How to Prepare Your Home for In-Home Care
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How to Prepare Your Home for In-Home Care

Published On
February 28, 2025
Welcoming BrightStar Care of San Francisco’s in-home care into your life means ensuring your home is safe, functional, and comfortable for your loved one and their caregiver. 

From removing potential hazards to setting up essential supplies, a few key adjustments can make a world of difference. Whether you're preparing for short-term recovery support or long-term care, taking the proper steps now will create a smoother, more effective care experience.

Spotting and Fixing Common Safety Hazards

Before care begins, it helps to do a quick walk-through of the house with fresh eyes. Loose rugs, wobbly furniture, and cluttered hallways might not seem like a big deal, but they can become obstacles. Taping down rugs, clearing pathways, and adding extra lighting in dim areas can help prevent unnecessary trips and falls.
  • Secure Loose Rugs and Wires: Rugs and electrical cords can quickly become tripping hazards. Using double-sided tape to secure rugs and bundling wires out of walkways can create a safer space.
  • Stabilize Furniture: Wobbly chairs, unsteady tables, or unbalanced shelving can cause accidents. Checking for and tightening loose screws, adding furniture grippers, or replacing unstable pieces can improve safety.
  • Declutter Walkways: Clear paths are essential for easy movement. Ensuring hallways and high-traffic areas are free from stacks of books, shoes, or random objects can prevent accidental falls.
  • Improve Lighting: Dim lighting makes it hard to see potential hazards. Placing nightlights in hallways and bathrooms, installing brighter bulbs, and using motion-sensor lights can make moving around at night much easier.
  • Install Handrails and Grab Bars: Sturdy handrails along staircases and bathroom grab bars can provide extra stability and reduce the risk of falls in areas where support is most needed.

Creating a Cozy and Functional Living Space

A well-set-up living area makes daily life easier. Adjust furniture so there’s plenty of room to move around. Comfortable seating, easy-to-reach tables, and proper lighting can make all the difference. Keeping familiar items like books, remotes, and favorite blankets within arm’s reach adds comfort.

Making Bathroom Time Safer and Simpler

Bathroom safety is essential, and a few simple adjustments can make the space significantly safer. Installing grab bars near the toilet and shower, swapping out slippery bath mats for non-slip versions, and using a shower chair can greatly impact. If stepping over a tub is tough, a walk-in shower might be a significant investment.

Setting Up a Relaxing and Accessible Bedroom

A good night’s sleep starts with a well-organized bedroom. Keeping the bed at a comfortable height, adding nightlights for better visibility, and keeping essentials like water, medications, and a phone close by can make bedtime and mornings much smoother. If getting in and out of bed is a challenge, an adjustable bed or bed rails could be a helpful addition.

Kitchen Tweaks for Convenience and Safety

The kitchen should be a space where meals and snacks are easy to prepare. A few simple adjustments can make cooking and dining stress-free.
  • Organize for Easy Access: Keeping everyday items at waist level eliminates the need for reaching or bending. Placing dishes, cookware, and commonly used ingredients on lower shelves makes meal prep much easier.
  • Use Easy-Open Containers: Stiff lids and tricky packaging can be frustrating. Opting for easy-to-open storage containers and kitchen tools with ergonomic grips can simplify cooking and food storage.
  • Ensure Appliances are Safe and Functional: Regularly checking that appliances like microwaves, stovetops, and refrigerators are in good working condition helps prevent kitchen mishaps. For added safety, consider using automatic shut-off features.
  • Simplify Cooking with Ready-to-Eat Options: If meal preparation becomes too much, pre-portioned meal kits, grocery delivery services, or frozen meals that require minimal effort can help keep nutrition on track without the hassle.

Helping With Mobility Around the Home

Getting from one room to another should be easy and stress-free. To create clear pathways for those who use mobility aids like walkers or wheelchairs, consider widening doorways or rearranging furniture. Ramps for doorsteps and handrails along hallways or staircases can also add extra support.

Emergency Planning and Home Security

Nobody likes to think about emergencies, but having a plan makes all the difference. Keeping emergency numbers in an easy-to-see spot, installing smoke detectors, and considering a medical alert system can add peace of mind. If a caregiver is coming in, setting up a secure way for them to enter the home—like a keyless entry or lockbox—can be a lifesaver.

Keeping Important Papers and Medications in Order

A little organization goes a long way. Having a dedicated folder for medical records, insurance information, and emergency contacts can make things easier when needed. Setting up a simple medication system—like a labeled pill organizer or reminders—helps ensure nothing gets missed.

Talking Things Through with Your Caregiver

Communication is key to smooth in-home care. Upfront discussions about schedules, care routines, and personal preferences help set the stage for a great experience. If something isn’t working, an open conversation can help find a better way to do things.

How We Can Help

At BrightStar Care of San Francisco, we know home is where the heart is, and we’re here to help make your home the best place to receive care. Whether it’s providing safety recommendations or hands-on assistance, we’re committed to making life easier for families and their loved ones.

Personalized Care Plans
Every situation is unique, so we offer personalized care plans designed around specific needs. From light assistance to round-the-clock support, our services adapt to what works best for your home and lifestyle.

Trusted and Compassionate Caregivers
Our caregivers aren’t just trained professionals—they’re caring, kind, and dedicated to improving daily life. They provide everything from companionship to mobility assistance, ensuring comfort and security in familiar surroundings.

Support Beyond Physical Care
Home care is more than just helping with daily tasks. We provide emotional support, social engagement, and peace of mind, helping families easily transition to in-home care.

Contact BrightStar Care of San Francisco!

BrightStar Care of San Francisco is here to provide the resources and support you need to care for your loved one. Contact us today to learn more about caregiving services! Our office is at 150 Shoreline Hwy, Suite B28, Mill Valley, CA, 94941. You may also call us at (415) 332-3300

We look forward to hearing from you!