Falls are the leading cause of injury among adults aged 65 and older. More than 14 million older adults—approximately one in four—report falling each year.

Many falls happen in and around the home, where poor lighting, slippery surfaces, clutter, and uneven flooring can create avoidable risks. This room-by-room guide explains what to look for and how to make the home safer.

Changes in balance, strength, eyesight, medication, or general health can also affect fall risk. Anyone who has fallen or feels unsteady should speak with a healthcare professional.

How Can You Make Stairs Safer?

Poor lighting, loose carpet, damaged steps, clutter, and unstable handrails can make stairs difficult to use. Carrying laundry or groceries may also block the view of the steps or prevent someone from holding the handrail.

To make a staircase safer:

• Keep every step clear.
• Repair loose carpet or damaged flooring.
• Improve lighting from top to bottom.
• Install secure handrails on both sides where possible.
• Avoid carrying items that block the view of the stairs.
• Add contrasting step edging if vision is a concern.

These improvements may not be enough for someone who regularly struggles with pain, weakness, fatigue, or balance. A [straight stairlift — INTERNAL LINK] can reduce the need to climb the stairs on foot.

Learn more about [how stairlifts work — INTERNAL LINK] and whether one may be suitable for your home.

What Are the Main Bathroom Fall Hazards?

Water, smooth flooring, and restricted space make bathrooms a common area of concern. Stepping over the side of a bath, reaching for toiletries, or walking to the bathroom at night can also increase risk.

To make the bathroom safer:

• Install properly secured grab bars.
• Use a slip-resistant bath or shower surface.
• Keep toiletries and towels within easy reach.
• Consider a shower seat if standing is tiring.
• Add a nightlight for nighttime visits.
• Consider a walk-in shower if stepping over a bath wall is difficult.

Do not use towel rails as substitutes for grab bars.

How Can You Make a Bedroom Safer?

Getting out of bed while tired or disoriented can increase fall risk. A bed that is too high or too low, loose items on the floor, and poor nighttime lighting may make movement more difficult.

To make the bedroom safer:

• Keep a clear route between the bed and bathroom.
• Install motion-sensor nightlights.
• Keep a lamp, phone, glasses, and mobility aid within reach.
• Use a bed height that allows both feet to rest on the floor.
• Remove or secure loose rugs.
• Keep clothing, cables, and other items off the floor.

Bed support rails are not appropriate for everyone and can create entrapment or fall risks when incorrectly selected or installed. Ask a healthcare professional whether a support device is suitable.

How Can You Reduce Kitchen Fall Hazards?

Spills, loose mats, high cupboards, and long periods of standing can make the kitchen difficult to navigate. Chairs or unstable stools should never be used to reach high shelves.

To make the kitchen safer:

• Clean up spills immediately.
• Store frequently used items within easy reach.
• Keep heavier items out of high cupboards.
• Remove loose or curling mats.
• Improve lighting around counters and the stove.
• Use a stable perching stool if standing becomes tiring.

Keep the main walking route clear and avoid excessive reaching or bending.

What Should You Check in the Living Room?

Loose rugs, electrical cables, low tables, pet bowls, and poorly placed furniture can narrow walking routes. Low or overly soft seating may also be difficult to rise from.

To make the living room safer:

• Secure or remove loose rugs.
• Route cables away from walking paths.
• Move low furniture and other obstacles.
• Improve lighting around seating areas.
• Choose firm seating with stable armrests.
• Keep commonly used routes clear.

A firm cushion may help raise a low seat, provided it remains stable and secure.

How Can You Make Outdoor Areas Safer?

Outdoor steps and paths can become slippery or uneven because of rain, leaves, algae, loose gravel, or frost. Poor lighting and missing handrails can make entrances harder to use.

To make outdoor areas safer:

• Clear leaves, moss, tools, and hoses.
• Repair cracked or uneven paths.
• Add secure handrails beside steps.
• Improve lighting around entrances.
• Use a low-profile, slip-resistant doormat.
• Address areas where water regularly collects.

When external steps remain difficult to manage, an [outdoor stairlift — INTERNAL LINK] may provide a more practical way to reach an entrance, yard, or driveway.

Quick Senior Home Safety Checklist

Walk through the home and answer each question based on the person’s normal daily routine.

• Are stairs and walking routes free from clutter? Yes / No
• Are handrails secure and available where needed? Yes / No
• Is the home well lit, including at night? Yes / No
• Are loose rugs removed or secured? Yes / No
• Are bathroom surfaces slip-resistant? Yes / No
• Are grab bars installed where support is needed? Yes / No
• Is there a clear route from the bed to the bathroom? Yes / No
• Are commonly used kitchen items easy to reach? Yes / No
• Are cables and furniture kept out of walking routes? Yes / No
• Are chairs and sofas easy to sit on and rise from? Yes / No
• Are outdoor paths level, clear, and well lit? Yes / No
• Are outdoor steps fitted with secure handrails? Yes / No

A “No” answer identifies an area worth reviewing. Small changes such as moving a lamp, clearing a walkway, or securing a rug can make an immediate difference.

FAQS

• What are the most common fall hazards for seniors at home?
  Common hazards include loose rugs, poor lighting, slippery surfaces, clutter, uneven steps, unstable handrails, and electrical cables.
• Where do most falls happen in the home?
  Falls can happen anywhere. Stairs, bathrooms, bedrooms, entrances, and frequently used walking routes deserve particular attention.
• How can I make stairs safer for an older adult?
  Clear the steps, repair damaged flooring, improve lighting, and install secure handrails. A stairlift may be worth considering when stairs remain difficult despite these changes.
• Can a stairlift help reduce fall risk?
  A stairlift reduces the need to climb or descend the staircase on foot. Correct installation, safe use, and the ability to get on and off the seat remain important.
• When should the home be reassessed?
  Review the home after a fall or near miss, or whenever the person’s mobility, eyesight, health, medication, or living arrangements change.

Fall prevention often begins with small changes, including clearer walking routes, better lighting, secure flooring, and easier access to frequently used areas.

When stairs remain difficult, an Acorn stairlift can provide a more manageable way to move between floors.

[Request a free stairlift survey — INTERNAL LINK] to discuss the staircase, the person’s mobility needs, and the available options. The survey is free and comes with no obligation.

Sources and further reading

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Older Adult Falls Data

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Check for Safety—A Home Fall Prevention Checklist

• National Institute on Aging: Preventing Falls at Home—Room by Room

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Adult Portable Bed Rail Safety

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