{"id":6500,"date":"2026-07-19T13:09:28","date_gmt":"2026-07-19T13:09:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/relocationtimess.com\/?p=6500"},"modified":"2026-07-19T13:09:28","modified_gmt":"2026-07-19T13:09:28","slug":"10-products-to-age-proof-your-home-according-to-geriatricians","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/relocationtimess.com\/?p=6500","title":{"rendered":"10 products to age-proof your home, according to geriatricians"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Our featured picks<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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\n\nRaemnaky Store Stainless Steel Grab Bar\n<\/span>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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\n\nKidde Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector\n<\/span>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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\n\nAmazon Echo Dot Max\n<\/span>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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\nRead our review<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n This past spring, my mom scheduled major foot surgery and began age-proofing her home (aka proactively adding safety items to ensure long-term accessibility) before her operation to help with her rehab and comfort. At first, I thought this was dramatic. After all, she\u2019s only 66, strength trains weekly and has a thorough health and wellness routine. But within just hours of visiting her after her procedure, I saw just how necessary all of this equipment really was.\n <\/p>

Read more Why the Trump effect is different in 2026 than 2018<\/a><\/p>\n

\n The grab bars, shower seat and raised toilet allowed her to keep her independence and maintain her daily routine without risking an injury while she was healing. Meanwhile, the home security system I teased her about (she lives in a very safe apartment building) provided me peace of mind when I had to leave her alone and head back to New York. With these gadgets, I could monitor her whereabouts and trust that she would stay safe throughout her recovery.\n <\/p>\n

\n Age-proofing your home isn\u2019t just something to do right before a big surgery, though \u2014 it\u2019s a proactive strategy that can keep you safe in your daily life, no matter your health, so I asked experts for their recommendations as to the best products for age-proofing homes and for aging tips to boost safety, independence and care.\n <\/p>\n

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\nRelated article<\/span>\nThe 7 best anti-fatigue and standing mats, per healthcare experts<\/span>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\n\nStardrix ADA-Compliant Phenolic Folding Shower Seat\n<\/span>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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Dr. Nina Blachman, a geriatrician at NYU Langone Health, said shower chairs can prevent slips and falls during bathing. There are many variations available to buy, but according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), compliant models must be able to hold up to 250 pounds, have a rectangular or L-shaped seat (depending on the shape of the shower) installed onto walls and be foldable. <\/p>

This Stardrix model can withstand up to 400 pounds, boasts a waterproof phenolic top that\u2019s easy to wipe clean and is made with long-lasting stainless steel. It comes with mounting hardware like screws, a wall bracket and mounting flanges for seamless installation. <\/p><\/div>\n

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\n\n $149 at Amazon\n <\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\n\nRaemnaky Store Stainless Steel Grab Bar\n<\/span>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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\u201cThe bathroom is statistically the most dangerous room in the house,\u201d Blake Watson, the owner of Age-Proof Homes said. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cautions that the highest rates of injuries were those occurred in or around the tub or shower (65.8 per 100,000). Because of this, Watson recommends installing grab bars throughout the area. \u201cThey are the necessary equipment needed to prevent you from falling to the ground,\u201d he said. <\/p>

My mom bought a few of these ADA-compliant bars because they look the most \u201cnormal\u201d to her \u2014 they resemble typical stainless steel towel holders \u2014 and they come in different sizes, like 12-, 18- and 24-inch options. She bought a 24-inch bar and a two-pack of 12-inch bars to fit around her bathing space. They blend in well, and she said they\u2019ve saved her from a few scary slips inside the shower.<\/p><\/div>\n

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\n\n$30<\/s>\n From $28 at Amazon\n <\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\n\nMaz-Tek Plug-in Motion Sensor Lights, 2-Pack\n<\/span>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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The experts I spoke with said that to prevent falls, slips and bumps that might cause injuries, obstacles throughout the home must be easily visible at all times, especially when it\u2019s dark at night. Jess Donovan, a board-certified specialist in geriatric physical therapy at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, recommends investing in sensor lights to boost visibility. <\/p>

\u201cThere are many low-cost, plug-in options that are movement-activated, so if you need to get up in the middle of the night for any reason, they can illuminate the floor without having to turn on all the lights,\u201d she said. This pack of two has three lighting modes, including an automatic setting that turns the lights on if motion is detected within 15 feet; they shut off after sensing 20 seconds of inactivity. Plug them into your bedroom, hallways, bathroom and kitchen to light up your most-used walkways.<\/p><\/div>\n

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\n\n $13 at Amazon\n <\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\nRelated article<\/span>\nI tracked my sleep, stress and fitness for 90 days to improve my longevity. Here\u2019s what happened<\/span>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\n\nDrive Medical 2-in-1 Raised Toilet Seat\n<\/span>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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My mom has arthritis and experiences a lot of joint stiffness, especially in her knees and hips. Her foot surgery made it more challenging to squat, so she added this raised toilet seat to her bathroom for assistance. She said the side bars and secure locking fit are her favorite features. Though she still has to bend down a bit, this addition limits her range of motion to a more attainable angle and allows her to sit comfortably. <\/p>

Similarly, Blachman said raised toilet seats can be helpful for those who may have trouble standing up from a seated position, since you don\u2019t need to use as much lower-body strength to boost yourself upright. <\/p><\/div>\n

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\n\n$31<\/s>\n $30 at Amazon\n <\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\n\nCosy Homeer Nonslip Stair Treads, 15-Pack\n<\/span>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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If you have uncarpeted stairs in your home, Blachman advises adding treads to each step to prevent slips. With a 4.7-star rating and more than 2,000 perfect reviews, this washable option is worth investing in. Best of all, no tools are required to apply them: Simply peel and stick each adhesive strip to your steps. Choose from nine colors and eight options to personalize it to your home\u2019s decor and setup needs.<\/p><\/div>\n

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\n\n$90<\/s>\n $76 at Amazon\n <\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\n\nRing Battery Doorbell (2024)\n<\/span>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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Watson said video doorbells allow seniors to vet strangers from the safety of their favorite chair via an app. My mom likes her Ring Battery Doorbell in particular because of it has two-way talk and motion detection features. She especially relies on it during the workday because she can\u2019t always step away from her desk to check if packages have been delivered.<\/p>

It was easy for her to secure this Ring model to her door: She bought the brand\u2019s no-drill mount and had the adhesive holder in place in minutes. It\u2019s been about a year, and she\u2019s had no issues with removing the doorbell for charging or cleaning. <\/p><\/div>\n

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\n\n $100 at Amazon\n <\/span>\n<\/div>\n
\n\n $100 at Ring\n <\/span>\n<\/div>\n
\n\n $100 at Target\n <\/span>\n<\/div>\n
\n\n $100 at Lowe’s\n <\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Editor Favorite<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\n\nAmazon Echo Dot Max\n<\/span>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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My mom uses the Alexa Echo Dot Max daily to keep track of her grocery list and stay on top of physical therapy appointments. She also pays for Alexa Emergency Assist monthly, which allows her to reach response agents or emergency contacts should she need them. \u201cSmart speakers or emergency call buttons worn around the neck are helpful in case of emergency,\u201d Blachman said. <\/p>

CNN Underscored senior deals editor Rikka Altland tested this model and said that, alongside the added peace of mind that smart speakers offer for emergencies, they allow you to control smart home accessories like LED lights, deadbolts and thermostats with your voice for extra convenience. \u201cInstead of having to walk all the way to your front door to check if it’s locked or get out of bed to turn on the air conditioning, summoning a voice assistant such as Alexa can accomplish the same feats with just your voice,\u201d she said.<\/p><\/div>\n

\nRead our review<\/p>\n

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\n\n $100 at Amazon\n <\/span>\n<\/div>\n
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\nRelated article<\/span>\nI spent 60 days trying to improve my posture. Here\u2019s what happened<\/span>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\n\nCabinet Parts Double Drawer Roll-Out Cookware Organizer\n<\/span>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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Making your kitchen more accessible can make all the difference in daily life. Watson recommends adding pull-out drawers to cabinets because they eliminate some of the need to bend and reach, thus minimizing the risk of back injuries. Jolin Polasek, founder and owner of Sage Organization & Design, previously recommended this roll-out organizer for anyone looking to add custom built-ins to their storage. She said the fitted, two-tiered system is a \u201csleek way to file pans and lids.\u201d<\/p><\/div>\n

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\n\n$992<\/s>\n $893 at Cabinet Parts\n <\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\n\nAmico Single Pole Light Switches With Wall Plates, 30-Pack\n<\/span>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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For functional lighting, Watson recommends rocker light switches so people with arthritis or who have limited dexterity can easily bump them on and off. \u201cRocker light switches are definitely easier to use than traditional toggles because they can be switched on\/off with your elbow or whatever you’re carrying,\u201d CNN Underscored home and gifts editor Amina Lake Patel said. \u201cThey’re also much more modern-looking. Plus, interior designers often recommend new outlet covers and switches as a small upgrade that makes a big difference in your home’s look.\u201d<\/p>

These rocker lights come in large packs of up to 50, allowing you to replace every switch in your home for under $75. They have an Underwriters Laboratories (UL) certification, meaning the switches meet strict standards for fire, electrical and mechanical hazards<\/p>

Read more Bernie blowback: How Sanders\u2019 primary endorsements have sparked a Democratic midterm war<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

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\n\n$59<\/s>\n $50 at Amazon\n <\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\n\nKidde Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector\n<\/span>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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Smart smoke detectors like this Kidde device send automated alerts to family members’ phones when unhealthy air quality is detected so they can check in with their loved one to make sure they\u2019re OK or provide additional assistance. Watson is a fan of this kind of notification system, which also connects to the Ring app for even more convenience. <\/p>

\u201cI’ve tested multiple smart home smoke and C02 detectors in the past and find them to be well suited to seniors and their unique challenges,\u201d CNN Underscored testing writer Alex Rennie said. \u201cMany utilize voice commands instead of (or in combination with) loud beeps, providing specific instructions on what to do should an emergency occur. Some also have the ability to send mobile notifications to friends, family members or out-of-house caregivers, which could be a huge benefit for those with mobility or accessibility issues.\u201d<\/p><\/div>\n

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\n\n $70 at Amazon\n <\/span>\n<\/div>\n
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\n How to choose age-proof products for your home\n<\/h2>\n

\n Blachman said the best age-proofing home products should increase accessibility and prevent falls. \u201cThis often means accommodating assistive devices such as a walker or potentially a wheelchair,\u201d she said. You\u2019ll also want to consider proactive strategies, like installing smart alarms and cameras, to make daily tasks easier, safer and more convenient. To figure out what products to incorporate into your home, the experts I spoke with recommend considering your personal mobility and cognitive capabilities or those of a loved one living in the home. It\u2019s also important to analyze the functionality of the products themselves.\n <\/p>\n

\n ADA compliance\n<\/h4>\n

\n When a product is ADA-compliant, its design and features align with government regulations and meet \u201cspecific technical design criteria that allow people with disabilities to independently access and use them,\u201d per the US Department of Justice and Civil Rights.\n <\/p>\n

\n \u201cWe like to use ADA guidelines as a starting point when making modifications for accessibility,\u201d Watson said. \u201cThings like grab bars and shower seats should be ADA-compliant.\u201d\n <\/p>\n

\n Useful designs\n<\/h4>\n

\n Look for products that require low grip strength and minimal physical force. For example, the Amico Single Pole Light Switches can be turned on with a simple bump \u2014 no finger pressing required. This type of design is accessible for people with limited muscle or joint functionality.\n <\/p>\n

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\nRelated article<\/span>\nMenopause can wreak havoc on sleep. Experts say these 7 products can help<\/span>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n Look and feel\n<\/h4>\n

\n Texture provides high slip resistance, Watson said, so adding extra grip to flooring (or buying floors and carpeting with built-in traction) can prevent falls. However, he advises against filling your home with rugs and runners that aren\u2019t secured to the floor because these decor pieces are often the culprits behind slip-ups.\n <\/p>\n

\n Adding more color to your home can also prevent accidents. \u201cAs seniors age, visual impairment becomes a challenge, and choosing products that are easily distinguishable is critical for safety measures,\u201d Watson said. He recommends including hues that clearly delineate changes in floor height or counter edges to help housemates and visitors easily identify edges.\n <\/p>\n

\n Current mobility\n<\/h4>\n

\n Donovan recommends buying items that promote mobility but advises against products that might encourage sedentary behavior. For example, she said recliners with remote-controlled seat-raising can be a great tool for people who have a hard time standing without assistance, but could lead to a decline in mobility if you rely on them too much when you don\u2019t need to. \u201cIf you don\u2019t use it, you lose it,\u201d she said. \u201cThis same thing goes for other mobility equipment like canes or walkers. If you\u2019re wondering if you should be using one, I would recommend having your balance assessed by a licensed rehab professional, like a physical therapist or an occupational therapist.\u201d\n <\/p>\n

\n User cognition and practicality\n<\/h4>\n

\n If a product has controls, make sure they\u2019re simple and intuitive to use. Avoid overly complex smart technology that can put a senior under stress. Additionally, you should look for products that will actually be used. \u201cThere are a lot of \u2018age-proofing\u2019 products out there that are highly complex or require a high amount of technology competence or a specific app to use,\u201d Donovan said. \u201cIf you\u2019re a person who enjoys working with technology, then those are the products for you. If not, look for ones that are more simple that better fit your needs.\u201d\n <\/p>\n

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