Module 5: Home Safety
Three out of four U.S. adults would like to remain in their home as they age. Falls can make it hard to stay at home. They are the leading cause of nursing home admittance. Making simple changes to your home could help you prevent a fall at home.
Home Safety and Falls
- Most older adult falls happen inside the home.
- The most common areas for these falls are the bedroom, bathroom, and stairs.
- Common hazards include items left on the floor or walkways, throw rugs, and poor lighting.
- You can make your home safer by getting rid of these hazards.
- You can also add grab bars in your bathroom and make sure that all stairs have handrails on both sides.
Talk to your healthcare provider about referring you to an occupational therapist. An occupational therapist can evaluate your home and talk to you about your daily activities so that you can reduce in-home hazards and remain independent.
Steps You Can Take
- Use the Check for Safety brochure to check your home for fall hazards.
- Fix any fall hazards that you find.
- Modify your home to make it safer.
- Ask your healthcare provider if you need a referral to an occupational therapist to help reduce in-home fall hazards.
Resources
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Home Modification Resources
Find tips and resources on completing a home modification.
STEADI Home Safety Tour
Watch this short video to learn tips to fall-proof your home.