Hidden Barriers in the Home You Might Not Notice — Until You Need To

Preparing the Home Before Surgery or Rehab: Planning Ahead for Safety and Independence Recovering from a surgery—such as a hip or knee replacement—or returning home after rehab can be a major adjustment. The good news is that much of the stress can be reduced with proper home preparation ahead of time. At Accessible Living Atlanta , we often meet families after a fall or hospital stay, but we want people to know— home modifications are most effective when done before the need becomes urgent. Here’s what pre-surgery planning might include: ✅ A zero-threshold shower to prevent tripping or loss of balance ✅ Grab bars near the toilet, shower, and bed for stability ✅ Ramps or stair lifts for safe access in and out of the home ✅ Wider doorways and open pathways for walkers or wheelchairs ✅ Proper lighting to eliminate shadows and hazards By addressing these areas before returning home, recovery becomes smoother, safer, and less stressful for both patients and caregivers. Because when the home is ready, recovery feels possible. 💙  👉 Accessible Living Atlanta – Preparing homes for safer, easier recoveries across metro Atlanta.

When we think about home modifications, most people picture ramps, grab bars, or wider doorways. Those are all important features—but the real transformation happens on the inside. Accessibility isn’t just about preventing falls or creating convenience. It’s about restoring confidence, reducing fear, and nurturing emotional well-being for seniors and their families.