Preventing Falls at Home: A Room-by-Room Checklist

Falls are the leading cause of injury for older adults — and most are preventable. Use this practical checklist to make every room safer.

One in four adults over 65 falls each year, and a single fall can change everything. The encouraging truth is that the majority of home falls are preventable with a few thoughtful adjustments.

The bathroom

Install grab bars near the toilet and inside the shower, add a non-slip mat, and consider a shower chair. This is statistically the highest-risk room in the home.

Hallways and stairs

Ensure both sides of the stairs have sturdy handrails, keep pathways clear of cords and clutter, and add motion-activated lighting for nighttime trips.

The bedroom

Keep a lamp and phone within arm's reach of the bed, and remove loose rugs that can catch a foot in the dark.

Our physical therapists perform a full home-safety assessment on their first visit and build a fall-prevention plan tailored to each patient's home and mobility.