Falls can be dangerous, especially for older adults. Most falls happen at home, where we feel comfortable and often let our guard down. But the good news? There are simple changes you can make to dramatically reduce your fall risk.

This guide will show you how to prevent falls at home with practical, step-by-step tips you can start using today.

Why Preventing Falls at Home Is So Important

According to the CDC, more than 1 in 4 older adults fall each year, and most of those falls happen at home. Many of these accidents lead to serious injuries like hip fractures or head trauma some even require hospitalization.

But the right home safety steps can prevent up to 50% of falls.

1. Improve Floor and Stair Safety

Install handrails on both sides of every staircase
Always hold the handrail when using stairs
Keep floors clear of clutter, shoes, or cords
Use non-slip strips on tile or wood
Avoid throw rugs — they slip easily
Don’t walk on wet floors

💡 Consider Eden Health’s Home Health Services if you need assistance modifying your space and get additional advice on how to prevent falls at home.

2. Light Your Home the Right Way

Add motion-sensor lights in hallways and stairwells
Make sure every room has easy-to-reach switches
Use night lights in hallways, bedrooms, and bathrooms
Install overhead lights in dark areas

Tip: Use automatic night lights that turn on in low light.

3. Make Your Bathroom Fall-Proof

Bathrooms are high-risk zones for falls. To prevent accidents:

Install grab bars inside and outside the tub and next to the toilet
Place non-slip mats in the tub and on wet surfaces
Leave a night light on or use motion-sensor lighting
Use a raised toilet seat if needed

4. Prevent Falls in the Bedroom

Put a lamp or light switch within arm’s reach of your bed
Keep a flashlight or mobile phone nearby in case of a power outage
Make sure your bed height is easy to get in and out of

5. Reduce Kitchen Hazards

Store frequently used items at waist level
Avoid climbing — use a reach stick or ask for help
Clean up spills immediately
Consider preparing meals while seated to reduce fatigue

🔗 Learn how Eden Health caregivers can assist with daily activities like meal prep.

6. Prepare Outdoor Spaces for Safety

Check that all steps and walkways are even and stable
Add non-slip treads to outdoor stairs
Use porch lights with motion sensors
Clear branches, leaves, and clutter from paths
In winter, apply ice melt or sand to prevent slipping

7. Eliminate Fall Hazards in Living Areas

Keep electrical cords out of walking paths
Arrange furniture to create clear walkways
Avoid low tables that are easy to trip over
Keep frequently used items within reach
Never stand on a chair or table, use a step stool with handrails

8. Use Assistive Devices and Smart Tools

Devices to consider:

Canes and walkers for stability
Grabbers (reach sticks) for high shelves
Smart speakers like Alexa or Google Home for hands-free help
Smartwatches with fall detection and emergency calling

🛠️ Learn more about assistive devices from NIA’s fall prevention guide.

9. Know When to Get a Home Safety Assessment

If you’ve fallen before or feel unsteady, ask your doctor about a home visit from:

An occupational therapist
A physical therapist
A home health nurse

These professionals can recommend changes to make your home safer.

10. Set Up Emergency Support Systems

If a fall does happen, being able to call for help quickly is critical.

Tools to get help

If you’re concerned about how prevent falls at home, 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.

Helpful Tools:

Emergency response buttons (necklace or bracelet)
Mobile phones with speed dial
Smartwatches with emergency call features
Voice-activated smart devices to call for help

📞 Eden Health’s care team can help you explore your options for home safety and fall recovery

Other Helpful Resources

Helpful Resources for Families

Falls can significantly impact a person’s independence and recovery. These related resources can help families create a safer home environment and support long-term wellness:

FAQs on How to Prevent Falls at Home

1. What is the most common cause of falls at home?

Clutter, poor lighting, slippery floors, and rugs are top causes of in-home falls.

2. Are grab bars covered by insurance?

Some may be covered under Medicare or Medicaid if deemed medically necessary.

3. What is a reach stick?

A reach stick is a long tool with a grabbing mechanism that helps you reach items without climbing.

4. Are smart devices helpful in preventing falls?

Yes! Devices like smart speakers or watches can call for help or remind you to take medications or turn on lights.

5. Can home health services help prevent falls at home?

Absolutely. Eden Health provides in-home assessments and safety assistance.

By following these tips, you can dramatically reduce your risk of falling at home. Whether it’s improving lighting, using assistive tools, or simply staying organized, small changes lead to big safety wins.

If you need support, the team at Eden Health Idaho Falls is here to help.

Tagged Aging in Place, Caregiver Support, Fall Prevention, Physical Therapy, Senior Safety

10 Proven Ways to Prevent Falls at Home and Stay Safe Every Day