The Top 10 Fall Hazards In The Home And How To Address Them For Families Of Aging Parents

As we age, falls become a major concern for many families.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths among adults over the age of 65. Falls can lead to serious injuries, such as broken bones and head trauma, and can greatly impact a person's quality of life. However, many falls can be prevented by identifying and addressing potential fall hazards in the home.

In this blog post, we will discuss the top 10 fall hazards in the home and how to address them, specifically for families of aging parents.

Save to refer back to later!

Top 10 Fall Risks In The Home

Clutter

Clutter is not only unsightly, but it can also be a major tripping hazard for seniors. This is particularly true for individuals with mobility or balance issues. It's essential to keep walkways, hallways, and stairways clear of clutter to reduce the risk of falls.

Start by identifying potential areas of clutter in the home, including loose rugs, electrical cords, and other obstacles. Consider removing any non-essential items from the main living areas to help reduce clutter. For example, if you have furniture or decorations that are blocking walkways or impeding movement, consider removing them or rearranging them to a safer location.

Additionally, it's crucial to secure any loose rugs to the floor to prevent them from slipping or bunching up. You can use double-sided tape or non-slip backing to help keep the rugs in place. Electrical cords and wires should also be tucked away and out of the way, either by using cable ties or by using cord covers.

Another way to reduce clutter and the risk of falls is to organize and declutter storage areas, such as closets and cabinets. This can be particularly helpful for seniors who have limited mobility and may have difficulty reaching items. Consider installing pull-out shelves or adding storage bins to make it easier to access items without having to reach or bend down.

Poor Lighting

Poor lighting is another major contributor to falls in the home, particularly in areas such as stairways, hallways, and entryways. Inadequate lighting can make it difficult to navigate the home safely, especially for older adults whose eyesight may not be as sharp as it once was. To address this hazard, it is essential to ensure that all rooms and hallways are well-lit, and that all light fixtures are working correctly.

Consider installing additional light fixtures or using lamps to brighten dimly lit areas of the home. Replace burnt out light bulbs immediately and opt for brighter bulbs to improve visibility. Additionally, make sure all light switches are easily accessible and that older adults can safely reach them.

In addition to lighting, using nightlights in bedrooms and bathrooms can provide enough illumination for nighttime trips to the bathroom, reducing the risk of falls in the dark. When it comes to outdoor lighting, ensure that walkways, porches, and entryways are well-lit, and consider installing motion-activated lights for added safety. Adequate lighting is crucial in preventing falls, so take the necessary steps to ensure that your loved one's home is well-lit at all times.

Loose or Slippery Flooring

Loose or slippery flooring is a major fall hazard that can lead to serious injuries. As people age, their ability to maintain balance decreases, making them more susceptible to falls. Loose carpets, rugs, or mats can create a tripping hazard, particularly if they are not properly secured to the floor. Loose floorboards or tiles can also create a similar hazard.

To prevent falls caused by loose flooring, it's important to ensure that all flooring in the home is secure and not damaged. This may involve repairing or replacing any damaged or loose floorboards, tiles, or other flooring materials. Additionally, consider using non-slip mats or flooring in areas that may be particularly hazardous, such as bathrooms and kitchens.

Non-slip flooring options can include textured tiles or mats that provide extra grip and stability underfoot. In addition to providing better traction, non-slip flooring can also make it easier to move around, particularly for those using mobility aids like walkers or canes. For people who prefer carpet, low pile carpet with a firm backing can be a good option, as it provides a stable surface that is less likely to shift or move.

It's important to regularly check flooring for any damage or wear, particularly in areas that see heavy foot traffic. If any issues are identified, it's best to address them promptly to prevent accidents or falls from occurring.

Uneven Surfaces

Uneven surfaces can make it difficult for seniors to navigate their home safely. A sudden change in flooring height or a threshold between rooms can increase the risk of tripping and falling. To address this, it's important to ensure that all flooring is level and even.

If there are changes in flooring height between rooms, consider installing transition strips to make the transition smoother and less hazardous. These strips can be made of various materials, such as rubber or wood, and can be easily installed over existing flooring. Similarly, threshold ramps can be installed to make it easier to move from one room to another. These ramps come in a variety of sizes and materials, and can be customized to fit the needs of your home.

If you have carpeting in your home, be sure to keep it securely attached to the floor. Loose carpeting can cause tripping hazards, especially if there are wrinkles or bumps in the carpet. Have any loose or damaged carpeting repaired or replaced as needed to ensure that it is secure and safe to walk on.

Finally, be sure to regularly inspect all flooring surfaces in your home for any signs of damage or wear. If you notice any cracks, holes, or other damage, have it repaired immediately to prevent any accidents or falls.

Inadequate Handrails

Inadequate handrails can be a major hazard for seniors, as they rely on them for support and balance while moving around their home. Handrails should be installed on both sides of stairways, with a minimum height of 34 inches and a maximum height of 38 inches. Additionally, handrails should be installed in bathrooms, particularly around the toilet and in the shower or bathtub.

If the existing handrails are loose or damaged, they should be repaired or replaced immediately. It is important to ensure that handrails are securely anchored to the wall and can support the weight of a senior if needed.

In some cases, it may be necessary to install additional handrails to provide adequate support throughout the home. For example, if there are multiple steps leading up to the front door or if there are areas where there are no handrails currently installed, additional handrails may be necessary.

It is important to consult with an occupational therapist or aging in place specialist to ensure that handrails are installed in the most appropriate locations and at the proper height. This will help to reduce the risk of falls and increase the overall safety of the home for seniors.

Poorly Designed Bathrooms

In addition to non-slip flooring and sturdy handrails, there are several other design elements that can improve bathroom safety for seniors. One important feature is a walk-in shower or tub with a low threshold, which can reduce the risk of tripping and falling when getting in and out. If a walk-in shower or tub is not an option, consider installing a transfer bench to make entering and exiting the tub easier.

Another important consideration is the placement of bathroom fixtures. Ensure that the toilet is at a comfortable height and consider installing grab bars nearby for additional support. Install a sink with ample counter space and ensure that the faucet handles are easy to operate, with clearly marked hot and cold indicators. A handheld showerhead can also make bathing easier and more comfortable for seniors.

Finally, ensure that all bathroom products and accessories are easily accessible, with items frequently used placed at a comfortable height. This may include toiletries, towels, and a bathrobe. With these design features in place, seniors can maintain their independence and safely navigate the bathroom.

Poorly Placed Furniture

When it comes to fall hazards, furniture placement is often overlooked.

Many people, especially seniors, may have difficulty with balance and mobility, making it important to ensure that all furniture is sturdy and arranged in a way that does not obstruct walkways or impede movement. This means ensuring that there is enough space to move around easily and that furniture is placed in a way that does not create a tripping hazard.

For example, chairs and tables should be positioned in a way that does not block walkways, and cords or wires should not be left dangling where someone could trip over them.

Additionally, it's important to ensure that furniture is stable and not likely to tip over. This can be done by ensuring that furniture legs are properly aligned and that heavy items are placed on sturdy surfaces.

Lack of Grab Bars

Many falls in the bathroom occur when seniors are getting in and out of the shower or tub, or while they are using the toilet. Without proper support, seniors may lose their balance and fall. To prevent these accidents, it is important to install sturdy grab bars in the bathroom. Grab bars should be securely mounted to the wall and able to support the weight of the senior.

Grab bars should be installed in the shower or tub area to provide support while getting in and out. This is especially important if the shower or tub has a slippery surface. The grab bars should be placed at a comfortable height and within easy reach. They should also be placed in a position that allows the senior to maintain their balance while stepping over the threshold of the shower or tub.

In addition to the shower or tub area, grab bars should also be installed next to the toilet. This allows seniors to use the toilet safely and with support. Grab bars next to the toilet should be installed at a height that allows the senior to easily reach them, and they should be positioned in a way that provides support when sitting down or standing up.

It is important to ensure that the grab bars are securely installed and able to support the weight of the senior. This may require the assistance of a professional, such as an occupational therapist or a handyman. Seniors should also be educated on how to use the grab bars properly to prevent accidents. With proper installation and use, grab bars can greatly reduce the risk of falls in the bathroom.

Use of Step Stools or Ladders

Using step stools or ladders can be a common practice in many households, but it can be particularly risky for seniors who have decreased balance, coordination, and mobility. Falls from height can result in serious injuries such as fractures, head trauma, and even death. Therefore, it is important to ensure that all step stools and ladders are sturdy, in good condition, and appropriate for the task at hand.

When using a step stool or ladder, it is important to follow safety guidelines. Make sure that the step stool or ladder is on a stable and level surface, and that it is fully opened and locked into place. Avoid standing on the top rungs of a ladder or the top platform of a step stool, as these can be the most unstable and increase the risk of falling.

It may also be helpful to consider alternative options to avoid the need for climbing altogether. For example, using a reacher or grabber tool can help seniors safely access items that are out of reach without the need for climbing or reaching overhead. Additionally, rearranging items in the home to be more accessible and within reach can reduce the need for climbing or using step stools and ladders altogether.

Lack of Proper Footwear

Lack of proper footwear is a common yet often overlooked cause of falls in the home. Many seniors may be used to wearing slippers or sandals inside the home, but these types of footwear do not provide the necessary support and stability to prevent falls. Encourage seniors to wear shoes with non-slip soles and good support, even when inside the home. Make sure shoes fit well and do not slide or slip off, as this can also increase the risk of falls.

In addition to proper footwear, seniors should also be mindful of the clothing they wear. Loose clothing or clothing with long hems can easily get caught on furniture or other objects, leading to a fall. Encourage seniors to wear clothing that fits well and does not drag on the ground. Clothing with non-slip soles, such as socks with grippers, can also provide additional traction on smooth surfaces. By wearing appropriate clothing and footwear, seniors can reduce their risk of falling and stay safe in their own homes.

In conclusion, preventing falls in the home is an important step in keeping aging parents safe and healthy. By addressing potential fall hazards, families can greatly reduce the risk of falls and the serious injuries that can result.

Falls can be devastating for seniors, but with the right precautions, they can be prevented. By addressing the top fall hazards in the home, such as clutter, poor lighting, and slippery flooring, you can help keep your aging parents safe and reduce their risk of falling.

As an occupational therapist and aging-in-place specialist, I encourage you to take the necessary steps to make your aging parent's home as safe as possible. If you have any concerns or would like more information on how to make your aging parent's home safer, please book a free consultation with me or another aging in place specialist. We can work with you to assess your parent's home and recommend solutions to help prevent falls and improve their overall safety and well-being. Let's work together to keep your aging parents safe and happy in their own homes for as long as possible.

At Universal Home Consulting, we understand the importance of aging in place and helping families feel confident that their loved ones can stay safe and healthy at home. We offer virtual home safety assessments to help families identify potential risks and create a plan to address them. We also provide caregiver coaching to provide education and support to help prevent injury and burnout.