Hosting Older Adults This Season? Simple Accessibility Upgrades That Make a Big Difference
The holiday season is all about coming together—and for many families, that means welcoming older adults into their homes. Whether your loved ones are staying for a few hours or a few days, making your space safer and more comfortable helps everyone enjoy the festivities with confidence.
Here are practical, quick, and impactful accessibility upgrades that can help create a welcoming environment for older guests this holiday season.
1. Make Entryways Safer and Easy to Navigate
Cold weather and holiday décor can make entrances more challenging, but thoughtful adjustments can create a smoother experience for your guests.
Simple improvements include:
Clearing walkways of snow, ice, and clutter
Adding non-slip mats or treads on stairs
Improving outdoor lighting for evening arrivals
Using a portable ramp for steps or uneven thresholds
Ensuring doorways are clear and wide enough for mobility devices
These small changes help reduce fall risks and create a stress-free welcome.
2. Create a Safer Bathroom Experience
Bathrooms are one of the most common areas for slips and falls, especially for individuals with balance or mobility challenges.
Highly effective upgrades:
Add grab bars near toilets, tubs, and showers
Place non-slip mats on tile floors
Install a raised toilet seat for easier mobility
Use a shower chair or bath bench
Improve lighting to eliminate shadows
These updates can be done quickly and make a significant difference in comfort and safety.
3. Prepare Comfortable and Accessible Seating Areas
Holiday gatherings often mean long meals, relaxing chats, and cozy movie nights—so seating should support safety and ease of movement.
Tips for accessible seating:
Choose chairs with arms for added stability
Avoid low, soft couches that are difficult to stand up from
Ensure pathways to seats are wide and free of clutter
Consider a lift recliner rental for guests who need extra support
Prioritizing comfortable seating helps older adults feel more included and at ease throughout the celebration.
4. Improve Indoor Navigation for Guests With Mobility Devices
A thoughtful layout can make all the difference for visitors using walkers, wheelchairs, scooters, or canes.
Make your home easier to navigate by:
Removing throw rugs that can cause tripping
Clearing hallways and rearranging furniture
Keeping pets in another room during busy arrival times
Ensuring cords, décor, and holiday gifts aren’t blocking pathways
Adding temporary ramps for sunken living rooms or step-down spaces
The goal is a smooth, open flow that keeps everyone safe.
5. Consider Helpful Temporary Mobility Equipment
If you’re hosting older adults for just the holidays, renting equipment may be the perfect solution.
Popular options include:
Portable ramps
Stair lifts or platform lifts
Lift recliners
Transport chairs
Rollators and walkers
Grab bars or safety poles
Rentals offer flexibility without long-term commitment, and they can make hosting much easier for families.
6. Elev8 Mobility Makes Holiday Hosting Simple
Whether you’re expecting older visitors, caring for aging parents, or planning ahead for holiday gatherings, Elev8 Mobility is here to help. From temporary equipment rentals to full accessibility installations, we provide solutions that keep your home safe, comfortable, and ready for every guest.
Let us help you prepare so you can focus on what matters most—enjoying time together this holiday season.
