Lighting hacks that make a home safer and easier to navigate

Approximately 1 in 4 adults aged 60+ report having fallen at least once in their home each year. Whether you are 60 or 90, good lighting is one of the easiest—and most affordable—ways to make your home safer and more comfortable if you’re aging at home.

Subtle changes can reduce the risk of falls, improve visibility, and make everyday living easier. Try these simple lighting upgrades to help your home work better for you:

• Layer your lighting
  Use a mix of overhead, task, and accent lighting to eliminate shadows and brighten dark corners.
  Helpful ideas:

• Add a floor lamp next to your favorite reading chair.
• Install under-cabinet lights in the kitchen.
• Use table lamps in living rooms and bedrooms to reduce harsh overhead glare.
• Add light inside closets or pantries so items are easier to see.

• Add motion-sensor night lights
  Place them along hallways, bathrooms, and stairs for safer nighttime navigation.
  Helpful ideas:

• Install motion lights between the bedroom and bathroom to avoid fumbling for a switch at night.
• Use plug-in night lights in outlets that turn on automatically when the room is dark.

• Choose the right bulbs
  Opt for warm, bright LED bulbs (around 2700–3000K) for clear, natural lighting that’s easy on the eyes.
  Helpful ideas:

• Use brighter bulbs in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and stairwells where visibility is key.
• Choose softer lighting in bedrooms and living rooms for a calming, cozy feel.
• Use daylight-bright bulbs in areas where you read, do puzzles, or manage medications.
• Look for LEDs labeled “long life” to avoid frequent bulb changes.

• Light up entryways and exteriors
  Outdoor lighting improves security and decreases the possibility of falls when coming or going after dark—especially during winter months.
  Helpful ideas:

• Install motion lights near your front and back doors
• Add pathway lights or solar lights along sidewalks and driveways
• Light up porch steps so each step is easy to see
• Make sure garage and side entrances are well-lit

• Make switches easier to reach
  Small changes to switches can make a big difference:

• Replace old switches with rocker-style switches that are easier to flip.
• Add glow-in-the-dark switch covers to help you find them at night.
• Try voice-activated or remote-controlled lights if reaching switches is difficult.

Small lighting tweaks can make a big difference in how safe—and confident—you feel at home. Aging in place starts with these simple, yet bright, ideas!

Whether you live in a Brio Living Services community, or in the comfort of your home, we’re here to help you create a safer, more comfortable home environment as you age. If you’d like personalized guidance or support, connect with our team or visit our website to learn how we can help you live confidently at home.

This blog is sponsored by Steve and Kristy Fetyko, Live Life with Brio Bronze Sponsors! Your thoughtful gift brings joy to the older adults we serve and our team members.