Build an Accessible Living Space

Start With Your Routine

Make Daily Life Easier

Before buying equipment or rearranging the entire house, pay attention to the parts of your normal routine that have become difficult. Accessibility should solve problems you are actually having, not prepare your home for every possibility.

Notice What Is Giving You Trouble

Create a Comfortable Home Base

During difficult days, it can help to have one place where you can settle without repeatedly getting up to find things.

My recliner became my primary resting location because there were times when lying in bed or sitting in a normal chair was uncomfortable. Your version may be a bed, couch, favorite chair, or another place that works for your body.

Bring Everyday Life Closer to You

If bending hurts, move frequently used kitchen items higher. If reaching is difficult, move them lower. If stairs exhaust you, consider keeping duplicates of inexpensive everyday items on different floors. If standing while preparing food is difficult, find a way to do part of the work while seated.

Make the Home Easier to Move Through Safely

Fatigue, weakness, balance problems, dizziness, medications, and peripheral neuropathy can all affect the way you move through familiar spaces.

Clear the Paths You Use Most

• Keep commonly used walking paths clear.
• Move electrical cords out of the way.
• Remove or secure loose throw rugs.
• Add lighting to dark halls and stairways.
• Keep frequently used items within easy reach.
• Be especially careful around pets that may get underfoot.

Pay Extra Attention to the Bathroom

Bathrooms combine water, hard surfaces, stepping, bending, and sometimes getting up from a low position. If any of those things are becoming difficult, small changes can make the room easier to use.

• Use a non-slip bath or shower surface.
• Consider a shower chair if standing is difficult.
• Consider properly installed grab bars if you need support.
• Keep towels and toiletries within easy reach.

Make Stairs Less Demanding

• Keep stairs well lit and free of clutter.
• Use secure handrails.
• Avoid carrying unnecessary loads while climbing.
• Keep frequently used items on the floor where you spend most of your time when possible.

Adapt the House as Your Body Changes

Your needs may be different during treatment, after surgery, during recovery, or months later. Something that is essential for a few weeks may eventually become unnecessary. Another problem may appear that you never expected.

Changes Can Be Temporary

You do not have to renovate your entire home because something might become difficult. Start with the problems you have now, make those easier, and adjust again if your needs change.

Ask People to Help With the Physical Work

If a shelf needs moved, furniture needs rearranged, something heavy needs carried upstairs, or a room needs cleared, this is a good place to let friends or family help.

Saving your strength for the things only you can do is part of making the home more accessible too.

You Do Not Have to Figure Everything Out Yourself

If weakness, balance problems, pain, neuropathy, surgery, or mobility changes are making everyday tasks difficult, talk with your cancer care team about whether rehabilitation services could help.

Occupational Therapy

An occupational therapist can help with everyday activities such as bathing, dressing, cooking, getting around the house, and finding different ways to perform tasks that have become difficult.

Physical Therapy

A physical therapist may be able to help with strength, movement, balance, mobility, and the safe use of assistive equipment when needed.