Making a Home Safe: Our Guide to Fall Prevention

Remove tripping hazards. Keep walking paths, stairs, and hallways clear of items like electrical cords, books, and shoes. Consider removing small, unsecured throw rugs entirely or securing them with double-sided tape or a non-slip backing.

Improve lighting. Ensure all areas of the home are brightly lit. Use nightlights in bedrooms, hallways, and bathrooms to improve visibility at night. Motion-activated lights can also be helpful. Wear proper footwear. Choose well-fitting, sturdy shoes with non-skid soles. Avoid walking in socks, loose slippers, or high heels.

Organize for easy reach. Keep items you use often—such as remote controls, dishes, and groceries—on lower shelves (around waist height), so you don’t need a step stool.

Clean the spills immediately. Promptly wipe up any spills on the floor to prevent slipping.

Keep pets in mind. Be aware of pets that could get underfoot, especially in high-traffic areas or at night.

Bathroom safety

Bathrooms are a common site for falls due to wet, slippery surfaces.

Install grab bars. Place grab bars in the shower or tub and next to the toilet. Make sure they are professionally installed into the wall studs, not just the drywall.

Add non-slip surfaces. Use a non-slip rubber mat or self-adhesive strips on the floor of the tub or shower. Place an additional non-skid mat on the floor outside the tub or shower.

Use a shower chair. For those who have trouble standing for long periods, a waterproof shower seat or bench is a safer option.

Adjust toilet height. A raised toilet seat or one with handrails can make sitting and standing easier and more stable.

Stair and hallway safety

Use handrails. Make sure sturdy handrails are installed on both sides of all stairways and that they run the full length of the stairs.

Increase visibility. Ensure stairs are well lit, with light switches at both the top and bottom. Use bright, low-glare bulbs and consider marking the edges of each step with contrasting, non-slip tape.

Secure flooring. Verify that carpeting on staircases is securely installed and in good condition. For uncarpeted stairs, add non-slip rubber treads.
Keep stairs clear. Never leave items on the stairs, as they are a major tripping hazard.

Personal wellness and medical considerations

Exercise regularly. Talk to your healthcare provider about exercises that can improve your strength and balance, such as Tai Chi or other tailored programs.

Review medications. Have your doctor or pharmacist review your medications at least once a year. Some medications, or combinations of them, can cause dizziness or drowsiness that increases fall risk.

Get regular vision checks. Have your eyes examined annually and update your eyeglass prescription as needed, as poor vision can be a significant factor in falls.

Wear medical alert systems. For additional peace of mind, consider a wearable medical alert system or smartwatch with fall detection to automatically call for help if needed.