Falls are common as we age, but many of them can be prevented. Most of the fixes are simple and inexpensive. Use this room-by-room checklist to make a home safer for yourself or a loved one.
Quick takeaways
- Many falls can be prevented with simple, low-cost changes around the home.
- Good lighting, clear walkways and grab bars in the bathroom make a big difference.
- Strength and balance exercises, regular vision checks and medication reviews also lower the risk.
- After a hospital stay or surgery, ask the care team to help plan home safety before discharge.
Entryways and stairs
- Install sturdy handrails on both sides of stairs.
- Make sure stairs are well lit, with light switches at the top and bottom.
- Fix loose or uneven steps and keep stairs clear of clutter.
- Add non-slip treads to bare wooden steps.
- Keep outdoor steps and walkways clear of leaves, ice and snow.
Living room
- Remove throw rugs, or secure them with double-sided tape or non-slip backing.
- Keep cords and cables along walls, out of walking paths.
- Arrange furniture to leave wide, clear pathways.
- Choose sturdy chairs with arms that make standing up easier.
Kitchen
- Keep everyday items on lower shelves, between waist and shoulder height.
- Avoid using chairs or step stools to reach high places. If a step stool is needed, use one with a handrail.
- Wipe up spills right away.
Bathroom
- Install grab bars next to the toilet and inside the tub or shower.
- Use a non-slip mat or adhesive strips in the tub or shower.
- Consider a shower chair and a handheld shower head.
- Add a raised toilet seat if getting up is difficult.
- Keep a night light on for nighttime trips.
A safer home is one of the simplest ways to protect independence.
Bedroom
- Place a lamp or light switch within reach of the bed.
- Use night lights along the path to the bathroom.
- Keep a phone near the bed.
- Make sure the bed is at a height that makes getting in and out easy.
Everyday habits that help
- Stay active. Strength and balance exercises lower fall risk. Our guide to strength training for older adults has simple moves to start with.
- Review medications. Ask a doctor or pharmacist whether any medicines cause dizziness or drowsiness.
- Check vision and hearing every year.
- Wear supportive shoes with non-slip soles, indoors and out.
- Stand up slowly, especially after sitting or lying down for a while.
After surgery or a hospital stay
Coming home after surgery or illness is a time when falls are more likely. Before discharge, ask the care team about equipment, home safety and follow-up therapy. If you are recovering from joint surgery, see our guides to knee replacement and hip replacement or hip fracture recovery. If living at home is becoming hard to manage safely, our overview of senior care options can help you weigh the next step.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common causes of falls in older adults?
Common causes include muscle weakness, balance problems, certain medications, vision changes, poor lighting, loose rugs, clutter and slippery bathroom floors.
How can I make my home safer for an elderly parent?
Improve lighting, remove loose rugs and clutter, add grab bars and a shower chair in the bathroom, install handrails on both sides of stairs and keep everyday items within easy reach.
Where do most falls happen at home?
Falls often happen in the bathroom, on stairs and in bedrooms, especially at night. These are good places to start when making safety changes.
What should you do after a fall?
Stay calm and check for injuries before trying to get up. If you are hurt or cannot get up, call for help. Tell a doctor about any fall, even if you were not injured, because it may point to a problem that can be addressed.
Do grab bars really help?
Yes. Properly installed grab bars near the toilet and in the shower give a steady handhold. Towel racks are not designed to hold body weight, so they should not be used as grab bars.
This article is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice. Coverage rules can change, so confirm details with Medicare, your plan or your care team.
