Home Safety Modifications for Forearm Crutch Users

The home environment presents a range of hazards for new crutch users that are often invisible until they become dangerous. This practical guide covers the key modifications that significantly reduce fall risk during recovery ideally completed before you return home from hospital.

Why Home Assessment Matters

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalisation in Australia, and the risk is significantly elevated in the first two weeks of forearm crutch use a period during which the user is still developing the motor patterns, balance strategies, and environmental awareness needed to navigate their home safely.

An occupational therapy home assessment is the gold standard approach and is often covered under NDIS, Medicare Chronic Disease Management plans, or private health insurance. However, if a formal assessment is not immediately available, the room-by-room checklist below provides a practical starting framework.

• Install grab rails beside the toilet (at seat height) and inside the shower recess
• Place non-slip mat inside shower and on the bathroom floor outside
• Install a shower chair or bench if weight-bearing restrictions prevent standing for more than 1–2 minutes
• Ensure a handheld shower head is fitted so bathing can be completed while seated
• Raise toilet seat height with a toilet raiser if hip flexion is restricted post-surgery
• Remove floor-level towel rails, magazine racks, or storage baskets that create trip hazards
• Ensure soap and toiletries are within reach from a seated position without lateral reaching
• Consider a small shelf or caddy at crutch-free height for items used while standing at the vanity

• Ensure a clear, unobstructed path of at least 90 cm from the bed to the door and ensuite
• Remove bedside rugs or secure them with non-slip backing
• Assess bed height: the ideal height allows you to sit on the edge with hips and knees at 90° with feet flat; adjust using bed risers or a lower-profile mattress base if needed
• Position a bedside lamp and phone within arm's reach so you do not need to stand in the dark
• Relocate essential clothing (underwear, socks, loungewear) to a drawer reachable without bending or reaching overhead
• Consider relocating sleeping arrangements to ground floor if stairs are involved
• Ensure light switches are accessible from the bed for night-time use

• Rearrange frequently used items (cup, kettle, basic utensils) to bench-height to eliminate overhead and floor-level reaching
• Use a wheeled trolley or apron with pockets to transport items carrying objects while on crutches is not possible without an aid
• Prepare meals while seated at a table or bench wherever possible to reduce fatigue
• Place a non-slip mat in front of the sink and stove
• Ensure the rubbish bin is accessible without bending
• Consider ready-prepared meals or meal delivery services for the first 1–2 weeks to reduce kitchen time demands

• Install or verify the security of handrails on both sides of all internal staircases
• Ensure stair edges are clearly visible: add contrast tape if treads are the same colour as risers
• Remove all items stored on stair treads (shoes, bags, children's toys)
• Secure any loose carpet on stair edges
• Clear hallways of shoes, bags, pets' water bowls, and electrical cords
• Ensure all hallway areas are adequately lit, including nighttime lighting
• If an internal staircase cannot be made safe, consider relocating all daily activities to a single floor

• Assess the front door threshold a step greater than 15 mm may require a temporary ramp.
• Ensure exterior paths to the car and letterbox are clear of leaves, gravel, and uneven pavers
• Install motion-sensing exterior lighting for after-dark entries and exits
• If a vehicle is required, ensure the crutch can be stowed safely before seated transfer
• Advise household members to keep dog leads, garden hoses, and outdoor furniture away from walking paths

Getting Help: Occupational Therapy Assessment

The modifications listed above cover the most commonly identified hazards, but every home is different. An occupational therapist can assess your specific environment, make bespoke recommendations, and arrange equipment installation through home modification programs. In Australia, referrals can be made through your GP, hospital discharge planner, or NDIS plan.

If you would like help identifying local occupational therapy services or home modification support programs, our customer support team can provide guidance based on your state and circumstances.

Related at VidaStride: make sure your equipment is right too: see our guide to fitting forearm crutches, browse the forearm crutch range and walking sticks, or add a tripod attachment so your crutch stands safely upright at home. Fast shipping Australia-wide.