Fall Prevention: A Room-by-Room Home Safety Guide

Safety & Mobility

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations among older adults — and the fear of falling can shrink a person’s world. The good news: most fall hazards at home are simple and inexpensive to fix. Walk through each room with this checklist.

Living areas & hallways

  • Remove loose rugs or secure them with non-slip backing
  • Clear walkways of cords, clutter, and low furniture
  • Add bright, even lighting and easy-to-reach switches

Bathroom

  • Install grab bars by the toilet and inside the shower or tub
  • Use a non-slip mat and consider a shower chair
  • Raise a low toilet seat if standing is difficult

Bedroom & stairs

  • Keep a lamp and phone within reach of the bed
  • Add a nightlight on the path to the bathroom
  • Ensure handrails on both sides of every staircase

Beyond the home

Review medications that can cause dizziness, schedule a yearly vision check, and encourage safe strength-and-balance activity. Proper footwear — supportive, non-slip, and well-fitting — matters more than most people realize.

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Important Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911 immediately.