Fall Prevention Checklist: How to Prevent Falls at Home

Key takeaways

• In adults 65 and older, falls are the leading cause of injury.
• Most falls are preventable.
• Your doctor and local Ohio organizations can offer personalized tips and advice to prevent falls at home.

Summary paragraph

Our fall prevention checklist walks you through practical steps to help you or your loved one reduce fall risk at home, including warning signs to look for, how to make living spaces safer and how a healthcare provider can help.

Falls are often preventable, and taking steps to reduce risk can help protect your health and independence.

In the United States, falls are the leading cause of injury for adults 65 and older, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Fall-related deaths among older Ohioans have increased sharply. In 2023, 1,914 Ohioans age 65 and older died from an unintentional fall, 11% more than in 2022, according to the Ohio Department of Health.

Fall prevention for older adults

Whether you’re looking out for an aging parent, partner or friend, or taking steps to keep yourself safer at home, these tips can help reduce fall risk and support safer, more confident movement at home.

Step 1. Ask yourself, or someone you love, questions about health and medications.

As we age, it’s easy to believe we’re unlikely to fall or that if we do, it won’t result in serious injury. But the stats tell a different story. If you’re 65 or older, falls can have serious consequences, including death.

Take time to ask yourself questions about your current health conditions, daily function and medication management. If you’re worried about someone you love, don’t be shy about asking them these questions:

• Do everyday tasks feel more difficult than they used to?
• Is your eye prescription current?
• Are you confident you know which medicines to take and when?
• Do any of your medications make you feel dizzy or affect your balance?

Step 2. Recognize warning signs and act early.

Pay attention to how you or a loved one moves in different spaces:

• Do you hold onto walls, furniture or other people while walking?
• Do you have difficulty rising from a chair?
• Has your walking pace changed noticeably?

These are common signs that strength, balance or gait may need support.

Make an appointment with your doctor who can assess these areas of concern and help you create a plan to address them. Your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist.

If you have noticed changes in your balance, talk to your medical team about whether a walking aid, such as a cane or walker, may help. Physical therapy may help improve your balance and independence at home and in the community, as well as teach you how to use a walking aid safely.

Step 3: Walk through your home with fresh eyes.

Home hazards are one of the most common contributors to falls. Many are easy to fix once you identify them. Take time to slowly walk through every room in your house, as well as areas you walk regularly outside.

• Is the home well-lit and are nightlights in place?
• Is the carpet on a stair torn or lifting at the edges?
• Do doormats or area rugs move at all when you step on them?
• Is a step stool unsteady?
• Is the bathtub or shower floor slippery without a nonslip mat?
• Is there a solid railing on any outdoor steps leading to your house?
• Are outside steps and sidewalks even?

It may be helpful to have a relative or friend do a walk-through with you to spot things you may not think about or may miss. A physical therapist or occupational therapist can also identify concerns and recommend a formal home safety assessment to your doctor, who can order it. This type of evaluation looks at lighting, stairs, bathrooms, bedrooms, the kitchen and common areas to identify risks and recommend changes.

For more information about fall prevention, visit STEADY U Ohio, an initiative led by the Ohio Department of Aging. You can take a free online falls risk self-assessment and discuss your results with your doctor.

FAQ/People also ask

How can I afford costly repairs or changes to my house to help prevent falls?

Some recommended changes inside and around your home to help prevent falls can be expensive (for example, changing a bathtub to a walk-in shower). Community organizations may have programs to help. The Ohio Department of Aging searchable directory is a good place to start. Other local organizations to consider include:

• Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging
• The City of Columbus Chores Program
• Franklin County Minor Home Repair Program

What healthy habits can decrease my risk of falling?

To decrease your risk of falling, the Ohio Department of Aging recommends getting at least 15 minutes of exercise a day, staying hydrated, thinking through tasks and moving slowly when transitioning from lying down or sitting to help prevent dizziness. STEADY U Ohio offers additional healthy-habit tips.

How can I prevent falls when I have a pet?

If you have a pet, you know how easy it is for them to get underfoot. To prevent falls, don’t step over them. Pick up their toys regularly. Consider a collar with a bell so you can hear when they are close. Keep their food and water bowls tucked away, where you don’t walk. The Ohio Department of Aging offers additional pet and fall-risk tips.