Fall Prevention at Home

Fall Prevention at Home


Everyone is at risk for falling. Falls can happen at any age, at any time or any where. Your risk for falls may increase if you are ill, or have other medical problems, are dehydrated, take certain medicines, or are getting treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation. 

Most falls happen at home, most often in the bathroom. Some falls may only cause bumps and bruises, but they can also lead to other serious health problems, such as head injuries or bleeding.

It is important to know what you can do to lower your risk of falls. Here are some tips to make your home as safe as possible.

Floors

  • Keep cords, furniture and small objects out of walkways and off stairs. Do not put electric cords under rugs.
  • Large area rugs should have non-slip backing. If not, use double sided tape to keep the rug securely attached to the floor. Do not use throw rugs.
  • Remove carpet that is torn or has turned up edges. Use low pile carpet or solid flooring.
  • Use bright tape or paint to mark areas where the floor surface changes, such as from carpet to solid floors. It is easy to fall when you walk from one type of flooring to another. This is  especially true if you use a walker or cane that can get caught on the edge of the rug.

Lighting

  • Keeps areas of your home well it. Use night lights in bedrooms, bathrooms and near stairways.
  • Use light switches that glow in the dark, so they can be seen more easily.
  • Keep electrical cords and small things out of your path.

Stairs

  • Place handrails on both sides of your stairs. These handrails should extend past the top and bottom stair.
  • Try not to carry anything, or carry as little as possible, when you use the stairs.
  • Use good lighting on your stairs. Non-slip surfaces can be put on wood stairs to prevent sliding.
  • Use bright tape or paint on the edge of each step, so they are more easily seen.

Furniture

  • Be careful when you sit down. Make sure the backs of your legs touch the seat of the chair behind you before you sit down.
  • Use chairs and furniture that are stable for your size and weight. Choose chairs with armrests.
  • Get help to move furniture that may block your walking path.

Bathroom

  • Use non-skid decals or a mat in your tub or shower.
  • Install grab bars around your toilet and in your shower or bathtub. Towel bars will break if you use them as grab bars.
  • Use a tub seat and an elevated toilet seat.
  • Leave the bathroom door unlocked so it can be opened if you fall.

Kitchen 

  • Place items you use most often at counter level or within easy reach.
  • Use a sturdy step stool with a handrail to reach items on high shelves. Do not climb on the counter or use chairs.
  • Wear non-slip shoes in the kitchen to lower your risk of falls.

Bedroom

  • Do not wear long nightgowns or robes. These can cause you to trip.
  • Do not wear loose shoes that cause you to shuffle your feet when you walk. Wear non-slip shoes or slippers that fit well and stay securely on your feet.
  • Sleep in a bed that is easy to get in and out of.
  • Place a lamp, telephone, and flashlight near your bed in case you need them during the night.

Outside your home

  • Leave outside lights on at night if you are outside after dark.
  • Get help to repair cracks in your pavement and fill holes in your lawn.
  • Get help to remove rocks, tools, snow, wet leaves, and ice on your outside walkways and stairs.

Other tips

  • Be careful not to trip over pets. Be aware of where your pet is when you move around.
  • Take your time. Do not rush to answer the phone or door, or to get up at night to use the bathroom.
  • Always keep a telephone within reach. It may help to keep a mobile phone in your pocket or use an emergency alert necklace in case you fall and are unable to reach your phone. 
  • Consider using smart devices in your home that let you use your voice to call for help.
  • If needed, use a cane or walker to give you support when you are walking.
  • Ask for help when you get up if you feel shaky, weak, dizzy, or lightheaded.
  • Talk to your health care provider about getting a fall risk assessment done. Providers such as physical therapists can do simple tests to measure your risk of falling. 

© 2003 – June 8, 2022, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

This handout is for informational purposes only. Talk with your doctor or health care team if you have any questions about your care. For more health information, call the Library for Health Information at 614-293-3707 or email: health-info@osu.edu.