Fall Prevention: Making the Home Safer for Seniors

Start With the Bathroom

The bathroom is where most senior falls occur. Install grab bars near the toilet and inside the shower or tub. Use a non-slip mat or adhesive strips in the tub. Consider a raised toilet seat and a shower chair. Keep the floor dry and use nightlights for visibility during late-night trips.

Clear Pathways and Remove Hazards

• Remove throw rugs or secure them with non-slip backing.
• Keep floors free of clutter, cords, and pet toys.
• Ensure adequate lighting in hallways, stairs, and entryways.
• Install handrails on both sides of staircases.
• Wear well-fitting, non-slip shoes indoors — not socks.

Encourage Strength and Balance

Physical weakness and poor balance are major contributors to falls. A physical therapist can design a gentle exercise program to improve leg strength, flexibility, and coordination. Even simple daily movements — standing up from a chair repeatedly, heel-to-toe walking, or light stretching — build stability over time.

"A fall can change everything in an instant. But the good news is that most falls are not accidents — they are predictable and preventable."