Good lighting is one of the simplest ways to make a home safer for staying in it longer. The CDC’s home fall prevention checklist recommends lights and switches at the top and bottom of stairs, and night lights on the path to the bathroom. Electrical upgrades like these are small jobs that help with daily life.
Why lighting matters
Many falls at home happen in the dark or in dim light, on the way to the bathroom at night, on stairs, or at a step down into the garage. Eyes also need more light with age and take longer to adjust from bright to dark.
The CPSC’s checklist for older consumers says to keep stairs well lighted. The CDC’s Check for Safety checklist goes further, with specific steps an electrician can help with.
Stairs, steps and hallways
Stairs and steps are the first place to look. Many West Valley homes are single story, but a step into the garage, a sunken living room or a step onto the patio still counts.
A light over every stairway and step
A light switch at both the top and the bottom of stairs, so you never walk in the dark
Switches that glow, so you can find them at night
Hallway lights with switches at both ends
Brighter, even lighting that does not leave shadows on the steps
The path from bed to bathroom
The CDC checklist recommends a lamp close to the bed that is easy to reach, and night lights along the path to the bathroom. An electrician can add more.
A switch by the bedroom door and one by the bed for the room’s main light
Plug-in or built-in night lights along the hall
Motion-activated lights that turn on as you step out of bed
A brighter bathroom light with a switch right at the door
Switches and outlets that are easier to use
Small changes make a home easier on hands, knees and backs.
Rocker switches, which are easier to press than small toggles
Lighted switches that are easy to find in the dark
Outlets placed higher on the wall so you do not have to bend to the floor
Outlets near the bed and favorite chair for phone and medical device chargers
Replacing outlets where plugs fall out, which can also be a safety issue
Lighting that is bright but not harsh
Bright, even light helps you see edges, steps and things on the floor. LED fixtures give strong light without much heat. Avoid glare from bare bulbs, which can make it harder to see. Under-cabinet lights in the kitchen and a well-lit entry also help.
Outdoor and entry lighting
A dark walkway or porch is a fall risk too, especially coming home in the evening.
Lights at every exterior door, and at any step to the patio or driveway
Motion-activated lights on the path from the car to the door
Lights that come on at dusk, so you never come home to a dark entry
Alarms and safety
The CPSC recommends a smoke alarm in every bedroom, outside every sleeping area and on every floor of the home, and a carbon monoxide alarm outside every sleeping area. Interconnected alarms sound together, so an alarm in one room is heard everywhere. Keeping a phone and emergency numbers within reach also helps if a fall does happen.
Help for hands and eyes
Some simple changes also make daily tasks easier.
Large rocker switches and lighted switches in high-use rooms
Lights inside closets that turn on when the door opens
Brighter lighting over the kitchen counter, stove and sink
Lights placed to reduce shadows where you read or take medicine
Remote or smart controls for lights that are hard to reach
Help for the kitchen and bathroom
The kitchen and bathroom see a lot of use and a lot of water. GFCI protection on outlets near sinks helps prevent shock, and the CPSC GFCI fact sheet explains why. A brighter light over the shower or tub, a fan with a light, and an outlet placed where a hair dryer or shaver does not need to stretch over the sink all make these rooms safer.
Planning with family
Adult children often help a parent plan these changes. It can help to walk through the home together in the evening, when dim spots are easy to notice. Make a short list of places where you reach for a switch in the dark or wish there were more light. That list is a good starting point for a call.
Planning the work with Solana Electrical
You do not have to do everything at once. Many homeowners start with stairs and the path to the bathroom. Family members are welcome to join the call or the visit.
Call us at (602) 999-2770 and a real person answers. We will talk through what you need and give you the price before anyone drives out. Our electricians explain the work in plain words, and all of our labor and material carry a two-year warranty. We are licensed under AZ ROC #341966.
Common questions
What is the most useful aging-in-place electrical upgrade?
For many homes, it is lighting on stairs and steps with switches at both ends, plus night lights on the path from bed to bathroom.
Can outlets be moved higher on the wall?
Yes. An electrician can raise outlets or add new ones at a height that does not require bending to the floor.
Are motion-sensor lights a good idea for older adults?
They can be. Lights that turn on by themselves mean no searching for a switch in the dark, especially in hallways, bathrooms and entries.
