5 Common Mistakes Families Make When Trying to Make a Loved One’s Home More Accessible — And How to Avoid Them
As our parents or older loved ones age, it’s natural to want to make their home safer and more comfortable. But good intentions don’t always translate into the right solutions. That’s why Amy Francis-Smith, an Inclusive Design Expert working with stair lift and home lift company Stannah, has shared the most common mistakes families make when adapting a home — and how to get it right the first time.
The goal? Help your loved one stay safely and happily in their home for as long as possible — without sacrificing comfort or style.
Not Planning for Getting Up and Down the Stairs
When families renovate a home, they often think about kitchen layouts, bathroom upgrades, or extra bedrooms — but forget to consider how their loved one will get between floors. For many older adults, stairs can quickly become a major obstacle.
What to do instead
If a renovation is on the horizon, plan now for future mobility. Installing a stairlift or home lift ensures your loved one can safely use the entire home, not just the ground floor. You might also consider adding a downstairs toilet to minimise the need to go upstairs during the day.
Choosing Function Over Style — Or Vice Versa
Making a home safer doesn’t mean turning it into a hospital room. Families often struggle to balance safety with aesthetics, but it doesn’t have to be one or the other.
A better way
Small changes can make a big difference. For example, installing a boiling water tap near the stove eliminates the need to carry heavy kettles or pots — a common source of spills and strain. A boiling water dispenser can also replace a traditional kettle and reduce clutter.
Choose finishes that match the existing decor so that accessibility upgrades look stylish — not clinical.
Widening Doorways But Ignoring Room to Turn
If your loved one uses a walker, wheelchair, or mobility scooter, widening doorways is a smart move. But if there’s no space to turn around before or after going through a doorway, it can still be awkward or unsafe.
What to remember
Aim for 900mm of clear door width and 1500mm of turning space in key areas like the bathroom, kitchen, and hallways. This makes moving around much easier and safer — not to mention more dignified.
Installing a Wet Room That’s Not Truly Accessible
Wet rooms are often recommended for seniors, but if not designed properly, they can still pose risks. Some common issues include controls that are too high, a step into the shower, or no safe seating.
The better approach
Make sure your shower area is completely step-free, with a gentle floor slope (1.25–2%) for proper drainage. Install controls at a reachable height, especially from a seated position. And instead of a fold-down chair that may feel “clinical”, consider a built-in tiled bench that offers both safety and comfort — and looks more like a spa than a hospital.
Waiting Too Long to Reinforce Walls for Grab Rails
Grab rails and shower seats can be life-changing — but only if they’re safely installed. One of the most common regrets families have is not reinforcing the walls during renovations, making it harder to install safety features later on.
A proactive fix
If you’re renovating, ask your contractor to install solid backing (pattressing) in key areas, such as the bathroom or along hallways. That way, grab rails and fold-down seats can be safely mounted when needed, without tearing into finished walls.
Final Thoughts for Families
Inclusive design isn’t about making a home look “old” or “clinical”. In fact, with thoughtful planning, you can create a space that’s beautiful, safe, and comfortable for your loved one — and the whole family.
The earlier you plan, the easier it is to make smart, stylish decisions that support independence, dignity, and peace of mind. Your parent — and your future self — will thank you.
This article is based on advice supplied by Stannah Stairlifts and edited with help from the AI app ChatGTP.