Adapting the Home After a Stroke

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General Mobility and Safety

Flooring and Stairways

While slick surfaces should be avoided when possible, wearing non-skid shoes can prevent slipping. Secure carpets or runners can be installed in hallways or stairwells for traction.

Handrails provide support while going up and down stairs. They may be attached to reinforced walls or the floor or ground. Outdoor handrails need to withstand weather conditions. A ramp may need to be added as well.

A stair glide or stair lift is way to transport a person up or down stairs while the person is seated. A person transfers to the seat and rides up or down the stairs on a track. This electrical technology may cost several thousand dollars to install. A platform lift, on the other hand, is similar to a small elevator. This lift transports a person up or down stairs. The person can step onto the platform or roll a wheelchair onto the platform and then the platform electrically moves the person to a different level. Platform lifts are available for indoors or outdoors.

Rugs should be taped down with non-skid tape or removed. Thick carpet should be replaced when it makes movement in a wheelchair difficult.

To allow for movement in a wheelchair, furniture may need to be moved and thick rugs may need to be replaced. Rugs should be moved unless they are sufficiently secured to the floor with some sort of non-skid tape. Electrical cords should be free from pathways as well.

Pathways should be clear of clutter and electrical cords. Extension cords can be used to reroute cords along walls, and cords should be secured to the floor or walls when possible. Cords with frayed ends should be discarded and replaced.


Safety & Mobility	Additional Safety Tips

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