The Complete Fall Prevention Checklist for Every Room in Your Home

Every year, one in four Americans over 65 falls. That is about 14 million people. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death in older adults and the most common reason for emergency room visits.

But here is what most people do not realize: more than half of all falls happen at home. In the place where you feel safest, the risks are hiding in plain sight, a loose rug, a dim hallway, a slippery bathtub.

The good news is that home modifications can reduce fall risk by 26 to 40 percent, according to a Cochrane review of clinical trials. Most fixes are cheap. Many take less than an hour.

This room-by-room checklist covers the changes that make the biggest difference.

Bathroom (The Most Dangerous Room)

The bathroom is where the most serious falls happen. Wet surfaces, hard edges, and awkward movements (stepping over a tub, sitting and standing) create a perfect storm.

Install grab bars next to the toilet and inside the shower or tub. Mount them into wall studs, not just drywall. Suction-cup bars can fail. Professionally installed grab bars cost $50 to $150 each.
Add a non-slip mat or adhesive strips inside the tub or shower floor. Replace mats when the suction cups start to fail.
Use a shower chair or transfer bench if standing in the shower feels unsteady. A handheld showerhead makes seated showering easier. Good options cost $30 to $80.
Raise the toilet seat if getting up is difficult. Raised seats (2 to 4 inches) with armrests cost $30 to $60 and require no tools to install.
Remove bath mats with curled edges. Replace with flat, non-slip mats that have a rubber backing.
Add a night light near the toilet. A motion-activated LED light costs $5 to $15 and eliminates the need to fumble for a switch at 3 a.m.
Keep the floor dry. Wipe up water immediately. Use a bath mat outside the tub to catch drips.

Kitchen

Reaching, bending, and carrying hot liquids make the kitchen a common fall site.

Move frequently used items to counter height or the lowest shelf you can reach comfortably. If you need a step stool, use one with a handrail, never a chair.
Clean up spills immediately. Keep a mop or paper towels within easy reach.
Use non-slip rugs in front of the sink and stove. Rugs should have rubber backing or be secured with double-sided tape.
Avoid walking in socks or stockings on tile or linoleum floors. Wear shoes or slippers with non-slip soles.
Use a rolling cart to move heavy pots, dishes, or groceries instead of carrying them across the room.
Make sure lighting is bright. The kitchen needs at least 50 foot-candles of light on work surfaces. Replace dim bulbs with bright LEDs (100-watt equivalent or higher). Add under-cabinet lights if countertops are shadowed.
Secure electrical cords along walls or behind appliances. Loose cords across the floor are a trip hazard.

Bedroom

Falls in the bedroom often happen at night, when you are groggy and the room is dark.

Place a lamp within arm’s reach of the bed. A touch-activated lamp is easiest. Or use a smart plug that responds to voice commands.
Install a night light between the bed and bathroom. Motion-activated options work well so you do not have to find a switch.
Clear the path from bed to bathroom. Remove shoes, clothes, books, and anything else on the floor. This path should be completely clear every night.
Make the bed the right height. When sitting on the edge, your feet should rest flat on the floor with your knees at a 90-degree angle. Bed risers or a different mattress can adjust the height.
Remove throw rugs or secure them with non-slip pads. Area rugs are one of the top tripping hazards in the home.
Keep a phone by the bed. If you fall, you need to call for help. A cell phone on the nightstand or a medical alert device can save your life.

Living Room

The living room has furniture to navigate, cords to avoid, and surfaces that may be slippery.

Arrange furniture to create clear walking paths. You should be able to walk across the room without weaving around obstacles. Leave at least 36 inches of clearance in main walkways.
Secure or remove area rugs. If you love a rug, use non-slip rug tape or a rubberized pad underneath. Curled corners are especially dangerous.
Choose a chair that is easy to get in and out of. Firm cushions, armrests, and a seat height of 17 to 19 inches make standing easier. Avoid deep, soft couches that you sink into.
Route cords behind furniture. Use cord covers for any cables that must cross a walking path. This includes lamp cords, phone chargers, and TV cables.
Keep remote controls, reading glasses, and the phone within easy reach from your main seat. Fewer trips to get things means fewer chances to fall.

Stairs and Hallways

Falls on stairs cause the most serious injuries, including hip fractures and head injuries.

Install handrails on both sides of all stairs. One side is not enough. Handrails should run the full length of the staircase and extend past the top and bottom steps.
Make sure every step is well-lit. Overhead lights or wall-mounted fixtures should illuminate each step clearly. Consider LED strip lights along the stair edges.
Add non-slip treads or carpet to bare wood or tile stairs. Self-adhesive treads cost $2 to $5 per step and are easy to install.
Fix any loose or broken steps immediately. A wobbly step is an emergency, not a weekend project.
Never store anything on stairs. Not even temporarily. That stack of books or laundry basket is an accident waiting to happen.
Light all hallways brightly. Hallways are transition zones where your eyes adjust between rooms. Motion-activated lights work well here.
Remove hallway clutter. Shoes, umbrellas, bags, and pet toys do not belong in walkways.

Entryways and Outdoor Areas

The transition from outside to inside is a high-risk zone.

Keep the front entrance well-lit. A motion-activated light by the door helps you see the lock, the step, and any obstacles. It also improves security.
Fix cracked or uneven walkways. Raised sections of sidewalk or a crumbling porch step are serious hazards. Concrete leveling is often cheaper than replacement.
Add a handrail to outside steps. Even two or three steps need a rail.
Clear leaves, ice, and snow promptly. In winter, keep ice melt near the door.
Use a doormat that lies flat. Mats with curled edges are trip hazards. Choose a low-profile mat with a rubber backing.
Make sure house numbers are visible. If you need emergency help, responders need to find your address quickly.

General Tips for the Whole House

These apply everywhere:

Improve lighting throughout. As you age, you need two to three times more light to see clearly. Replace 60-watt bulbs with 100-watt equivalents. Add lights in dark corners and closets.
Wear proper footwear. Avoid walking barefoot or in socks. Shoes or slippers with rubber soles and a low heel provide the best traction.
Keep a cordless phone or cell phone on you. If you fall and cannot reach a phone, you could be on the floor for hours.
Consider a medical alert system. Devices that you wear as a pendant or wristband let you call for help with one button press. Costs range from $20 to $50 per month.
Get your vision checked yearly. Poor vision is a major fall risk factor. Update your glasses prescription. If you use bifocals, be extra careful on stairs (the reading portion distorts depth perception).
Review your medications. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if any of your drugs cause dizziness, drowsiness, or low blood pressure. These side effects contribute to many falls.

What to Do After a Fall

If you fall, even if you are not hurt:

Tell your doctor. A fall is a medical event, not just bad luck.
Ask for a fall risk assessment. Your doctor can check your balance, strength, medications, and vision.
Consider physical therapy. A therapist can design an exercise program to improve balance and strength. Programs like Tai Chi for Arthritis or the Otago Exercise Programme have strong evidence for reducing falls.

The Bottom Line

You do not need to renovate your entire home. Start with the bathroom and stairs, where the most serious falls happen. Then work through the other rooms over a few weekends. Many of these fixes cost less than $50 and take minutes to install.

Falls are not an unavoidable part of aging. With the right changes, your home can be a much safer place.

Reported by Sarah Thornton with additional research from the SeniorDaily editorial team. For corrections or updates, please contact us.