Making a multi-storey Nepali home safer for an older adult

Begin with the route used every day

Walk from the bed to the toilet, kitchen, sitting area, entrance, and prayer space. Look for loose rugs, cables, low tables, slippery thresholds, uneven flooring, and items stored on steps. Ask the older person which places feel difficult; their answer is more useful than changing the whole home at once.

Treat stairs as a care decision

Many homes in Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur have steep internal stairs. Ensure there is a secure handrail, even lighting, visible step edges, and no stored objects on the staircase. If stairs have become exhausting or unsafe, consider moving the bedroom and daily essentials to one floor after discussing the change respectfully.

Make the bathroom easier to use

Keep the floor dry, add a non-slip surface, and install grab bars into a structure that can safely support weight. A stable shower seat and a raised toilet option may help some people. Avoid relying on towel rails, taps, or plastic furniture for balance. Ask a physiotherapist or occupational therapist when mobility needs are complex.

Plan for dim light and power interruptions

Use even lighting that does not create glare. Place rechargeable lights along the route to the toilet and keep a torch where it can be reached from bed. A caregiver should check that charging cables do not create a new trip hazard.

Choose furniture that supports movement

A firm chair with armrests is usually easier to rise from than a low sofa or floor cushion. Keep frequently used clothing, food, medicines, and utensils between waist and shoulder height to reduce climbing, bending, and stool use.

Change the home with the person, not around them

Safety changes can feel like a loss of control. Explain the reason for each adjustment, preserve familiar objects, and offer choices about placement and appearance. The best home safety plan supports the activities and routines the person values.