Falls prevention in and around the home

What are some common causes of falling?

Falls can happen to people of any age, but older people generally tend to be more prone to injury. As we age, our balance can start to become unstable for a number of reasons, including:

Medication complications
Muscle weakness
Loss of vision
Long-term health conditions, such as dementia

Other common causes of falls aren’t related to general health at all, such as trip hazards like loose carpets or wet, slippery floors. These common hazards are usually simple and easy to fix or avoid.

How can I prevent a fall?

Beyond securing your home, there are plenty of simple and easy changes you can make to your lifestyle to help reduce your risk of falling. These include:

Staying active, with regular strength and balance exercises
Eating well and maintaining a healthy, balanced diet
Keeping hydrated, drinking plenty of water each day
Monitoring your eyesight, wearing glasses if needed
Checking your hearing, wearing a hearing aid if needed
Wearing the correct footwear, both in and outside of the home
Carrying a walking stick or walker with you for added protection

Making your home safe to reduce the risk of falls

Not all fall hazards in the home are obvious, so it can be tricky to be certain that you’ve done all you can to keep your loved ones safe. Our fall prevention guide walks you through each room in the home, providing tips and advice on how to prevent or minimise each hazard.

Did you know?

1 in 3

Adults over 65 who live at home will have at least one fall a year

1%

of muscle mass is lost each year from the age of 55

50%

of all outdoor falls are related to walking activity

Fall prevention around the home

By making just a few simple changes to the home, you can ensure that it is as safe as possible for you or your loved ones. Find out much more detail about the individual risks in each room around the home in our fall prevention guide above.

While each room in the home will have different risks,
some of the most common ones to look out for include:

Poor lighting
Obstacles and clutter in pathways
Loose floorboards or upended carpet edges
Slippery floor surfaces
Lack of supportive grab bars or handholds
High or low cabinet heights

You can prevent these risks and keep your loved ones safe,
with the following prevention methods:

Use night lights to keep pathways illuminated at all times
Remove clutter or rearrange interiors so pathways are clear
Ensure all flooring is secure and has a non-slip backing
Use non-slip mats on the floor, in the bath and in other areas
Install grab bars for immediate support
Avoid storing heavily used goods in hard to reach areas

Find Your Local Office

If you need support with fall prevention strategies or know someone that does, contact your local Right at Home Office today. We can also offer free information and awareness sessions for your local community.

Find your local office

Fall Prevention in and around your home