent injuries and support independence as needs change over time.

An Occupational Therapist can provide a professional home safety assessment and recommend practical strategies tailored to individual needs, home environment and daily routines. Home assessments can often be funded through DVA, Support at Home, or arranged privately. Our Funding and Available Rebates page outlines what may be available for older Australians.

Planning ahead can make a significant difference in helping people remain comfortable, confident and independent in their own home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a home safety assessment?

A home safety assessment is a structured review of the home environment by an Occupational Therapist. It identifies environmental risks (such as lighting, flooring, bathroom set-up, and kitchen workflow), considers how the person actually moves through the space, and produces a short summary report with practical recommendations.

Do I need a GP referral to see an Occupational Therapist for a home safety assessment?

A GP referral is not required for a private home safety assessment. A GP referral is generally required for funded assessments through pathways such as the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA), Support at Home, or chronic disease management plans.

How is a home safety assessment funded for older Australians?

Home safety assessments can be funded through DVA (for eligible veterans and their partners), Support at Home (for older Australians needing community-based aged care), or arranged privately. Apricus Health can help work out which pathway may be most appropriate.

Where in North Queensland does Apricus Health complete home safety assessments?

Apricus Health Occupational Therapists complete home safety assessments across Townsville, Ayr and Ingham. Travel within these catchments is included in standard appointments.

When should someone consider a home safety assessment?

It is often most useful to arrange a home safety assessment before a fall occurs, rather than after. Early assessment can identify risks while changes can still be planned calmly and gradually. Family members who notice a parent or relative finding it harder to move safely around the home are often the first to raise it.

Looking for More Falls Prevention Advice?

Creating a safe home environment, staying physically active and planning ahead are all important parts of reducing falls and supporting independence as we age.

If you found this article helpful, you may also be interested in:

• 10 Ways to Prevent Falls at Home and in the Community
• Falls Prevention Exercises You Can Do at Home

Together, these guides provide practical tips to help older Australians stay safe, active and independent in their own homes.

Book a Home Safety and Falls Prevention Assessment

Apricus Health Occupational Therapists can complete a home safety and falls prevention assessment with a short summary report to identify risks and recommend practical solutions.

Contact Apricus Health on hello@apricushealth.com.au or (07) 4755 2337 to learn how we can support you or your family member to stay safe and independent at home.

Learn more about our Aged Support Services for older Australians and their families.

Enquire About a Home Safety Assessment Today