This article originally appeared in the Fall 2025 issue of On The Level.
By Karen R. Mizrach
Home should be our sanctuary, a place where we can rest. You don’t want to worry about vestibular triggers or safety issues. In this article, I share “hacks” I’ve done in my home over these last dizzy years to make my life more comfortable and safe.
- Light dimmers
I’ve always hated bright lights; they are a guaranteed migraine trigger. When I had my kitchen lights replaced a few years ago, I asked the electrician to install dimmers on them. What a wonderful invention! Now, when I enter the kitchen in the morning, I turn on the lights, but they are barely on. Until my eyes wake up, I move around in a peaceful glow. Recently, I had my bathroom redone and insisted on dimmers for the lights in there as well. It’s wonderful! Rarely are the lights on full strength. In the dining room, the lights have never seen total brightness. It’s an easy addition to a light switch with a big payoff for those of us with light sensitivity.
- Bathroom Grab Bars
As part of my bathroom remodel, I added safety bars. Finally, I feel safe in the shower. I love having that grab bar for extra security. Showers are one of our biggest challenges and often the site for falls, slips, and dizziness. Holding onto the bar through most of my shower reduces all those concerns. I’m back to loving my daily hot shower! The bar next to the toilet wasn’t necessary quite yet, but it doesn’t hurt having it for a few years down the line.
- Furniture arrangement
Recently, while I was considering where to put a new chair in my living room, a friend suggested a spot that put it smack in the middle of my path from bedroom to kitchen. I looked at her with disbelief. Ok, granted, it looked good design-wise, but it would never work for me. Especially at night. I need there to be no obstacles as I move around the house. Make sure you have open pathways through your home. On dizzy days, it’s important not to have tripping hazards. Also, try to arrange things so you have something to hold onto while you move around. The backs of sofas, chairs, and tables strategically placed can be grounding touchstones and offer security. Safety first, design second!
- Calming decor
Speaking of design… There are some houses you walk into where the wild patterns, bright colors, and assorted tchotchkes hit you all at once. A lively, highly decorated place is energizing and happy for some people, but I’ve found that I feel more grounded and steadier in a calmer, toned-down setting. So, I’ve decluttered, bought more neutral shades, and tried to create an atmosphere that won’t send my nervous system into chaos. Granted, I still like my colors, but only as accents now. Go for a sense of calm, rather than excitement. Just my opinion.
- Robotic vacuum/maid service
When I first became unsteady, vacuuming was a special kind of torture. The vibrations and noise made that activity impossible. Eventually, I splurged and hired a maid service. I mainly needed them to vacuum and clean the bathrooms (which is also a challenge – all that bending and reaching). It was a gift to myself and worth it. My vacuum mostly sits quietly now, neglected and lonely. But my house is clean without throwing me into a whirlwind.
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Grabber
I’ve owned a grabber tool for a long time before my vestibular challenges. Because I’m height challenged as well, I depend on reaching aids constantly. But before my world spun out of control, I also used a variety of step stools, ladders, and precarious positions on unsteady ledges. Obviously, those methods have been retired. But I still have the need to reach things without triggering symptoms. My grabber tool is always in reach and often in use. Once I grab hold of something, I can shift my gaze back level, so my eye movement doesn’t cause problems. For certain tasks like changing light bulbs, air filters in the ceiling, and smoke alarm batteries, I wait until a friend or family member is around to help. Falling is not an option!
FYI – the fire department will also change smoke detector batteries for you.
- Stool in kitchen
At the beginning of my battle with vertigo and balance problems, I decided to clean up my diet. I began cooking more and creating simpler, healthier foods. However, standing in the kitchen for extended periods caused exhaustion and neck stiffness, which, of course, leads to… you know what. So, I dragged one of my yellow barstools into the kitchen and sat down while preparing food. A simple modification that helped tremendously. I also tend to brace my legs against the counter, which provides extra grounding. Be sure to try different stools, so the height allows you to cut, stir, and assemble without hunching over or being in awkward positions.
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Bag for My phone
Without a landline or anyone else in my house to yell to in case of problems, I knew I needed to always keep my phone with me. No more running when I hear it ring in another room. For a long time, I dragged it around in my hand, juggling it with other items I was holding, often to discover I had left it in some mysterious place during my travels. Now I wear a small, lightweight shoulder bag as I move around the house. The phone fits perfectly, and I can be sure I’m always in reach of calling for help or answering an important text from my family. I also use this bag when taking a walk around my neighborhood or the park. No more dropping phones or sagging pockets.
- Comfort spot
I love to have a place in my house that is pure comfort. I have a recliner where I sit to read, check my phone, or just close my eyes and disconnect. There is a cozy blanket on the chair, a speaker if I want to listen to a book or quiet music, and a sweet little mobile of clear glass stars hanging from the ceiling. Create or find your spot that brings a sense of calm and stillness. Even when you’re not there, it’s a place to imagine.
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Outdoor space
Do you have a porch, deck, yard, or driveway? Somewhere to put a chair, a small table, and an umbrella. To sit, to ground yourself, to be in nature and the world outside the house. I often read on my porch, with a baseball cap if it’s too bright, and sunglasses. It feels wonderful to be outside and to hear the sounds of the world. Sometimes a neighbor will walk by and wave. These small connections with the world can bring us healing. Natural light is important even for those of us with sensitivity to light. Accommodations such as a hat, sunglasses, an umbrella, or an awning can help. And on days when the light really bothers me, I limit my outside time to maybe 15 minutes. When all else fails, sit outside with your eyes closed and breathe.
Before you decide what to tweak around your home, take stock of your symptoms, triggers, worries, and budget! There are many ways to make our homes more dizzy-friendly, but priorities and budget will vary from person to person.
“There is nothing more important than a good, safe, and secure home”
– Rosalynn Carter
