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How to Prevent Falls in the Home
- Talk to your doctor about falls prevention. Have regular vision and hearing tests.
- Take prescription and over-the-counter medications correctly . Keep a medication record and review it regularly with your doctor. Tell your doctor if your medication makes you dizzy or lightheaded.
- Install proper lighting throughout your home. Pay special attention to stairs (with a light switch at both ends) and bathrooms. Use night-lights in the hallways, particularly between the bedroom and bathroom.
- Keep your floor and stairs free of clutter. Avoid the use of scatter rugs.
- Be sure to have at least one handrail (preferably two) on all stairways and steps in your home. Ensure handrails are securely attached and in good repair.
- Check that stairs are in good repair and are slip resistant. If any stairs are broken, have them fixed promptly. Add a strip along the edge of each step in a contrasting color to make it easier to see or use reflective anti-skid treads.
- Take the same precautions for outdoor steps. In addition, arrange to have leaves, snow and ice removed on a regular basis. Use salt or sand throughout the winter months.
- Wear proper footwear. Shoes, boots and slippers should provide good support and have good soles. Avoid loose slippers or stocking feet.
- Install grab bars in all bathrooms, by the toilet and in the bathtub or shower. It's a good idea to have two bars in the tub, one on a side wall and one on the back wall. If you need extra support, consider a bath seat or bench so you can have a shower sitting down.
- Use a rubber mat along the full length in your tub, and a non-skid bath mat beside the tub.
- Use walking aids and other safety devices for extra safety. If you use a cane or a walker, check that it is the right height and that the rubber tips are not worn. Install stainless steel prongs (ice picks) on canes for safe walking in the winter.
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Home Adaptations
It's Easy to Make Your Home a Safer Place
 
Bright uncluttered stairways with sturdy handrails make your home a safer place.
Make your home a safer place. In the bathroom:
- secure grab bars
- bath stool or bench
- non-slip mats in and beside the tub
Preventing Falls In and Around the Home (Fact Sheet, Health Canada, 2006)
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