Fall-Proofing Your Home: A Room-by-Room Checklist

Falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and many falls happen at home. The good news is that many hazards are easy and inexpensive to fix. Walk through your home with this checklist, ideally with a family member or friend who can offer a fresh set of eyes.

Throughout the home

• Clear walkways of clutter, cords, shoes and stacks of papers.
• Remove throw rugs, or secure them with double-sided tape or non-slip backing.
• Arrange furniture so you have clear paths to walk through rooms.
• Fix loose or uneven flooring, carpets and thresholds.
• Keep frequently used items within easy reach, between waist and shoulder height.
• Use a sturdy step stool with a handrail, never a chair, if you must reach high places. Better yet, ask for help.
• Keep a phone within reach in rooms where you spend time, or wear a medical alert device.

Lighting

• Brighten every room with higher-wattage LED bulbs, as appropriate for each fixture.
• Add light switches at the top and bottom of stairs and at room entrances, or use motion-sensor lights.
• Use night lights in bedrooms, hallways and bathrooms.
• Keep a lamp or flashlight within reach of your bed.
• Reduce glare with frosted bulbs or lampshades.

Stairs and steps

• Install sturdy handrails on both sides of stairs, running the full length.
• Make sure steps are even and in good repair.
• Add non-slip treads or mark step edges with bright, contrasting tape.
• Keep stairs free of objects.
• Make sure stairways are well lit.

Bathroom

• Install grab bars inside and outside the tub or shower and next to the toilet. Towel bars are not designed to hold your weight.
• Use non-slip mats or adhesive strips in the tub or shower and a non-slip rug on the floor.
• Consider a shower chair and a handheld showerhead.
• Install a raised toilet seat or a toilet with arms if getting up is difficult.
• Keep a night light on at night.
• Wipe up water spills right away.

Bedroom

• Place a lamp and phone within easy reach of the bed.
• Make sure the bed is a comfortable height for getting in and out.
• Keep a clear path from the bed to the bathroom.
• Sit on the edge of the bed for a moment before standing, especially at night.

Kitchen

• Store everyday items on lower shelves.
• Clean up spills immediately.
• Use a non-slip mat in front of the sink.
• Avoid wearing loose, long robes while cooking.

Outside

• Repair cracked or uneven walkways.
• Add handrails to outdoor steps.
• Keep walkways clear of leaves, snow and ice.
• Install outdoor lighting along paths and at entrances.

Beyond the home: other steps that help

• Stay active with exercises that build strength and balance, such as tai chi.
• Get your vision checked at least once a year, or as your doctor recommends.
• Review your medications with your doctor or pharmacist. Some can cause dizziness or drowsiness.
• Wear sturdy, well-fitting shoes with non-slip soles, even indoors.
• Talk to your doctor if you have fallen, feel unsteady or are worried about falling.

Help with home modifications

Your local Area Agency on Aging may know of programs that help older adults with home safety modifications at low or no cost. Some communities offer free home safety assessments. Contact the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.