Falls rank as the leading cause of injury in those aged 65 and over. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls among seniors contribute to around 3 million visits to the emergency room and 1 million hospitalizations in a given year.
Fortunately, there are numerous tips you can incorporate to improve your home’s safety. From improving your home's lighting to replacing existing rugs with nonslip options, you can implement many tips to reduce fall risks at home and continue enjoying an independent lifestyle.
The first step to ensuring a safe environment at home is to conduct a thorough safety audit. The National Council on Aging publishes a comprehensive guide with a printable checklist seniors can use to assess home safety. This list includes checking for potential hazards such as low-level tables and throw rugs in high-traffic areas and offers a step-by-step guide for improving a home's safety for those with mobility challenges.
Changes in vision can increase an individual's risk of tripping, but improving lighting can reduce this hazard. Seniors may consider replacing current light bulbs with LED bulbs, which are brighter and last longer. Additionally, adding motion-detection lights to hallway outlets can make the home safer at night.
Clutter like old mail, newspapers, clothing and electronics can obstruct visibility and make navigation difficult. Removing these items keeps walkways clear, helping prevent trips and falls. Donate or discard unused items, and consider enlisting a family member or professional cleaning or organizing service to help you declutter and maintain a tidy, safe living environment.
Any area rugs in the home should be fixed to the floor to prevent them from moving. When possible, consider replacing high-pile rugs, especially those in high-traffic spaces such as hallways and main living areas, with vinyl alternatives. These low-profile rugs don’t create an elevation change and won’t move around under the individual’s feet or their mobility aids.
Cords for computers, televisions and smart devices are easy to overlook, but they pose a tripping hazard. These cords can easily tangle around feet and cause a fall and are particularly troublesome when located by beds, sofas and chairs. Consider moving these cords to another part of the room where they won’t be tripping hazards.
Basic home modifications are easy to integrate and can provide a safer environment for those prone to falls. Exterior modifications like handrails and ramps ensure the home remains accessible for those using mobility aids, while grab bars in hallways provide additional support. In multilevel homes, stair lifts help residents avoid the risk of falling up or down stairs.
Uneven thresholds, cracked sidewalks and rotting steps pose a risk to everyone in a home, particularly older adults. Make sure flooring and outdoor walkways are in good condition, and make necessary repairs to ensure a safe, even walking surface.
One of the simplest, most budget-friendly ways to prevent slips and falls is to wear nonslip footwear. For those at an increased risk for falls, hard soles that are textured or rubberized are particularly beneficial because they maintain traction. Also, look for footwear that has a closed heel, which ensures the shoe or slipper doesn’t come off too easily.
For those with mobility challenges, bathrooms can be particularly hazardous. Loose rugs and potentially slippery surfaces can make it difficult to maintain balance. Consider installing grab bars, shower seats, raised toilet seats and nonslip mats and flooring to reduce the likelihood of a fall. If possible, replace an existing bathtub with a walk-in shower or walk-in tub for easier and safer use.
While regular health checkups with a primary care provider don’t automatically lead to a reduced risk of falls at home, doctors can identify conditions that may make the individual more likely to experience a fall. For example, ongoing monitoring of vision and hearing lets the individual proactively address loss of use, which may otherwise cause disorientation. Additionally, these visits can enable seniors to discuss their medication regimens with their providers and make adjustments to medications that may affect their balance.
By minimizing home hazards, seniors can maintain their independence for a longer period. Simple measures like decluttering, installing grab bars and having regular medical checkups can help older adults feel more secure and confident in their own homes. In some cases, transitioning to assisted living lets seniors continue enjoying privacy and independence while benefiting from an environment with thoughtful safety features.
