Fall prevention at home: a room-by-room checklist for older adults

A fall can change everything for an older adult. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, falls accounted for 87% of injury-related hospitalizations among Canadians aged 65 and older between 2008/2009 and 2019/2020. The same report is clear that falls and fall-related injuries among older adults are preventable.

The good news is that most of the changes that help are simple. This checklist walks through a home room by room.

The bathroom

The bathroom combines water, hard surfaces and tight spaces, so start here.

• Install grab bars beside the toilet and in the tub or shower. Towel bars are not built to hold a person's weight.
• Use a non-slip mat inside the tub and a non-slip rug outside it.
• Add a shower chair or bench, and a hand-held shower head.
• Consider a raised toilet seat if getting up is hard.
• Put a night light in the bathroom and along the way to it.

Stairs and hallways

• Make sure there is a sturdy handrail, ideally on both sides.
• Light the top and the bottom of the stairs, with switches at both ends.
• Keep stairs completely clear. No shoes, bags or laundry "for later."
• Mark the edge of each step with contrasting tape if steps are hard to see.

The bedroom

• Keep a lamp within reach of the bed, so no one walks in the dark.
• Make the path from the bed to the bathroom clear and lit.
• Check the bed height: feet should rest flat on the floor when sitting on the edge.
• Keep a phone within reach of the bed.

The kitchen

• Move everyday dishes and food to shelves between waist and shoulder height.
• Avoid step stools. If one is truly needed, use a sturdy one with a handle.
• Wipe up spills right away.

Living areas and floors

• Remove loose throw rugs, or secure them with non-slip backing.
• Tuck away cords and cables.
• Arrange furniture so there is a wide, clear walking path.
• Choose chairs with arms, at a height that makes standing up easier.

The entrance and outside

• Check that outdoor steps have a railing and good lighting.
• In Toronto winters, plan for snow and ice clearing, and keep salt or grit by the door.
• Keep a bench or chair inside the door for putting on shoes and boots.

The person, not only the house

Home changes help, but fall risk is also about health and habits. The Public Health Agency of Canada lists exercise programs, assistive devices, proper footwear, education and individual assessments as ways to reduce falls.

• Talk to the family doctor or pharmacist about medications that can cause dizziness or drowsiness.
• Check vision and hearing regularly.
• Wear supportive shoes indoors and out. Avoid loose slippers and socks on smooth floors.
• Stay active. Strength and balance exercise helps. The City of Toronto lists subsidized falls-prevention exercise classes through Ontario Health atHome (310-2222).
• Use the walker or cane that was recommended, even for short trips.

When a little help at home goes a long way

Some of the riskiest moments are ordinary ones: getting out of the shower, going to the bathroom at night, carrying laundry down the stairs. A personal support worker can help with bathing, dressing and moving around the home, and a companion can make sure someone is there for the tasks that are hardest to do alone.

At RightKind Care™, a care coordinator can arrange that support for the hours it is needed most. See personal care and companionship. If a parent is coming home after a fall or a hospital stay, our hospital discharge checklist can help you plan.

Questions families ask

Sources

• Public Health Agency of Canada: Surveillance report on falls among older adults in Canada
• City of Toronto: seniors health and home care services