To prevent falls, it may pay off to remodel the house

Also, benches in shower stalls, and LED downlights that rarely, if ever, need replacing.

In Japan, a bench in the home entry way is really helpful for putting on shoes.

Definitely solidly anchored rails in the bathing area and on staircases.

And develop a relationship with a local handyman for jobs that require a strong back and special skills.

This article may sound like common sense but well-designed homes can allow elderly people to remain independent for much longer. So you can stay in your home without having to sell it to raise the huge cost of going into a nursing facility. While called "barrier free" in Japan, the term "universal design" tends to get used overseas.

With home delivery of groceries, and self-driving vehicles around the corner, its getting easier for old people to live by themselves. Some stupid house design with changes of level, a sunken bath, steep stairs that laundry has to be carried up etc. shouldn't cost someone their independence or force their son or daughter to move back in. It is so avoidable.