Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalization among older adults, and the overwhelming majority happen at home. The encouraging part: most are preventable with modifications that cost little and take an afternoon.
Room by Room
Bathroom
- Install grab bars beside the toilet and inside the shower — towel racks are not grab bars.
- Use a non-slip mat or adhesive strips in the tub.
- Consider a shower chair and handheld showerhead.
Stairs and Hallways
- Ensure handrails run the full length of every staircase, on both sides where possible.
- Add motion-activated night lights along the route from bed to bathroom.
- Remove throw rugs, or secure them with double-sided tape.
Kitchen
- Move everyday items to waist height to eliminate reaching and step stools.
- Replace worn oven mitts and check that the stove has an auto-shutoff.
Bedroom
- Keep a phone and lamp within arm's reach of the bed.
- Clear a wide, unobstructed path to the door.
Beyond Fall Prevention
A safe home also means working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, a clearly posted list of emergency contacts, and medications stored where they cannot be confused with one another.
Every Comfort and Caring assessment includes a walkthrough of the home with these points in mind. We will give you a written list of recommendations, prioritized by risk, at no cost.
