Home Safety Assessment: Fall Prevention for Elderly

Making your home safe is crucial for preventing falls and maintaining independence. This comprehensive guide provides room-by-room safety checks, practical modifications, and expert advice to create a safer home environment.

Why home safety matters

Fall statistics

• 1 in 3 people over 65 fall annually
• Most falls happen at home
• Falls are leading cause of injury
• Can lead to loss of independence
• Many falls are preventable
• Simple changes make big difference

Benefits of home assessment

• Identifies hazards
• Prevents falls
• Maintains independence
• Provides peace of mind
• Enables aging in place
• Reduces injury risk

General home safety principles

Lighting

• Bright, even lighting throughout
• Light switches at room entrances
• Night lights in bedroom, bathroom, hallway
• No dark areas
• Replace dim bulbs
• Consider motion-sensor lights

Flooring

• Remove loose rugs
• Secure edges of carpets
• Non-slip flooring
• No clutter on floors
• Repair uneven surfaces
• Avoid high-gloss finishes

Clutter

• Clear pathways
• Remove obstacles
• Tidy trailing wires
• Store items safely
• Keep frequently used items accessible

Room-by-room assessment

Entrance and hallways

Hazards to address

• Poor lighting
• Loose rugs
• Clutter
• Uneven flooring
• No handrail

Safety improvements

• Bright lighting
• Light switch at entrance
• Remove mats or secure firmly
• Clear pathways
• Handrail if needed
• Non-slip flooring
• Contrasting step edges

Living room

Hazards

• Low furniture
• Trailing wires
• Clutter
• Poor lighting
• Unstable furniture

Improvements

• Stable, appropriate height furniture
• Secure wires along walls
• Good lighting
• Clear floor space
• Remote controls accessible
• Phone within reach
• Firm, supportive seating

Kitchen

Hazards

• Wet floors
• High shelves
• Poor lighting
• Clutter
• Unstable step stools

Improvements

• Wipe spills immediately
• Non-slip mats
• Frequently used items at waist height
• Good task lighting
• Stable step stool with handrail
• Perching stool for tasks
• Easy-grip utensils

Bathroom

Hazards

• Wet, slippery surfaces
• No grab rails
• High bath sides
• Low toilet
• Poor lighting

Improvements

• Non-slip bath mat
• Grab rails by toilet and bath/shower
• Raised toilet seat
• Shower seat or bath board
• Good lighting
• Night light
• Non-slip floor
• Remove bath mats (trip hazard)

Bedroom

Hazards

• Poor lighting
• Low bed
• Clutter
• Loose rugs
• Trailing wires

Improvements

• Bedside lamp within reach
• Night light to bathroom
• Appropriate bed height
• Clear path to bathroom
• Phone by bed
• Firm mattress
• Bed rail if needed

Stairs

Hazards

• Poor lighting
• No handrails
• Worn carpet
• Clutter
• Unclear edges

Improvements

• Handrails both sides
• Good lighting top and bottom
• Light switches at both ends
• Secure carpet
• Contrasting edge strips
• Keep stairs clear
• Non-slip treads

Essential safety equipment

Grab rails

• By toilet
• In bath/shower
• On stairs if needed
• Professionally installed
• Correct height and position
• Regular checks

Raised toilet seat

• Makes sitting and standing easier
• Various heights available
• With or without arms
• Easy to fit
• Significant difference

Bath/shower aids

• Shower seat
• Bath board
• Bath lift
• Long-handled sponge
• Non-slip mat

Walking aids

• Walking stick
• Walking frame
• Rollator
• Correct type for needs
• Properly adjusted
• Used correctly

Personal alarm

• Worn at all times
• Easy to activate
• 24/7 monitoring
• Peace of mind
• Quick response

Technology solutions

Smart home devices

• Motion-sensor lights
• Voice-activated controls
• Smart doorbells
• Automated lighting
• Fall detection devices

Monitoring systems

• Activity monitors
• Bed sensors
• Door sensors
• Camera systems
• Remote monitoring

Outdoor safety

Garden and paths

• Even, non-slip surfaces
• Good lighting
• Handrails for steps
• Remove moss and algae
• Clear leaves promptly
• Avoid ice in winter

Entrance

• Well-lit
• Non-slip surface
• Handrail if steps
• Contrasting step edges
• Doorbell accessible
• Key safe if appropriate

Footwear

Safe footwear

• Well-fitting
• Non-slip soles
• Low heel
• Supportive
• Easy to put on
• Secure fastening

Avoid

• Slippers without backs
• Smooth-soled shoes
• High heels
• Loose-fitting
• Walking in socks

Medication management

Medication review

• Regular GP review
• Some medications increase fall risk
• Check side effects
• Dizziness or drowsiness
• Blood pressure effects
• Minimize if possible

Safe storage

• Organized system
• Easy to access
• Good lighting
• Dosette boxes helpful
• Clear labels

Emergency preparedness

Emergency plan

• Phone accessible
• Emergency numbers visible
• Personal alarm
• Neighbors informed
• Key safe for emergencies
• Medical information accessible

If you fall

• Stay calm
• Check for injury
• Call for help
• Try to reach phone
• Get to furniture if able
• Keep warm
• Don't panic

Professional assessment

Who can help

• Physiotherapist
• Occupational therapist
• Falls prevention service
• Local authority
• Private companies

What they provide

• Comprehensive assessment
• Personalized recommendations
• Equipment advice
• Installation guidance
• Follow-up support
• Funding information

The role of physiotherapy

Falls Prevention Advice & Exercises provides:

• Home safety assessment
• Fall risk evaluation
• Personalized recommendations
• Equipment advice
• Balance training
• Strength exercises
• Confidence building
• Ongoing support

The bottom line

Creating a safe home requires:

• Thorough room-by-room assessment
• Good lighting throughout
• Removing trip hazards
• Installing grab rails
• Appropriate equipment
• Regular reviews
• Professional guidance
• Ongoing vigilance

A safe home environment is fundamental to preventing falls and maintaining independence. Simple modifications can make a huge difference. Don't wait for a fall—be proactive about home safety.

About the author

Lizzie Thornton is a specialist community physiotherapist with over 15 years of experience in falls prevention and home safety. She is HCPC registered and a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Lizzie provides physiotherapy across Staffordshire Moorlands and Cheshire East.

View Lizzie's profile