A Complete Guide for Families in Ireland

Published on: TrustedElderlyCare.ie | Category: Home Adaptations, Practical Guides, Family Caregiving

Choosing to care for an elderly relative at home is a decision rooted in love, respect, and a deep understanding of what truly matters in later life. But making that choice a safe and sustainable reality often requires some practical changes to the home environment. The good news: many adaptations are straightforward, affordable, and significantly supported by Irish Government grants. This guide walks through 20 of the most impactful changes you can make — from quick wins to larger structural projects — along with the financial supports available to help you fund them.

1. Install Grab Rails and Handrails Throughout the Home

Grab rails are one of the single most effective fall-prevention tools available, and falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalisation among older people in Ireland. The HSE estimates that one in three people over 65 falls at least once a year — with serious consequences for health, confidence, and independence.

Grab rails should be fitted at every point where a person transitions between positions: beside the toilet, in the shower or bath, along hallway walls, at the top and bottom of stairs, and at the front and back door. They should be wall-mounted into structural supports (not plasterboard alone) and positioned at the right height for the individual.

A qualified occupational therapist can assess exactly where rails are needed and at what height — and this assessment may be available free of charge through your local HSE Primary Care Team.

Grant support: Grab rail installation is typically covered under the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability, administered by your local authority. Grants of up to €30,000 are available. See gov.ie for details.

2. Improve Lighting in Every Room and Along Stairways

Poor lighting is a major and often overlooked contributor to falls among older people. As we age, our eyes require significantly more light to see clearly — a person in their 70s may need three times as much light as someone in their 20s to perceive the same level of detail.

Particular attention should be paid to stairways, hallways, bathrooms, and the path between the bedroom and bathroom — the route most commonly taken at night. Motion-activated night lights plugged into sockets along this route can make an enormous difference without requiring any wiring work.

For the main living areas, consider replacing low-wattage bulbs with bright LED alternatives, adding task lighting at reading chairs and kitchen worktops, and ensuring light switches are easily reachable and clearly visible (illuminated switches work well).

Outdoor lighting — particularly at the front door, path, and any steps — should also be assessed. Motion-activated outdoor LED lights are inexpensive and install easily.

3. Convert a Downstairs Room into a Bedroom

One of the most transformative adaptations for an elderly person with limited mobility is relocating their bedroom to the ground floor, eliminating the need to navigate stairs daily. This is especially important for anyone with arthritis, balance difficulties, recovering from a hip or knee replacement, or experiencing early-stage dementia.

The ideal setup pairs a downstairs bedroom with access to a ground-floor bathroom or wet room. If the home’s layout permits, this single change can make independent living feasible for many more years.

If a full bedroom conversion requires significant structural work — such as converting a dining room or adding a ground-floor extension — this may qualify for grant funding.

Grant support: The Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability covers structural adaptations including room conversions and extensions. The Housing Aid for Older Persons Scheme (grants up to €8,000) covers repairs and improvements. Both are administered by local authorities. Visit citizensinformation.ie for a full overview.

4. Install a Stairlift

Where a downstairs bedroom is not possible, a stairlift is the most practical solution for enabling safe movement between floors. Modern stairlifts are reliable, relatively quick to install, and available in both straight and curved stair configurations.

They are also increasingly aesthetically unobtrusive — a far cry from the bulky units of earlier decades. A stairlift can transform an older person’s ability to remain in their own home rather than being confined to one floor or facing a move to residential care.

It is worth having an occupational therapist assess suitability before purchase, as some stair configurations, narrow hallways, or doorway placements at the top of stairs may require specific models.

Grant support: Stairlift installation is covered under the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability through your local authority. Some local authorities also operate interest-free loan schemes alongside grant support.

5. Adapt the Bathroom — or Install a Wet Room

The bathroom is statistically the most dangerous room in the home for older people — hard surfaces, water, and transitions between standing and sitting create a high-risk environment. A thorough bathroom adaptation is one of the highest-impact investments a family can make.

Key changes include:

Replacing a bath with a walk-in shower or wet room — eliminating the need to step over a bath rim
Installing a shower seat — allowing bathing in a seated position
Fitting a raised toilet seat — reducing the effort required to sit and stand
Adding a handheld shower head — giving greater control and flexibility
Using non-slip flooring or bath mats — reducing the risk of wet-surface falls
Installing a fold-down shower seat on the wall — unobtrusive when not in use

A full wet room conversion — where the entire bathroom floor is waterproofed and drained, eliminating any step into a shower area — is the gold standard for accessibility and is increasingly popular in Irish home adaptations.

Grant support: Bathroom adaptations are among the most commonly funded items under the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability. Contact your local authority’s housing department to apply.

6. Widen Doorways for Wheelchair or Walker Access

Standard internal doorways in Irish homes are often too narrow for a wheelchair or wheeled walker (rollator). If your loved one currently uses — or is likely to need — a wheelchair or walking frame, door widths become a practical barrier that affects every part of daily life.

Widening doorways typically involves removing the existing door frame and fitting a wider one, a job for a qualified carpenter or builder. The minimum recommended width for wheelchair access is 800mm clear opening width. At the same time, consider replacing traditional round door handles with lever handles, which are far easier to operate for people with arthritis or reduced grip strength.

Grant support: Doorway widening is covered under the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability administered by local authorities.

7. Install a Ramp at the Entrance

Steps at the front or back door — even a single step — can become a significant barrier for an older person using a walking frame, wheelchair, or experiencing balance difficulties. A properly constructed access ramp removes this barrier entirely.

Ramps should have a gentle gradient (no steeper than 1:12 — one centimetre rise for every 12 centimetres of run), a non-slip surface, and a handrail on at least one side. For a single step, a small modular ramp can be fitted quickly and inexpensively. For multiple steps, a longer ramp or a small lift platform may be required.

Grant support: External ramps are covered under the Mobility Aids Housing Grant Scheme (grants up to €6,000, means-tested) as well as the Housing Adaptation Grant. See your local authority for details.

8. Fit Lever Taps and Easy-Grip Handles Throughout

Arthritis is extremely common among older people — Arthritis Ireland estimates that over 915,000 people in Ireland live with some form of arthritis, with osteoarthritis being particularly prevalent in older age. Traditional round taps and small door knobs require a gripping and twisting motion that can be genuinely painful and difficult for arthritic hands.

Replacing round taps with lever-style taps throughout the kitchen and bathroom is a small but meaningful upgrade. Similarly, replacing small or round door handles with long lever handles, fitting easy-grip jar openers in the kitchen, and choosing large-button appliances all reduce daily frustration and support continued independence.

These are low-cost changes that can be made without professional help in most cases, though a handyperson can do the full job quickly for a modest fee.

9. Create a Safe Kitchen Environment

The kitchen presents specific risks for older people — burns, cuts, falls, and gas or electrical hazards. Some targeted adaptations can make the kitchen significantly safer while preserving the independence and dignity that comes with preparing one’s own meals.

Key kitchen adaptations include:

Installing a cooker or hob with automatic shut-off — important for those with early memory issues
Raising the height of appliances — placing the washing machine or dishwasher on a plinth to avoid bending
Fitting pull-out shelves and lazy Susans in lower cabinets — reducing the need to reach and bend
Using a kettle tipper — a simple device that tips the kettle to pour without lifting
Replacing gas hobs with induction hobs — eliminating open-flame risk
Ensuring all frequently used items are at waist height — within easy reach without climbing or deep bending
Fitting a smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector if not already in place

The HSE’s Alone partner charity and Age Action Ireland offer practical advice on kitchen safety for older people living independently.

10. Declutter and Create Clear, Unobstructed Walkways

One of the most underestimated fall risks in the home is clutter. Loose rugs, trailing cables, low coffee tables, piles of newspapers, shoes left at the door — any of these can catch a foot and cause a fall in moments.

A thorough declutter of the home — particularly hallways, the path from bedroom to bathroom, and the living room — can dramatically reduce trip hazards. Remove all loose rugs or secure them with non-slip backing. Secure or reroute any trailing cables. Ensure frequently used items are always stored in accessible locations that don’t require reaching, bending, or stepping around obstacles.

This is a free adaptation that any family member can carry out in an afternoon, yet its impact on safety is significant.

11. Install a Personal Emergency Response System (PERS)

A personal alarm — often worn as a pendant or wristband — allows an older person to call for help at the press of a button if they fall or experience a medical emergency at home. For someone living alone, this is not a luxury: it is a critical safety net.

Several providers operate in Ireland, including Eircom SeniorLine, Tunstall, and CarePlus. Charges vary but are typically modest — often under €1 per day. The alarm connects to a 24/7 monitoring centre that can contact a family member, neighbour, or emergency services as appropriate.

Some local authorities and the HSE also subsidise the cost of personal alarms for older people in the community. Alone (alonetrust.ie) also provides a befriending and monitoring service that includes alarm support.

Grant support: The Mobility Aids Housing Grant Scheme may cover telecare and assistive technology in some local authority areas. It is worth enquiring directly with your local authority’s housing team.

12. Consider Smart Home Technology

Modern smart home technology offers a growing range of tools that can support older people living at home with greater safety and independence:

Smart doorbells with video (e.g., Ring or similar) — allow an older person to see and speak to a caller without going to the door, and allow family members to monitor remotely
Voice-activated smart speakers (Amazon Echo, Google Home) — can set medication reminders, make phone calls, answer questions, control lights and heating, and play music — all without needing to handle a phone or remote
Smart plugs with scheduling — allow heating, lighting, or appliances to be controlled remotely by family members
Sensor-based activity monitoring systems — passive sensors placed around the home that detect movement patterns and can alert family if unusual inactivity is detected (e.g., a person hasn’t moved from bed by a certain time)

These technologies are increasingly affordable and can be a game-changer for families who want to support a loved one’s independence while having peace of mind.

13. Improve Heating and Insulation

Cold is a serious health risk for older people — hypothermia, respiratory illness, and cardiovascular events all increase with exposure to cold indoor temperatures. The WHO recommends a minimum indoor temperature of 18°C for older people, and ideally 21°C in living rooms during the day.

Many older Irish homes are poorly insulated, leading to high heating costs and cold, draughty living conditions. Improving insulation — attic, walls, floors, and windows — not only makes the home warmer and healthier, it also significantly reduces energy bills.

Grant support: The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) offers a range of grants for home insulation, heating upgrades, and energy efficiency improvements, including specific supports for older homeowners and those on lower incomes under the Warmer Homes Scheme — which provides free energy upgrades to eligible households. Visit seai.ie to check eligibility. This scheme is available to homeowners who receive certain means-tested payments including the Fuel Allowance, Jobseeker’s Allowance, and Carer’s Allowance.

14. Address the Garden and Outdoor Spaces

Gardens and outdoor areas present both opportunity and risk for older people. The opportunity: access to fresh air, gentle activity, and the psychological benefits of nature — all of which are strongly associated with wellbeing in older age. The risk: uneven surfaces, steps, slippery paths, and the effort of maintenance that can lead to falls or overexertion.

Practical outdoor adaptations include:

Resurfacing uneven paths with level, non-slip paving
Replacing steps with ramps where gradients allow
Installing raised garden beds to allow gardening without bending
Adding outdoor lighting for safe movement after dark
Fitting a handrail on any outdoor steps
Reducing lawn area in favour of low-maintenance planting or gravel

A garden that has been thoughtfully adapted can be a genuine source of daily joy and light physical activity — a significant quality-of-life asset.

15. Set Up a Comfortable, Accessible Bedroom

The bedroom should be a place of rest and safety. For an older person with reduced mobility, a few targeted changes can make it significantly more functional:

Ensure the bed is at the correct height — easy to get in and out of without excessive bending or strain. Adjustable beds or bed raisers can help.
Install a bed rail on one side to assist with rolling and rising
Place a firm chair beside the bed for dressing — sitting to dress is far safer than balancing on one leg
Keep a telephone or personal alarm within arm’s reach of the bed at all times
Use non-slip rugs or no rugs beside the bed — falls on rising in the night are common
Ensure window blinds or curtains are easy to operate — blackout blinds on simple pull cords work well

If the bedroom has an en-suite, ensure the path is clear, well-lit, and equipped with grab rails.

16. Review and Organise Medications

Medication management is one of the most critical — and most frequently overlooked — aspects of home care for older people. Many older people take multiple medications, and errors in dosage, timing, or missed doses can have serious health consequences.

Simple systems can make medication management much safer:

A weekly pill organiser with clearly labelled days and times
A medication list displayed in a clear location (e.g., on the fridge) listing all medications, doses, and times — invaluable for carers and in an emergency
Automated medication dispensers that release the correct dose at the right time and alert the person with an alarm
Pharmacy blister packing — many Irish pharmacies will pre-pack medications in weekly blister packs, free of charge, removing the need for the person to manage individual bottles

A home carer visiting regularly can play a vital role in medication oversight. TrustedCarers.ie lists experienced home care professionals across Ireland who are trained in supporting clients with medication routines safely and effectively.

17. Install or Upgrade Door Locks and Home Security

Older people living alone can be vulnerable to doorstep crime and opportunistic callers. Simple security upgrades provide both physical protection and significant peace of mind:

A door chain or door bar prevents a door being pushed fully open before the person is ready
A spy hole or video doorbell allows visitors to be seen before the door is opened
A keysafe fitted externally allows trusted family members and carers to access the property in an emergency, while keeping keys secure
Ensuring window locks work on all ground-floor windows

An Garda Síochána’s community policing teams offer free home security assessments for older people in many areas — it is worth contacting your local Garda station to enquire.

18. Plan for Acoustic and Communication Needs

Hearing loss is extremely common in older age — the HSE estimates that over 40% of people aged over 65 in Ireland have some degree of hearing loss. Yet its impact on safety at home is often underappreciated.

An older person with hearing loss may not hear a smoke alarm, a caller at the door, or a phone ringing. Some practical adaptations:

Fit a flashing or vibrating smoke alarm in addition to a standard audible one
Install a doorbell with a visual flash indicator in the living room
Ensure the person’s hearing aids are properly fitted and working — contact CORU-registered audiologists or the HSE audiology service
Consider a telephone with amplified sound and large buttons for easier communication
Use a mobile phone with large text and simplified interface — models designed specifically for older users are widely available

Clear communication is also fundamental to good care. Any home carer supporting your relative should be aware of their communication needs and adapt accordingly.

19. Create a Dementia-Friendly Home Environment

For families supporting a relative with dementia or early cognitive decline, the physical home environment can be adapted to reduce confusion, support orientation, and minimise risk — enabling the person to remain safely at home for longer.

Key dementia-friendly adaptations include:

Clear labelling on doors and cupboards — “Bathroom,” “Kitchen,” with simple pictures where helpful
Removing mirrors in some areas — mirrors can be confusing or frightening for people with dementia
Using contrasting colours for toilet seats, grab rails, and crockery — visual contrast helps a person with dementia locate and identify objects
Removing or locking away hazardous items — cleaning products, sharp implements, medications
Installing door sensors or alarms that alert a carer if an external door is opened at night
Keeping the environment consistent — frequent rearrangement of furniture increases confusion and fall risk
Displaying a prominent clock and calendar to support orientation in time

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (alzheimer.ie) offers an excellent range of resources for families adapting homes for relatives with dementia, including a dementia adviser service available nationwide.

20. Engage a Professional Home Carer for Regular Support

Physical adaptations to the home are enormously valuable, but they work best alongside human support. A skilled, compassionate home carer visiting regularly — whether for a few hours a week or on a full-time basis — provides the layer of help, oversight, and companionship that no physical adaptation can replace.

Home carers can assist with personal care, meal preparation, medication reminders, light housekeeping, and accompanying your loved one to appointments. They also serve as an essential point of contact for family members, providing reassurance that their relative is safe, well, and thriving at home.

The HSE’s Home Support Service provides State-funded home care hours to eligible older people — apply through your GP or local HSE Community Healthcare Organisation (CHO). For additional hours, or where waiting lists apply, privately arranged home care offers a flexible, high-quality alternative.

TrustedCarers.ie is Ireland’s dedicated platform for families seeking verified, experienced home carers. Whether you need a few hours of companionship support each week or a full-time live-in carer, you can browse profiles, read reviews, and connect with carers across Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Waterford, and nationwide.

👉 Find a qualified home carer near you at TrustedCarers.ie

Key Irish Government Grants and Supports at a Glance

Scheme	What It Covers	Maximum Grant	Who Administers
Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability	Major structural adaptations: ramps, wet rooms, stairlifts, extensions	€30,000	Local Authority
Mobility Aids Housing Grant Scheme	Grab rails, ramps, minor works to address mobility needs	€6,000	Local Authority
Housing Aid for Older Persons Scheme	Essential repairs and improvements to older homes	€8,000	Local Authority
SEAI Warmer Homes Scheme	Free energy upgrades (insulation, heating) for eligible households	Free (means-tested)	SEAI
Carer’s Support Grant	Annual payment to family carers	€1,850	DSP / HSE
Carer’s Allowance	Weekly means-tested payment to family carers	Varies	Dept. of Social Protection
HSE Home Support Service	State-funded home care hours	Assessed individually	HSE

All grants are subject to eligibility criteria, means testing, and available funding. Contact your local authority housing department or visit citizensinformation.ie for current details.

Getting Started: Practical Next Steps

Request an occupational therapist assessment through your GP or HSE Primary Care Team — this is often free and will identify exactly which adaptations are most needed
Contact your local authority housing department to enquire about adaptation grants — applications can take time, so apply early
Check SEAI eligibility for the Warmer Homes Scheme at seai.ie
Visit TrustedCarers.ie to find a qualified home carer to support your loved one at home
Contact your local HSE CHO to apply for Home Support Service hours

Useful Resources

Citizens Information – Housing Grants for Older People: citizensinformation.ie
HSE Home Support Service: hse.ie
SEAI Warmer Homes Scheme: seai.ie
Alzheimer Society of Ireland: alzheimer.ie
Alone (Support for Older People Living Alone): alonetrust.ie
Age Action Ireland: ageaction.ie
Arthritis Ireland: arthritisireland.ie
HIQA Standards for Home Support: hiqa.ie
An Garda Síochána – Home Security: garda.ie

TrustedElderlyCare.ie is part of the TrustedCarers network — Ireland’s leading resource for families seeking professional, verified home care. For more practical guides, financial support information, and advice on caring for an elderly relative at home, explore our resource library or visit TrustedCarers.ie to find a carer today.

Top 20 Ways to Adapt Your Home for an Elderly Loved One