Falls are common among older adults, but many risk factors can be reduced. Home modifications work best when combined with attention to medications, vision, footwear, strength, balance, blood pressure, and medical conditions.
Entryways and hallways
- Remove loose throw rugs or secure them with a nonslip backing or appropriate double-sided tape.
- Keep pathways clear of cords, clutter, shoes, and narrow furniture.
- Provide bright, even lighting and accessible switches; consider motion-sensor night lights.
- Repair uneven flooring, loose thresholds, and damaged steps.
Bathroom
- Install properly anchored grab bars near the toilet and inside and outside the tub or shower. Do not rely on towel bars for support.
- Use nonslip surfaces in the tub or shower and a secure nonslip mat outside.
- Consider a shower chair, hand-held showerhead, or raised toilet seat when recommended for the person's needs.
- Keep frequently used items within easy reach.
Kitchen
- Store frequently used items between waist and shoulder height.
- Avoid climbing on chairs or unstable step stools.
- Clean spills promptly and keep floors free of clutter.
- Provide adequate task lighting over counters and work areas.
Bedroom
- Keep a stable lamp, phone, glasses, and mobility device within reach.
- Light the route from the bed to the bathroom.
- Ensure the bed height allows safe transfers; an occupational or physical therapist can recommend changes.
- Avoid loose bedding or cords extending into the walking path.
Stairs
- Install secure handrails on both sides when feasible.
- Keep steps free of objects and repair loose or uneven surfaces.
- Provide light switches at both the top and bottom.
- Use visual contrast on stair edges when vision or depth perception is a concern.
Look beyond the room
- Ask a pharmacist or prescriber to review prescription and over-the-counter medicines that may cause dizziness, sedation, confusion, or low blood pressure. Do not stop medicines without professional guidance.
- Arrange vision and hearing checks and address foot pain or unsafe footwear.
- Ask a healthcare professional about strength and balance exercises or physical therapy.
- Consider an alert system, especially for someone living alone; automatic fall detection is helpful but not perfect.
- Ask an occupational therapist about a home-safety evaluation. Medicare may cover medically necessary occupational therapy when eligibility and coverage requirements are met, but a general safety inspection is not automatically covered.
After a fall
Do not assume a fall was harmless simply because there is no obvious injury. Seek urgent care for head injury, severe pain, inability to bear weight, loss of consciousness, new confusion, weakness, or other concerning symptoms. Report falls to the healthcare team so possible medical, medication, mobility, and environmental causes can be evaluated. Do not move someone who may have a serious injury unless remaining in place is dangerous.
This guide provides general education and does not replace an individualized assessment by a healthcare professional.
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Every situation is different. If you have questions or would like to learn how EverCare can support you, we’d be happy to connect.
Contact UsWritten by EverCare Senior Solutions.
