10 Essential Tips for Elderly Fall Prevention and Home Safety

Falls are the leading cause of emergency hospital admissions for older adults. According to Public Health England, about 30% of people aged 65 and above, and 50% of those over 80, will experience a fall at least once a year. These incidents contribute to over 4 million hospital bed days annually.

Ensuring home safety for elderly individuals is important for their independence. By implementing these 10 essential home safety tips, you can create a secure environment that supports an independent lifestyle while reducing the risk of falls.

1. Install Grab Bars and Handrails

For added support, installing grab bars in the bathroom near the toilet and shower, as well as sturdy handrails along staircases, can greatly reduce fall risks. These aids provide stability and confidence when moving around the home.

2. Improve Lighting to Prevent Trips and Falls

Poor lighting can be a significant hazard for seniors. Ensuring that all hallways, staircases, and key areas are well-lit helps prevent missteps and falls. Motion-sensor nightlights in bedrooms and bathrooms provide additional safety during nighttime trips.

3. Wear Proper Footwear

Wearing the right non-slip footwear can significantly reduce fall risks. Footwear plays a crucial role in fall prevention. Seniors should wear well-fitting shoes with non-slip soles to provide stability and prevent slips. Avoid walking around in socks or loose slippers, as they can increase the risk of falling.

4. Secure Rugs and Wires to Prevent Falls

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury among the elderly. Use rug tape to secure loose carpets and invest in cable tidies to prevent tripping hazards. According to the NHS Falls Prevention Advice, eliminating such hazards significantly reduces the likelihood of falls. Elderly fall prevention starts with minimising trip hazards and improving home safety.

5. Encourage Regular Exercise to Improve Balance

Maintaining strength and balance through gentle exercises can help prevent falls. Activities such as walking, stretching, or chair-based exercises improve muscle tone and coordination. The NHS recommends balance exercises as an essential part of fall prevention.

6. Conduct a Home Hazard and Risk Assessment

Regularly assessing the home for potential risks can prevent common accidents. Check for loose rugs, trailing wires, or poor lighting. Ensuring that pathways are clear and that frequently used items are within easy reach enhances safety at home.

7. Arrange Furniture for Safe Mobility

Ensure that furniture is arranged in a way that allows for easy movement. Keep pathways clear and remove obstacles that could cause trips. Avoid low or unstable furniture that may be difficult for seniors to use safely.

8. Use a Grabber Tool to Reduce Strain and Risk of Falls

Bending down to pick up objects can be risky for elderly individuals with limited mobility or balance issues. A grabber tool allows seniors to retrieve dropped items without unnecessary strain, reducing the risk of falls and injuries. As part of elderly fall prevention, having tools that reduce the need for bending or stretching can be crucial.

9. Organise Storage for Easy Access

Reaching high or low storage spaces can become difficult with age. Using rotating organisers, commonly known as “Lazy Susans,” makes it easier to access items in kitchen cupboards or medicine cabinets. These organisers reduce unnecessary stretching, minimising the risk of falls.

10. Invest in a Monitored Personal Alarm for Peace of Mind

For seniors living independently, having immediate access to emergency assistance is critical. A monitored SOS pendant with fall detection and GPS tracking ensures help is always available. If an emergency occurs, a simple button press connects users with emergency services or a family member.

At Protect Alert, we offer reliable SOS pendants designed to provide safety and security for elderly individuals. With 24/7 monitoring and flexible plans, our devices ensure immediate assistance when needed most. Find out more about our SOS pendants here.