Fall Prevention at Home

Falls are the leading cause of injury for older adults, but most of them are preventable. The good news is that you rarely need an expensive renovation. A weekend of small, practical changes — better lighting, fewer trip hazards, a grab bar in the right spot — makes an enormous difference. Just as important is helping your loved one stay strong and confident, because fear of falling can itself lead to less movement and weaker legs.

Use the room-by-room checklist below as a starting point. Walk through the home together, the way your loved one actually moves through their day, and fix what you find.

Start with the whole-home basics

• Remove or tape down loose throw rugs — they are one of the most common trip hazards.
• Clear walking paths of clutter, cords, and low furniture.
• Add brighter bulbs in hallways, stairwells, and entryways.
• Place night lights along the route from the bedroom to the bathroom.
• Keep a charged phone or a reachable call button in living areas.

Bathroom

The bathroom combines hard surfaces, water, and standing — a risky mix. A few inexpensive additions go a long way.

• Install grab bars beside the toilet and inside the shower or tub (towel racks are not a substitute).
• Use a non-slip mat inside the tub and a non-skid rug outside it.
• Consider a shower chair and a handheld showerhead for seated bathing.
• Raise a low toilet with a raised seat or a frame with armrests.

Bedroom

• Keep a lamp and phone within arm's reach of the bed.
• Set the bed at a height where feet rest flat on the floor when sitting.
• Clear a wide, unobstructed path to the bathroom.
• Store everyday clothing between waist and shoulder height to avoid reaching or bending.

Stairs and hallways

• Make sure there is a secure handrail — ideally on both sides of the stairs.
• Mark the edge of each step with contrasting tape if depth is hard to judge.
• Keep stairs completely clear of shoes, baskets, and stray objects.
• Add light switches at both the top and bottom of the staircase.

Kitchen

• Move everyday dishes and food to waist-to-shoulder height.
• Never use a chair as a step stool — keep a sturdy reacher tool handy instead.
• Wipe spills immediately and use non-slip footwear in the kitchen.

Help them stay strong and steady

Home changes reduce hazards, but strength and balance keep a person on their feet. Gentle, regular movement matters.

• Encourage daily walking and simple balance exercises approved by their doctor.
• Have vision and hearing checked yearly — both affect balance.
• Ask a pharmacist or physician to review medications; some cause dizziness.
• Make sure shoes fit well and have non-slip soles. Avoid loose slippers and socks alone.

Talk about it without taking away independence

Safety conversations land better when they are about staying independent, not losing it. Frame changes as ways to keep doing the things they love at home, longer. Make decisions together, and start with the easiest wins so the process feels supportive rather than like a takeover.

When to get extra help

If your loved one has already had a fall, feels unsteady, or is afraid of falling, it may be time for a hands-on home safety review and a caregiver for the moments that matter most. Berkins caregivers can assess the home, help with mobility and transfers, and be present during higher-risk parts of the day.