Make Your Home Safe << Falls << Healthy Aging << womenshealth.gov

Picture of a woman who has fallen down a flight of stairs

Make Your Home Safe

Did you know that most falls happen in the home? Make sure your home is safe with these tips:

In stairways, hallways, and pathways:

Make sure there is good lighting. Place light switches at both the top and bottom of the stairs.

Keep areas where you walk clear.

Check that all carpets are tacked firmly to the floor so they won't slip. Slipping can cause you to trip. Put no-slip strips on tile and wooden floors. You can buy these strips at hardware stores.

Have handrails on both sides of all stairs — from top to bottom — and be sure they're tightly attached.

In bathrooms and powder rooms:

Install 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.

Keep nightlights on.

In your bedroom:

Put nightlights and light switches close to your bed.

Keep your telephone near your bed.

In other living areas:

Keep electric cords and telephone wires near walls and away from walking paths.

Tack all carpets and area rugs firmly to the floor.

Arrange your furniture and other objects so that they are not in the way. This will help keep you from tripping over low tables when you walk through the house.

Make sure your sofas and chairs are a good height for you. This helps you get in and out of them easily.

Additional Resources

Publications

CHECK FOR SAFETY: A Home Prevention Checklist for Older Adults — The checklist asks about hazards found in each room of your home. For each hazard, the checklist tells you how to fix the problem. At the end of the checklist, you will find other tips for preventing falls.

http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/pub-res/toolkit/Check%20for%20SafetyCOLOR.pdf

Falls and Older Adults — This publication provides information on how to prevent falls and the risk factors associated with falling and being an older adult. Additional information is also provided on what to do if you happen to fall.

http://nihseniorhealth.gov/falls/toc.html

Better Balance Prevents Falls (Copyright © AARP) — This article discusses what you can do to improve your balance and prevent falls. It includes information on balance and strength exercises and what changes you can make to prevent falls in your home.

http://www.aarp.org/health/staying_healthy/prevention/better_balance_prevents_falls.html...

Organizations

= Indicates Federal Resources

Content last updated March 5, 2009.