How can you prevent falls in your home. What are the key safety measures for different rooms. Which tools and resources can help you stay safe from falls.

Creating a Safe Environment: Room-by-Room Fall Prevention Strategies

Falls are a significant concern, especially for older adults, and can lead to serious injuries. By implementing specific safety measures in each area of your home, you can significantly reduce the risk of falls. Let’s explore room-by-room strategies to create a safer living environment.

Floors, Stairways, and Hallways: The Foundation of Fall Prevention

The areas where we walk most frequently require special attention to prevent falls. Here are some key safety tips:

• Install secure handrails on both sides of all stairs
• Ensure proper lighting with switches at the top and bottom of stairs and at both ends of long hallways
• Keep walkways clear of clutter, including books, clothes, and shoes
• Secure all carpets firmly to the floor and use no-slip strips on tile and wooden surfaces
• Avoid using throw rugs or small area rugs
• Be cautious on freshly washed floors

Are motion-activated lights effective in preventing falls? Motion-activated lights that plug into electrical outlets can be highly effective in illuminating stairwells and pathways automatically as you walk by, reducing the risk of falls in poorly lit areas.

Bathroom Safety: Reducing Risks in a Slippery Environment

Bathrooms can be particularly hazardous due to wet surfaces. Implement these safety measures:

• Install grab bars near toilets and inside and outside of tubs and showers
• Use non-skid mats or strips on all potentially wet surfaces
• Ensure adequate lighting, including nightlights for nighttime use

Why are grab bars essential in bathrooms? Grab bars provide crucial support and stability when moving in and out of tubs and showers or using the toilet, significantly reducing the risk of slips and falls on wet surfaces.

Bedroom Safety: Ensuring a Secure Sleep Environment

Your bedroom should be a safe haven, even during nighttime hours. Consider these safety tips:

• Place night lights and light switches within easy reach of your bed
• Keep a flashlight nearby for power outages
• Ensure a phone is readily accessible for emergencies

How can proper lighting in the bedroom prevent falls? Adequate lighting, especially at night, helps you navigate your bedroom safely, reducing the risk of tripping over obstacles or misjudging distances in the dark.

Kitchen Safety: Reducing Risks While Preparing Meals

The kitchen can be a hub of activity, but it also presents fall risks. Implement these safety measures:

• Store frequently used items within easy reach
• Clean up spills immediately to prevent slips
• Consider sitting while preparing food to maintain balance

Why is immediate cleanup of spills crucial in the kitchen? Prompt cleanup of spills eliminates slippery surfaces that can cause sudden loss of footing, significantly reducing the risk of falls in the kitchen area.

Outdoor Spaces: Extending Fall Prevention Beyond Your Doorstep

Safety measures should extend to the areas surrounding your home. Consider these outdoor safety tips:

• Repair any broken or uneven steps leading to your front door
• Add non-slip material to outdoor stairways
• Keep outdoor areas clear of debris
• Install a grab bar near the front door for balance while locking or unlocking
• Ensure proper lighting for nighttime visibility
• Use ice melt products or sand on walkways during winter

How can proper outdoor lighting contribute to fall prevention? Adequate outdoor lighting, especially at night, helps you navigate exterior spaces safely, allowing you to see and avoid potential hazards on walkways or steps.

Other Living Areas: Creating a Safe Overall Home Environment

Every area of your home deserves attention when it comes to fall prevention. Consider these general safety tips:

• Keep electrical cords away from walking paths
• Arrange furniture to create clear walkways
• Ensure chairs and sofas are at a comfortable height for easy use
• Store frequently used items at waist level or within easy reach
• Use a “reach stick” for high objects instead of standing on chairs or tables
• Be aware of pet locations to avoid tripping hazards
• Keep emergency numbers easily accessible

Why is furniture arrangement important for fall prevention? Proper furniture arrangement creates clear pathways for movement, reducing the risk of bumping into or tripping over obstacles as you navigate your living spaces.

Professional Home Safety Assessments: Leveraging Expert Insights

If you’ve experienced a fall, your doctor might recommend a home safety assessment by a healthcare professional. These assessments can provide valuable insights:

• Occupational therapists can evaluate your daily activities and suggest safety modifications
• Physical therapists can assess your mobility and recommend exercises to improve balance
• Nurses can provide overall health and safety recommendations

How can a professional home safety assessment benefit you? A professional assessment can identify potential hazards you might overlook and provide tailored recommendations based on your specific needs and living environment, significantly enhancing your fall prevention strategy.

Emergency Response Systems: Ensuring Help is Always at Hand

Implementing systems to get help quickly in case of a fall is crucial. Consider these options:

• Install an emergency response system with a wearable alert button
• Carry a cordless or mobile phone as you move around your home
• Set up a smart home device for voice-activated emergency calls
• Use smartwatches with fall detection and emergency call features

How do emergency response systems work? These systems typically involve a wearable device with a button that, when pressed, alerts emergency services or designated contacts, ensuring rapid response in case of a fall or other emergency.

Leveraging Technology for Fall Prevention

Modern technology offers various tools to enhance fall prevention efforts:

• Motion-activated lighting systems
• Smart home devices for voice-activated assistance
• Wearable devices with fall detection capabilities
• Mobile apps for balance training and fall risk assessment

How can smart home devices contribute to fall prevention? Smart home devices can provide hands-free control of lighting and other home systems, reducing the need for risky movements. They can also be set up to make emergency calls through voice commands, ensuring help is always within reach.

Community Resources: Accessing Local Support for Fall Prevention

Many communities offer resources to help older adults prevent falls:

• State and local government education programs
• Home modification assistance programs
• Local health department initiatives
• Area Agencies on Aging services

How can you find fall prevention resources in your community? Contact your local health department or use the Eldercare Locator (800-677-1116) to find your local Area Agency on Aging. These organizations can provide information about available fall prevention programs and resources in your area.

The Role of Exercise in Fall Prevention

Regular exercise plays a crucial role in preventing falls by improving strength, balance, and flexibility. Consider these exercise options:

• Tai Chi for balance and coordination
• Strength training to build muscle and bone density
• Yoga for flexibility and body awareness
• Walking for overall fitness and balance

How does exercise contribute to fall prevention? Regular exercise improves muscle strength, balance, and coordination, all of which are essential for maintaining stability and reducing the risk of falls. Additionally, exercise can enhance bone density, potentially reducing the severity of injuries if a fall does occur.

Medication Management: Minimizing Fall Risks Associated with Medications

Some medications can increase the risk of falls due to side effects like dizziness or drowsiness. Take these steps to manage medication-related fall risks:

• Review all medications with your healthcare provider regularly
• Understand potential side effects of your medications
• Use a pill organizer to ensure proper dosage and timing
• Consider alternatives to medications that increase fall risk when possible

Why is medication review important for fall prevention? Regular medication reviews can identify drugs that may increase fall risk due to side effects like dizziness or drowsiness. Your healthcare provider can then adjust dosages or suggest alternatives to minimize these risks while maintaining effective treatment.

The Importance of Regular Vision and Hearing Checks

Maintaining good vision and hearing is crucial for fall prevention. Consider these tips:

• Schedule regular eye exams and update prescriptions as needed
• Keep eyeglasses clean and easily accessible
• Have your hearing checked regularly and use hearing aids if prescribed
• Ensure adequate lighting in all areas of your home

How do vision and hearing impact fall risk? Good vision helps you navigate your environment safely and identify potential hazards, while proper hearing aids in maintaining balance and spatial awareness. Regular check-ups ensure that any vision or hearing issues are addressed promptly, reducing fall risks associated with sensory impairments.

Nutrition and Hydration: Fueling Your Body for Fall Prevention

Proper nutrition and hydration play a vital role in fall prevention. Consider these dietary guidelines:

• Consume adequate calcium and vitamin D for bone health
• Stay hydrated to prevent dizziness and maintain balance
• Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins
• Limit alcohol consumption, which can affect balance and judgment

How does nutrition contribute to fall prevention? A balanced diet provides the necessary nutrients for maintaining muscle strength and bone density, while proper hydration helps prevent dizziness that can lead to falls. Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake is particularly important for bone health, potentially reducing the severity of injuries if a fall does occur.

Footwear and Fall Prevention: Choosing the Right Shoes

The right footwear can significantly reduce fall risk. Keep these factors in mind when selecting shoes:

• Choose shoes with non-slip soles
• Ensure proper fit to prevent slipping inside the shoe
• Avoid backless shoes or slippers
• Consider orthopedic shoes for additional support if needed

Why is proper footwear important for fall prevention? The right shoes provide stability, support, and traction, reducing the risk of slips and falls. Well-fitting shoes with non-slip soles can significantly improve balance and reduce the likelihood of losing footing on various surfaces.

Creating a Personal Fall Prevention Plan

Developing a personalized fall prevention strategy can help you stay safe and independent. Consider these steps:

• Assess your home environment for potential hazards
• Discuss fall risks with your healthcare provider
• Develop an exercise routine to improve strength and balance
• Create a medication management plan
• Implement necessary home modifications
• Establish an emergency response plan

How can a personal fall prevention plan benefit you? A tailored fall prevention plan addresses your specific risks and needs, combining various strategies to create a comprehensive approach to safety. This personalized strategy can significantly reduce your fall risk and enhance your overall quality of life.

The Role of Social Support in Fall Prevention

Social connections can play a crucial role in fall prevention. Consider these ways to leverage social support:

• Join fall prevention classes or exercise groups
• Engage friends or family in home safety assessments
• Establish a buddy system for regular check-ins
• Participate in community events focused on senior health and safety

How does social support contribute to fall prevention? Social engagement can provide motivation for maintaining physical activity, offer practical assistance with home safety modifications, and ensure regular check-ins that can detect potential health issues early. Additionally, social connections can reduce isolation and depression, factors that can contribute to increased fall risk.

Preventing Falls at Home: Room by Room

Many falls happen at home, where we spend much of our time and tend to move around without thinking about our safety. There are many changes you can make to your home that will help prevent falls and better ensure your safety.

On this page:

Floors, stairways, and hallways

• Ensure there are handrails on both sides of any stairs, and make sure they are secure. Hold the handrails when you go up or down stairs, even when you are carrying something. Don’t let anything you’re carrying block your view of the steps.
• Ensure there is good lighting with light switches at the top and bottom of stairs and on each end of a long hall. Consider using motion-activated lights that plug into electrical outlets and automatically turn on when you walk by them to help illuminate stairwells and pathways.
• Keep areas where you walk tidy. Don’t leave books, papers, clothes, or shoes on the floor or stairs.
• Check that all carpets are fixed firmly to the floor, so they won’t slip. Put no-slip strips, which you can buy at any hardware store, on tile and wooden floors.
• Don’t use throw rugs or small area rugs.
• Don’t walk on slippery, newly washed floors.

Bathrooms

• Mount grab bars near toilets and on both the inside and outside of your tub and shower.
• Place nonskid mats, strips, or carpet on all surfaces that may get wet.
• Remember to leave a light on in the bathroom at night or use a night light that turns on automatically in the dark.

Bedrooms

• Put night lights and light switches close to your bed.
• Keep a flashlight by your bed in case the power goes out and you need to get up.
• Place a landline or well-charged phone near your bed.

Kitchen

• Keep frequently used pots, pans, and kitchen utensils in a place where they are easy to reach.
• Clean up spills immediately.
• Prepare food while seated to prevent fatigue or loss of balance.

Outdoor spaces

• If you have steps leading to your front door, make sure they are not broken or uneven.
• Add non‐slip material to outdoor stairways.
• Keep the lawn, deck, or porch areas clear of debris, such as fallen branches.
• Consider installing a grab bar near the front door to provide balance while you are locking or unlocking the door.
• Turn on your porch light at night and if you leave during the day but plan on returning home after dark.
• In the winter, treat outdoor walkways with an ice melt product or sand to make them less slippery.

Other living areas

• Keep electrical cords near walls and away from walking paths.
• Arrange your furniture (especially low coffee tables) and other objects so they are not in your way when you walk.
• Make sure your sofas and chairs are the right height for you to get in and out of easily.
• Keep items you use often at waist level or within easy reach.
• Don’t stand on a chair or table to reach something that’s too high — use a “reach stick” instead or ask for help. Reach sticks are special grabbing tools that you can buy at many hardware or medical-supply stores. If you use a step stool, make sure it’s steady and has a handrail on top. Have someone stand next to you.
• Don’t let your cat or dog trip you. Know where your pet is whenever you’re standing or walking.
• Keep a list of emergency numbers in large print near each landline phone and save them under “favorites” on your mobile phone.

If you have fallen, your doctor might suggest that an occupational therapist, physical therapist, or nurse visit your home. These health care providers can assess your home’s safety and advise you about making changes to lower your risk of falls.

Tools to get help

Read and share this infographic and help spread the word about how to help prevent falls.

If you’re concerned about falling, set up systems to ensure you can get help if you fall. One option is installing an emergency response system. If you fall or need emergency help, you push a button on a special necklace or bracelet to alert 911. There is a fee for this service, and it’s usually not covered by insurance.

Another option is to carry a well-charged cordless or mobile phone with you as you move throughout the house. Have close friends and family on speed dial. Consider setting up a smart home device (a small speaker that listens and responds to commands when you call its name) that can quickly connect you to contacts or emergency response teams. Some smartwatches can be set up to make emergency calls at the push of a button and others can even detect sudden fall-like movements and automatically call for help. Ask family and friends for help setting up these tools.

Home improvement resources

Many state and local governments have education and/or home modification programs to help older people prevent falls. Check with your local health department, search the Eldercare Locator, or call 800-677-1116 to find your local Area Agency on Aging to see if there is a program near you.

Read more about falls and falls prevention.

Read about this topic in Spanish. Lea sobre este tema en español.

For more information

National Resource Center on Supportive Housing and Home Modifications
213-740-1364
[email protected]
www.homemods.org

Rebuilding Together
800-473-4229
[email protected]
www.rebuildingtogether.org

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
800-232-4636
888-232-6348 (TTY)
[email protected]
www.cdc.gov

National Center for Injury Prevention and Control                                                                                                           
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
800-232-4636
888-232-6348 (TTY)
cdcinfo@cdc. gov
www.cdc.gov/injury

National Falls Prevention Resource Center
571-527-3900
www.ncoa.org/center-for-healthy-aging/falls-resource-center/

This content is provided by the NIH National Institute on Aging (NIA). NIA scientists and other experts review this content to ensure it is accurate and up to date.

Content reviewed:
September 12, 2022

Related Articles

Fall Prevention & Home Safety Tips

Falls are costly and can cause serious injury or death.

Falling, slipping or tripping around the house is a serious concern for seniors.

Each year, more than one out of four adults age 65 and older falls. These falls cause moderate to severe injuries such as cuts, broken hips or head traumas in 20 to 30 percent of people. Injuries from falls can make it hard to get around or live independently, and they can increase the risk of early death.

Facts About Falls

• Falling once doubles your chances of falling again.
• One out of five falls causes a serious injury such as broken bones or a head injury.
• Each year, 3 million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries.
• Over 800,000 patients a year are hospitalized because of a fall injury.
• Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries.
• Most fractures among older adults are caused by falls.
• The most common are fractures of the spine, hip, forearm, leg, ankle, pelvis, upper arm, and hand.
• Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
• Many people who fall, even if they’re not injured, become afraid of falling. This fear may cause a person to cut down on their everyday activities. When a person is less active, they become weaker and this increases their chances of falling.
• The chances of falling and of being seriously injured in a fall increase with age.
• Men are more likely than women to die from a fall. After taking age into account, the fall death rate is approximately 40% higher for men than for women.

* According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Falls Prevention Resources

Falls Prevention Video

See small, inexpensive steps to take to make a home safer.

Falls Free CheckUp

Take this 2-minute Falls Free CheckUp to see what causes falls and how to prevent them.

Indiana Fall Prevention Coalition

Improving the well-being of Indiana older adults by raising awareness of fall prevention.

Help Prevent Fall Risks

This handout from INFPC offers exercises to reduce the risk of falls and a home assessment checklist.

6 Steps to Protect Your Loved One

If you have an aging parent, grandparent or neighbor in your life, help them reduce their risk of falling.

National Council on Aging: Falls Prevention

NCOA’s Resource Center supports the implementation of evidence-based falls prevention programs.

Home Safety Tips

• Don’t rush when doing a task. Accidents are more likely to occur when you are in a hurry.
• When changing positions, such as standing from a sitting position, count to 15 before starting to walk.
• Wear supportive shoes that have low heels and rubber soles: smooth-soled shoes, slippers or only wearing socks can increase your chances of falling.
• Make sure dresses, nightgowns and trousers are short enough in length to avoid tripping over them when walking. Also, be sure to roll back long, loose sleeves or fasten them with pins when cooking.
• Do you take four or more medications daily? Multiple medications can cause dizziness, drowsiness and balance problems. It is important to have all of your medications reviewed at least once a year by a pharmacist or doctor.
• Have your vision checked regularly/annually. Wear glasses as advised by your eye doctor.
• Have you or those around you noticed a change in your hearing? Dizziness can occur with hearing loss. Set up an appointment to have your hearing checked.
• Have daily contact with a family member, friend and/or neighbor. Also, consider having a home alert system installed.

Home Safety Modifications

BEDROOM

• Move bedside items/tables closer and arrange the room so that there is a direct path in/out and to the bathroom.
• Place night-lights in all bedrooms and bathrooms. Use night-lights that turn on automatically as the room becomes dark.
• Always keep a charged flashlight near your bed for emergencies.

BATHROOM

• Consider using a shower chair, tub-mounted grab bars and raised toilet seats with hand rails to assist with sitting and standing, hand-held shower attachment or wearing “aqua shoes.”
• Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on the shower floor.

KITCHEN

• Store commonly used items on shelves that are easy for you to reach. If you must reach overhead, keep a sturdy stool handy.
• Eliminate throw rugs, if possible. If necessary, use rugs with a nonskid backing or add double-sided carpet tape around edges.

STAIRS

• Install handrails on both sides of the steps. They should run the full length of the steps.
• Mark the top and bottom steps for better visibility with bright contrasting tape or paint.
• Be sure stairs are well-lit and light bulbs are checked regularly to be in working order. Install light switches at the top and bottom of stairs.

OUTSIDE

• Install sturdy handrails for all steps or, if necessary, a ramp with handrails.
• Also, make sure your porch has proper lighting and consider fixing uneven sideways/pathways.

Ready to reduce the risk of falls in your home?

We’re here to help. If you’re interested in home accessibility modifications and eligibility criteria, contact us today!

Safety measures in case of snow melting and icicles falling from the roofs of buildings

• Main
• Administration of the city of Norilsk
• Divisions
• Department of Civil Defense and Emergency Situations of Norilsk
• Useful information

In winter and spring, on the roofs of buildings,
accumulate a large amount of snow, and icicles may also form,
which reach a considerable size. Especially dangerous now
roofs and cornices decorated with “garlands” of ice icicles. Hanging from the rooftops, they
threaten human health and life.

The fall of a “sharp-nosed” ice on a person is fraught, at best
case, injuries of varying severity. It all depends on the altitude and
icicle size. There are cases when a dangerous “decoration” killed
passersby.
Every year, falling icicles claim the lives of dozens of Russians. There were cases that
icicles fell into a baby carriage left under a murderous “garland”.
It is clear that only a miracle saved the children from death. We just think that
icicles tightly “grow” to the roofs. In fact they are ready to fall in
any moment. Light thaw, wind and ice tend to fall on the heads
pedestrians.

To avoid accidents due to falling
icicles, you need to be careful, try not to move close to
walls of buildings, under balconies. It is worth avoiding the place of a possible fall
icicles or snow layers from the roof.

Being in the danger zone, a person can get hit by a falling
snow and icicles are very serious and dangerous injuries and even death.

To avoid this situation, you should:

• do not approach the roofs of buildings from which exit is possible
  snow, and not allow children to be in such places;

• warn children of danger. Playing under a dangerous roof
  may end sadly;

• in the presence of a fence, warning notices
  (signs) of a dangerous place, do not try to pass over the fence, go around
  dangerous place in another way;

• after falling snow, ice (icicles) from the edge of the roof, snow and
  ice can also come off the rest of the roof, so if you can see on the sidewalk
  traces of previously fallen snow, or ice fragments, this indicates a danger
  this place;

• if you heard upstairs while driving on the sidewalk
  suspicious noise – you can not stop, raise your head and look,
  what happened there. Perhaps this is the melting of snow or ice blocks. Run away from the building
  is also impossible, you need to snuggle up to the wall as quickly as possible, the roof peak will serve
  shelter;

• if an icicle or snow has fallen from the roof
  man, you need to call an ambulance.

Be alert and careful when near
buildings!

Prevention of falling objects when working at height

October 28, 2019

Tools

Safety

Accessories

Your employees may be perfectly safe when working at heights, but how do you protect their colleagues below? Falling tools and other objects are a big hazard that is not always given due attention. The following are clear guidelines for securing tools, preventing tools from falling, and improving workplace safety.

Problem:

Technicians in the metalworking and energy industries often work at heights. They have to climb to great heights to maintain a wind turbine or a high-rise building. Dropping even a small object in such a situation can cause serious injury. In the US alone, according to OSHA (Occupational Health and Safety Administration), more than 50,000 people are injured each year as a result of falling objects.

From a legal point of view:

US law requires employers to educate and inform employees, both permanent and temporary, about workplace hazards. They are also required to take steps to prevent accidental dropping of equipment. If this is not possible, employers should provide a safe area under the work at height and keep people out of it. It is important to note that this approach should only be used as a last resort. The UK and other countries have similar laws. There is a conflict between traditional practice and legal requirements. Often the area under the work site is blocked off by fences, and people cannot walk there and be hit by falling objects. The main purpose of legislative measures, on the contrary, is to prevent the very fact of such falls.

When working at height, do not rely on the fenced area below to provide sufficient protection. The first step is to prevent the tools from falling.

Harald Odenman
,
Marketing Manager at Chicago Pneumatic

Tool Drop Prevention Measures

First of all, it is important to remember that wearing helmets is not enough. They should always be worn anyway, but they can only provide partial protection. Falling objects, except perhaps the smallest ones, can still cause injury. As we have said, fences should only be used in extreme cases. The correct solution is to implement special procedures and equipment designed to provide additional safety and prevent the tool from falling.

Essential tips for operators working at height

• Seek specialized training – employer must provide it
• Place items in securely closed containers or lifting bags and secure them to the attachment point at the top. Use hoists and cranes to lift equipment, not to move it. Do not climb ladders or other structures with tools in your pockets:
  • We recommend that you attach items weighing less than 2.25 kg to your clothing using a tool belt, clips, cords or other means of attachment – or carry them in a secure case
  • We recommend securing equipment weighing more than 2.25 kg at a suitable attachment point on a stable structure, but do not attach to an employee!
  • This recommendation applies to phones, radios, tablets, laptops, tape measures and other devices.
• Be sure to bring all the correct tools, accessories and accessory changing equipment needed for the job (eg see our impact wrench bit recommendations). If necessary, replace accessories and consumables before lifting, but not at height.

General recommendations:

• Be sure to use all recommended protective equipment, including fall arrest devices, helmets, gloves and other PPE tools suitable for explosive atmospheres

Top Tips for Employers to Prevent Tool Drops

• Train operators first on agreed safety procedures
• Incorporate falling objects into safety training
• Consider falling objects as part of your workplace safety risk assessment
• Take action to address identified risks
• Provide operators with all the facilities listed in the previous list, including fixtures and anchor points, lifting gear and protective equipment
• Set up a safety net in a working area or fence off an area
• Keep up to date with new developments in safety equipment

Fall protection training must consider both the possibility of falling objects and the possibility of falling people.