Making the Home Safe: Fall Prevention and Aging in Place

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death among adults over 65, and the vast majority of falls happen at home in familiar surroundings. This is the simultaneously encouraging and sobering reality: most fall hazards are identifiable and modifiable, which means that thoughtful home assessment and modification can meaningfully reduce risk.

A home safety assessment walks through every room looking for fall hazards: loose area rugs, cluttered pathways, inadequate lighting, slippery bathroom surfaces, items stored too high or too low, and furniture that doesn't provide stable support. Many Area Agencies on Aging offer free or low-cost home safety assessments by occupational therapists who specialize in aging in place.

The bathroom is the highest-risk room in most homes. Grab bars beside the toilet and in the shower are among the most impactful safety modifications available — but they must be installed into wall studs, not just drywall. A walk-in shower or walk-in tub eliminates the step-over hazard of a traditional tub. A shower chair and handheld showerhead provide safety and dignity. Non-slip bath mats belong inside and outside every shower and tub.

Lighting improvements dramatically reduce fall risk at night. Motion-activated night lights along the path from bedroom to bathroom can prevent nighttime falls. Ensuring that light switches are accessible before entering a room — rather than requiring navigation across a dark space — is a simple but significant improvement. Outdoor lighting and slip-resistant front porch surfaces extend safety to the entry and exit of the home.