Home Safety and Mobility Checklist for Omaha and Council Bluffs Families

Practical Ways to Create Comfort, Safety, and Independence at Home

A safe and comfortable home can make all the difference in daily life. Across the Omaha and Council Bluffs area, many families are looking for ways to help a loved one stay independent, prevent falls, and feel confident at home. Sometimes those changes are for aging parents, a veteran returning home, or a family member recovering from illness or injury.

Whether you are improving your own home or helping someone you care for, small updates can have a big impact. The right home modifications reduce risks, improve comfort, and give everyone greater peace of mind.

Mobilis helps families throughout our community find practical ways to make homes safer. From stair lifts and vehicle lifts to grab bars, lift chairs, and mobility equipment, our focus is on helping people live comfortably and confidently in the places they love.

This checklist is designed to guide both individuals and caregivers through key areas of the home. It will help you identify where accessibility and mobility improvements can make the greatest difference in safety, comfort, and independence.

1. Entryways and Outdoor Access

A safe, accessible entryway sets the tone for the rest of the home. It’s where mobility challenges often appear first, especially when steps, uneven thresholds, or narrow doors make coming and going difficult.

What to check:

• Steps and porches are stable, level, and have secure handrails.
• Pathways and sidewalks are clear of cracks, ice, and clutter.
• Doorways provide at least 32 inches of clear width for walkers, wheelchairs, or rollators.
• Door handles are easy to grip and operate.
• Exterior lighting is bright enough for evening entry and exit.
• Light switches, locks, and doorbells are within easy reach for someone seated or using mobility aids.

Helpful solutions:

• Widening doors to allow easier access.
• Lever-style handles instead of round knobs.
• Small threshold ramps for smooth movement between surfaces.
• Vertical platform lifts or outdoor ramps for porches and garage entrances.
• Motion-sensor lighting for nighttime safety.
• Grab bars or handrails near doors and steps for steady support.
• Adjusting control heights for switches and locks.
• Non-slip coatings or textured mats on outdoor steps and walkways.

Mobilis can help identify these types of issues during a home evaluation and recommend local partners for any construction or electrical work that may be needed.

2. Stairways and Multi-Level Homes

Stairs are a leading cause of falls, especially in older homes. Even small updates can make a major difference in safety and independence.

What to check:

• Stairs are sturdy and free of loose carpeting or rugs.
• Handrails are secure and extend beyond the first and last step.
• Step edges are visible and well-lit.
• There is enough landing space at the top and bottom for safe transfers.

Helpful solutions:

• Stair lifts for safe, independent access between floors.
• Additional handrails on both sides for better balance.
• Contrasting stair-edge markings for visibility.
• Overhead or motion-activated lighting along the staircase.
• Battery backups for stair lifts to keep them functional during power outages.

Many homes in Omaha and Council Bluffs can accommodate stair lifts without remodeling, making this one of the most effective safety upgrades.

3. Bathrooms and Daily Routines

Bathrooms are small spaces with slippery surfaces, which makes them the most common place for falls.

What to check:

• Floors and tubs have non-slip surfaces.
• Grab bars are near the toilet, shower, and tub.
• The user can easily reach towels, soap, and shelves.
• Lighting is bright enough to reduce shadows.

Helpful solutions:

• Walk-in tubs or roll-in showers.
• Shower chairs and handheld showerheads.
• Raised toilet seats or transfer benches.
• Non-slip flooring or bath mats.
• Accessible storage placed within easy reach.

Even small modifications can help maintain privacy and confidence while reducing the risk of slips.

4. Living and Sleeping Areas

Comfortable, clutter-free living areas make daily routines easier and safer.

What to check:

• Furniture is stable, sturdy, and not too low.
• Walkways are wide enough for walkers or wheelchairs.
• Rugs and cords are secured or removed.
• Lighting is even throughout the room.

Helpful solutions:

• Lift chairs that assist with sitting and standing.
• Adjustable beds or bed rails for safe transfers.
• Nightlights or motion lights for nighttime movement.
• Over-bed tables and reachers for daily activities.
• Phones or alert systems within easy reach.
• Clear floor transitions between different types of flooring.

Creating open, well-lit spaces helps prevent falls and promotes comfort and independence.

5. Kitchens and Workspaces

The kitchen can be a rewarding but challenging space for people with mobility limitations.

What to check:

• Frequently used items are stored at comfortable heights.
• Appliances are easy to reach and operate.
• Countertops are clear, with enough space for movement.
• Flooring is non-slip and easy to clean.

Helpful solutions:

• Pull-out shelves and lazy susans for easy access.
• Side-opening ovens and front-control ranges.
• Lever-handled faucets and lightweight cookware.
• Task lighting under cabinets.
• Slip-resistant mats at sinks and stoves.

Simple adjustments can reduce fatigue and make cooking enjoyable again.

6. Getting Out and Staying Active

Staying active outside the home is an important part of maintaining health and independence.

What to check:

• Vehicles are easy to enter and exit.
• Scooters or power chairs can be loaded safely.
• There is enough space to store mobility devices when not in use.

Helpful solutions:

• Vehicle lifts for scooters and wheelchairs.
• Portable ramps for travel or temporary use.
• Transfer boards or assistive straps for vehicle access.
• Secure tie-down systems to keep devices in place.

Mobilis can evaluate your vehicle setup and suggest equipment that makes transportation safer and more convenient.

7. Equipment Maintenance and Safety Checks

Equipment that runs smoothly keeps people independent and confident.

What to check:

• Stair lifts, scooters, and chairs operate without noise or hesitation.
• Batteries charge fully and hold power.
• Tracks, cords, and motors show no signs of wear.

Helpful solutions:

• Annual inspections by certified technicians.
• Cleaning and lubricating mechanical parts as recommended.
• Keeping manuals and service records in one place.
• Replacing batteries or worn parts promptly.

Mobilis offers in-home maintenance and repair services to ensure your equipment remains reliable for years.

8. Support for Veterans and Caregivers

The Omaha and Council Bluffs area is home to many veterans and caregivers who play a vital role in maintaining safety and quality of life.

What to know:

• Veterans may qualify for home modification or equipment assistance through VA programs. Mobilis works closely with VA hospitals in Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island, Des Moines, and Iowa City.
• Caregivers can receive guidance on how to safely use mobility equipment and assist loved ones with transfers.
• Home evaluations often reveal small changes that make caregiving less stressful and improve comfort for both parties.

Mobility and accessibility solutions give families the tools they need to care safely and effectively for those they love.

9. Lighting, Communication, and Home Technology

Technology can quietly enhance independence and safety throughout the home.

What to check:

• Hallways, staircases, and bathrooms are well lit.
• Light switches are easy to reach and operate.
• Phones or communication devices are accessible from key areas.

Helpful solutions:

• Motion lights in hallways and bathrooms for nighttime use.
• Smart plugs and voice-activated lighting controls.
• Visual alert systems for doorbells, phones, and alarms.
• Personal alert or fall-detection systems for people living alone.

Small technology updates can improve safety while keeping daily life simple and comfortable.

10. Making a Plan for Long-Term Safety

The best approach to home safety is gradual and thoughtful. Not every improvement needs to happen at once.

What to check:

• Current mobility needs and likely future changes.
• Budget for short-term updates and long-term planning.
• Areas that pose the greatest safety risks.

Helpful solutions:

• Prioritize high-impact safety upgrades first, such as stair lifts or grab bars.
• Schedule additional improvements over time, like door widening or bathroom updates.
• Reevaluate the home every year or after any health or mobility changes.

Mobilis can help families create a personalized plan that evolves with their needs.

A Connected Approach to Mobility

Every element of home safety works together. Stair lifts help with multi-level access, grab bars make daily routines easier, and vehicle lifts keep families active and connected to their communities. Together, these improvements create homes that feel safe, comfortable, and empowering.

Independence does not mean doing everything alone. It means having the right tools, support, and information to live fully and confidently.

FAQ's: What Questions Should I Ask Before Choosing Home Safety or Mobility Equipment?

1. What are the most important home safety improvements for seniors and veterans?

   
   The most effective updates include adding grab bars in bathrooms, improving lighting in stairways and hallways, widening doors, and installing stair lifts or ramps. These modifications prevent falls and improve daily comfort.

2. How often should mobility or home medical equipment be serviced?

Most stair lifts, scooters, and power chairs should be inspected at least once a year. Regular maintenance keeps equipment running smoothly and prevents costly repairs. Mobilis provides in-home service throughout Omaha and Council Bluffs.

3. What types of home modifications improve accessibility?

Door widening, grab bars, lift chairs, walk-in showers, and vehicle lifts are among the most common improvements. A professional home evaluation can help identify the updates that will have the biggest impact on safety.

4. Does insurance or veterans assistance cover home mobility equipment?

Coverage varies, but many veterans qualify for assistance through VA programs. Some insurance plans may reimburse a portion of costs for certain equipment or modifications. Mobilis can help families explore available resources.

5. How do I know if my home needs safety updates?

If you notice falls, fatigue when climbing stairs, or difficulty getting in and out of chairs, it may be time for an evaluation. Mobilis offers free home consultations to identify risks and recommend solutions that fit your home and lifestyle.

Final Thoughts

Home safety is about freedom, comfort, and peace of mind. A few simple updates—better lighting, wider doorways, sturdy railings, or reliable mobility equipment—can make all the difference.

Mobilis is proud to support families across Omaha and Council Bluffs with expert evaluations, trusted recommendations, and dependable local service. Whether you need stair lifts, grab bars, vehicle lifts, or lift chairs, our goal is the same: to help every person live safely and confidently at home.