Motion night lights
Low lights along the floor that turn on as you walk by. Plug-in or battery; hardwired versions by a licensed electrician.
Home accessibility · Fall prevention
Safety lighting and night lights for older adults
Quick answer
Good lighting prevents trips, especially at night. HandyMangum makes homes safer to move around in the dark with motion-sensor night lights on the path from the bed to the bathroom, brighter fixtures in halls, stairs and closets, outdoor entry lights, and switches you can find and press easily. New circuits and new switch locations are wired by properly licensed professionals.
Why lighting matters for safety
Eyes need more light with age, and adjust more slowly from bright to dark. Night trips to the bathroom, dim hallways and unlit steps are where many trips and falls start.
Much of this is simple: plug-in or battery motion night lights, brighter LED bulbs and plug-in strips. Hardwired lights, new fixtures and switches are electrical work, so a licensed electrician handles the wiring.
Who it helps
- Anyone who gets up at night
- People with low vision or cataracts
- Homes with dark halls, stairs or closets
- Entries and garages with poor lighting
- People with dementia, who can be confused by dark rooms
- Caregivers on night visits
What the job involves
Walk the routes
Bed to bathroom, garage to kitchen, front door to living room: where is it dark?
Pick the fix
Plug-in or battery motion lights and brighter bulbs; hardwired lights, fixtures and switches by a licensed electrician.
Install and aim
Lights mounted low enough to light the floor without glare in the eyes.
Options
Brighter LED fixtures
Replacing dim hall, closet and bathroom fixtures with brighter, even light.
Lighted and rocker switches
Switches that glow in the dark and press with a hand or elbow. Installed by a licensed electrician.
Stair and step lights
Lights at the top and bottom of stairs and at entry steps.
HandrailsOutdoor and motion floodlights
Light the driveway and front door when you arrive.
Under-cabinet lights
Bright task light in the kitchen.
Good to know
- Warm-white LED bulbs reduce glare; very blue light can be harsh for older eyes.
- Night lights should light the floor, not shine into the eyes.
- Fixture and switch replacements, new circuits or new switch locations: If any part of the job needs a permit or a state-licensed trade, such as new plumbing lines or new wiring, we tell you during the quote and that part is handled by properly licensed professionals.
Quick checklist
- Plug-in and battery motion lights along the path to the bathroom
- Brighter bulbs of the right color
- Hardwired lights and switches by a licensed electrician
Lighting & Night Lights FAQs
What are the best night lights for elderly parents?
Motion-sensor lights mounted low along the path from the bed to the bathroom. They turn on by themselves, light the floor and do not need a switch in the dark.
Plug-in or hardwired motion lights?
Plug-in and battery lights are quick and cheap. Hardwired lights look built-in and never need batteries, but a licensed electrician installs them.
Can you add a light switch at the bedroom door?
Yes. Moving or adding a switch means new wiring, which is done by properly licensed professionals as part of the job.
Can you replace dim light fixtures?
Brighter bulbs, yes. Replacing the fixture itself is electrical work, so a licensed electrician handles the wiring.
How do I book?
Estimates are free. Call or text (407) 699-1123, or send the online request with a few photos. We send a written quote before any work starts.
Light the way
Call or text (407) 699-1123, or send the online request with a few photos. Estimates are free on every job.