Preventing Falls at Home

One of the biggest dangers for seniors living alone is the risk of falling.

According to the National Council on Aging, one in four older Americans fall every year, and falls are the leading cause of injuries (both fatal and non-fatal) for people age 65 and older.

For seniors still living at home, following some fall safety tips can reduce risks and help avoid health problems and mobility challenges resulting from falls.

1. Visit Your Healthcare Provider

The first step in preventing falls at home is a visit to your primary care provider. Providers can review medical and social history to assess fall risks and even make some recommendations for how to avoid falls. Discuss topics such as:

Medication Review:

Bring a list of all medications you take for your provider to review. They can give advice on any side effects or interactions that may put you at a higher risk for a fall. It’s possible they’ll discuss alternatives or reductions to your medications in certain cases, weighing the pros and cons of treatments with side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, or other additional fall risk factors.

Health Condition Review:

A primary care provider can look at the big picture of all conditions you’re being treated for. They may recognize increased fall risks based on a combination of conditions a specialist wouldn’t review with you. The provider may look at your gait, balance, or muscle strength in addition to asking about any difficulties you experience while walking.

Fall History:

Tell your primary care provider about any previous falls, including the circumstances around that fall. They may be able to recognize patterns or concerns that weren’t obvious before.

Based on this review, your primary care provider can help make recommendations to changes in lifestyle or medications that can help prevent falls.

2. Get your eyes checked

After checking with your primary healthcare provider, make sure you are up-to-date on your eye exam. Aside from the obvious problems that low vision can cause, bifocals can distort vision on stairs, while tint-changing lenses (like Transitions) can create hazards upon leaving the bright sun to go into a dark building. Experts say if you’re having trouble seeing in this scenario, it’s best to wait for the lenses to adjust before proceeding. According to a policy statement from the American Public Health Association, “the risk of falling doubles if an elderly adult has any level of vision impairment.” Eye doctors can help recommend the best and safest vision solutions.

3. Make Modifications to Your Home for Fall Prevention

The best way to prevent falls at home is to make sure your home environment is as safe as possible. When you think about your entire home, try to think of areas that may be poorly lit or easily cluttered. These will be areas you want to make a plan to change. Consider options for both brighter and additional lighting. When it comes to clutter, be vigilant about keeping walking paths clear to the areas of your home you’re most likely to be going to in order to avoid tripping hazards.

Hallways, Stairs, and Floors

• Add handrails and bright, accessible lighting in hallways and stairways.
• Avoid any clutter on the floor in hallways, stairways, or floors.
• Consider adding contrasting colored strips on stair treads or on any individual steps up or down throughout the home.
• Secure rugs with pads, tape, or other methods so they won’t slide.
• Clean up any spills right away.
• Don’t walk on wet floors after mopping.

Bedrooms

• Keep a phone within reach of you when you’re in bed, in case you need to call for assistance.
• Add night lights to your room for better visibility.
• Use bed rails to make getting in and out of bed safer.

Bathrooms

• Add grab bars by the toilet and by the tub or in the shower.
• Add non-slip mats to floors.
• For showers, add a shower chair and a hand-held shower head.
• Consider adding a walk-in tub.

Kitchens

• Set yourself up for ease in the kitchen. Put your most frequently used pots, pans, utensils, and ingredients in places that are easy to access.
• When possible, sit down while preparing food and cooking.

Entries and Outdoor Spaces

• Check lighting near entrances and outdoor spaces and consider making improvements to brightness or accessibility.
• Add handrails or contrasting colored strips on any outdoor stairways.
• Regularly clean up yard debris like leaves and sticks

4. Wear Proper Footwear

Sensible shoes with good soles offer better balance than flip-flops, sandals, or high heels. When in the home, avoid slippers and socks that don’t have non-skid soles. According to the National Council on Aging, shoes with laces, straps, or buckles are also helpful for decreasing fall risk. Also, make sure that your shoes fit properly.

Original article published September 22, 2020. Updated August 19, 2024