As seniors age, they may spend more time at home. However, home can be a dangerous place to be if fall and safety hazards aren’t addressed. Here are some of the most common fall hazards in the home and tips on how to address them.
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Addressing Common Fall Hazards in the Home
Learn more about common hazards and get fall prevention techniques to help reduce the risk of falling in a loved one’s home.
Bedroom
FACT: Poor lighting doubles a senior’s fall risk.
The bedroom should be a safe and comfortable place for seniors. However, clutter, low lighting, and furniture placement can raise the risk of falls.
- Loose Items: Dirty clothes, shoes, and blankets left on the floor can cause tripping hazards. Keep walkways clear by using hampers and storage bins to keep items off the floor.
- Poor Lighting: Insufficient lighting can make it difficult to navigate the bedroom at night. Install motion-activated night lights along pathways to the bathroom and near the bed.
- Bed Safety: Getting in and out of bed can be a challenge for seniors with limited mobility. Install bed rails for support and consider a lower bed height to make transfers easier.
Stairs & Hallways
FACT: Stairway falls are the leading cause of accidental death in older adults.
Hallways and stairs are high-risk areas where poor visibility, unstable surfaces, and a lack of handrails can lead to dangerous falls.
- Unstable Handrails: Seniors rely on handrails for balance, but a loose or weak handrail can be more dangerous than not having one at all. Secure sturdy, properly mounted handrails on both sides of the staircase.
- Carpet Runners: Loose or frayed carpet runners can create uneven surfaces, increasing fall risk. Use non-slip adhesives or replace carpeting with slip-resistant flooring.
- Low Contrast: Poor depth perception makes it harder for seniors to distinguish where one step ends and another begins. Add bright tape or contrasting colors to the edges of stair treads.
Bathroom
FACT: 80% of senior falls occur in the bathroom.
The bathroom is one of the most dangerous rooms in the home due to potential fall hazards — slippery floors, low toilet seats, and wet surfaces.
- Wet Floors: Water on the floor from sinks, showers, or baths can be hazardous. Use skid-resistant rugs with rubber backing to absorb excess moisture.
- Slippery Bathtubs & Showers: Soap residue and water create slippery conditions. Install non-slip mats, shower grab bars, and a shower chair for stability.
- Low Toilet Seats: Seniors may struggle to sit down or stand up from a low toilet. Use raised toilet seats and install grab bars near the toilet for extra support.
Kitchen
FACT: Every 19 minutes, a senior dies from a fall.
The kitchen is full of potential fall hazards, from reaching for heavy appliances to slipping on spilled liquids.
- Heavy Items: Lifting appliances and cookware can strain muscles and increase fall risk. Store heavy pots and appliances at waist level to reduce the need for bending or lifting.
- Unstable Chairs: Lightweight or wobbly chairs can be a danger when sitting or standing. Use stable chairs with armrests to provide extra support when getting up.
- Spills: Water, oil, or food spills can create slick surfaces. Clean up spills immediately and use slip-resistant mats in high-traffic areas.
Living Room
FACT: Each year, 3 million seniors are treated in the emergency room for falls.
The living room should be a comfortable space, but furniture placement, cords, and rugs can contribute to unexpected falls.
- Cords & Wires: Electrical cords running across the floor create tripping hazards. Secure cords along the walls or use cord covers to keep them out of walkways.
- Throw Rugs: Rugs can slip or create uneven surfaces that cause seniors to trip. Remove throw rugs or use double-sided tape to secure them.
- Narrow Pathways: Cluttered or tight spaces can make movement difficult, increasing the risk of falls. Rearrange furniture to create clear, wide pathways for easy navigation.
Outdoors
FACT: 30% of senior falls occur outside the home.
Outdoor areas present additional hazards, from cracked sidewalks to poor traction on wet surfaces.
- Uneven or Cracked Concrete: Sidewalks, patios, and driveways with cracks can cause seniors to trip. Repair cracks when possible or mark uneven surfaces with brightly colored tape.
- Poor Traction: Rain, ice, and snow can make outdoor surfaces slick. Use textured paint, install abrasive stair strips, and ensure seniors wear shoes with good traction.
- Overgrown Trees & Shrubs: Pruning high branches can lead to falls, and overgrown plants can obstruct pathways. Keep outdoor areas well-maintained or hire a professional for tree trimming.
Final Thoughts: A Safer Home for Seniors
Falls are a serious health risk for seniors, but many hazards can be prevented with proactive measures. By making small adjustments in each area of the home, you can significantly reduce the risk of falls and promote a safer living environment.
Need extra support for a senior loved one? Our professional caregivers at Caring Senior Service can assist with fall prevention strategies, mobility support, and home safety modifications. We also conduct free home safety and risk assessments. Contact your local Caring team today to learn more!
