Preventing falls and making a safer home

Addressing the potential hazards around your home can greatly lower the risk of falling. Here are some practical steps you can take to create a safer home environment.

Remember that no system or adaptation is fool-proof, so we recommend the use of fall alarms and fall sensors. These are usually available through your social work team or can be purchased online.

Minimize Hazards

1. Declutter rooms, hallways, and staircases to reduce the risk of tripping.
2. Rearrange furniture to create clear and wide pathways. Make enough space for any needed mobility aids, like a zimmer frame, wheeled walker or wheelchair.
3. If familiar supports for walking are used, like the tops of chairs or table edges, don't move these out of reach unless necessary.
4. Remove or tuck away cords and cables to prevent tripping.
5. Place non-slip mats in areas that tend to get wet, such as the shower and the home entrance.
6. Install grab bars in the bathroom by the toilet, the sink and in the shower/tub.*
7. Apply anti-slip strips on slippery floors.
8. Use a shower chair when bathing or showering.
9. Secure rugs with double-sided tape or remove them.

Stair Safety

1. Install handrails on both sides of the staircase.
2. Add non-slip mats to prevent slipping.
3. Apply contrasting color tape to step edges for those with low vision.
4. If using stairs becomes difficult, consider arranging your home so everything is on the ground level or installing a stair lift. *

Improve Lighting

1. Add nightlights to the bedroom, bathroom and the route between for better visibility at night. Electric socket plug-ins are good options.
2. Install bright light bulbs, especially in stairways and narrow hallways.
3. Install motion-activated lights so you don’t have to find a switch in the dark.

Bedroom Adaptations

1. Adjust bed height to make it easier to get in and out.
2. Adjust side tables to ease reaching for items in the night.
3. Consider a bedside commode for nighttime needs.*
4. Keep must have items within arm’s reach.

Living Room Adjustments

1. Raise chairs to aid standing - risers made for this purpose can be purchased or rented.
2. Raise side tables to match the chair height.
3. Winged chairs with arms reduce the risk of falling sideways when sitting or standing.
4. Have a ‘litter-picker’ device nearby to help with picking up the items dropped on the floor.

Reduce Rushed Journeys

1. Install voice activated telephones via internet connected devices (Alexa etc). These can also be used for radio, audiobooks or just answering questions.
2. Install a front door intercom or key lockbox system to allow couriers to access the premises without having to go to the door.

Seek Professional Guidance

1. An occupational therapist can offer more personalized recommendations, based on your home and needs.

* Indicates areas where an occupational therapist can help choose the right equipment and its best placement for specific needs.

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