Most homes need some change before someone comes back after a stroke. You rarely need a renovation — small, well-chosen changes usually make the difference between manageable and exhausting.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Naresh Kumar, MPT
Last reviewed: 2 August 2026 · Our clinical team
Where possible, ask a physiotherapist or occupational therapist to advise on your actual home. What follows is a general starting point.
Getting in and around
- Clear a route wide enough for a walking aid or wheelchair
- Remove loose rugs, trailing cables and low furniture from walking routes
- Check thresholds and steps at the entrance — a ramp or handrail may be needed
- Make sure there is somewhere to sit near the entrance
Bathroom — usually the highest-risk room
- Non-slip mat inside and outside the washing area
- Grab rails fixed into the wall structure, not suction rails, and positioned where they will actually be used
- A shower chair or bath board if standing is unsteady
- Raised toilet seat and rail if getting up is difficult
- Move everyday items within reach of a seated person
Bedroom
- Bed at a height that allows feet flat on the floor when sitting on the edge
- Clear space on the side the person will get out of — usually the stronger side
- Lamp and phone within reach from the bed
- Consider ground-floor sleeping if stairs are a problem at first
Stairs
- Secure handrails — ideally on both sides
- Good lighting at the top and bottom, with a switch at both ends
- Mark the step edges if vision or depth perception is affected
- Agree a rule about when stairs are attempted, and with whom
Lighting and visibility
Increase lighting generally, particularly on routes used at night. A night light between bedroom and bathroom prevents a lot of falls.
Kitchen and living areas
- Move frequently used items to waist height
- A stable chair with arms makes standing up much easier
- Keep a phone accessible in the main living area
What to do first if you are short on time
Bathroom safety, a clear walking route, and lighting. Those three address the majority of avoidable falls at home.
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Medical disclaimer: this article is general information and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for individual assessment. See our medical disclaimer.