10 Ways to Prevent Falling at Home

A few simple home improvement projects can make all the difference in keeping you and your loved ones safe from dangerous falls.

One out of four older adults will fall this year, but fewer than half of them will talk with their doctors about it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Per the CDC, falls are the No. 1 cause of injuries in adults over 65, resulting in hip fractures, cuts, and even serious head and brain injuries that can be fatal. 
Even when there’s no serious injury, a fall can be so frightening that people may avoid certain activities out of fear they’ll fall again. And that's not unreasonable, because if you fall once, your chance of falling again doubles, according to the CDC. Whether it’s slippery floors, rickety stairs, or electrical cords, some of the most common causes of falls are in the home, where you might have a false sense of security. That’s why fall prevention starts with creating a safe living space. It doesn’t have to involve a complete house remodel. You can make your home safe from falls with just a few basic changes. Elder care experts offer the following advice for preventing falls at home.

• NO.1 Clean up clutter.

  The easiest way to prevent falls is to keep your home neat and tidy. Remove all clutter, such as stacks of old newspapers and magazines, especially from hallways and staircases.

• NO.2 Repair or remove tripping hazards. 

  Sometimes home fixtures can contribute to falls, which can then lead to back pain and other injuries. Examine every room and hallway, looking for items such as loose carpet, slippery throw rugs, or wood floorboards that stick up. Then repair, remove, or replace those items for more effective fall prevention.

• NO.3 Install grab bars and handrails. 

  If your mobility is limited, these safety devices can be crucial for going up and down stairs, getting on and off the toilet, and stepping in and out of the bathtub without injuring yourself. Gary Kaplan, DO, the founder and medical director of the Kaplan Center for Integrative Medicine in McLean, Virginia, suggests installing grab bars by toilets and bathtubs and handrails in stairways and hallways. Have a handyman or family member help with this if necessary.

• NO.4 Avoid loose clothing. 

  You want to feel comfortable at home, but very baggy clothes can sometimes make you more likely to fall. Opt for better-fitting and properly hemmed clothing that doesn’t bunch up or drag on the ground.

• NO.5 Light it right. 

  Inadequate lighting is another major hazard. To create a home that’s easier to navigate, install brighter light bulbs where needed, particularly in stairways and narrow hallways. Robert Bunning, MD, the associate medical director of inpatient services at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington, DC, recommends adding night-lights in bedrooms and bathrooms for better guidance at night.

• NO.6 Wear shoes.

  Socks may be comfortable, but they present a slipping risk. Preventing falls at home can be as simple as wearing shoes. You can also purchase nonslip socks that have grips on the soles of the feet if shoes are too uncomfortable.

• NO.7 Make it nonslip.

  Bathtubs and showers, as well as floors in kitchens, bathrooms, and porches, can become extremely dangerous when wet. To prevent falls on slick surfaces, Dr. Kaplan recommends nonslip mats.

• NO.8 Live on one level. 

  Even with precautions like guardrails, stairs can present a significant falling hazard. “If possible, live on one level,” says Kaplan. “Otherwise, be extra careful when you negotiate stairs.” If it’s not possible to live on one level, try to limit the trips you take up and down the stairs.

• NO.9 Move more carefully. 

  Dr. Bunning explains that many people fall at home by moving too quickly from a sitting to a standing position and vice versa. Preventing falls can be as easy as taking your time. “All you have to do is pause after going from lying down to sitting and from sitting to standing,” he says. “Also take a pause before using the railing on stairs, whether you're going up or down.”

• NO.10 Join a preventive exercise program. 

  Many community centers, gyms, and health systems offer exercise programs for older adults aimed at preventing falls. These exercise regimens focus on improving balance and strengthening muscles. A physical therapist can also recommend exercise programs and assistive devices, if necessary, to keep you safe.

For older adults, fall prevention means injury prevention. Ask your loved ones to help you ensure that your rooms and stairways are clutter-free and well-equipped with lighting, handrails, grab bars, and nonslip mats — all of which can go a long way toward keeping you safe in your home. In the event a fall does occur, having a proper Medicare plan can help alleviate surprise medical costs.