Staying safe in the home – fall prevention

Slips, trips, and falls are the number one reason elderly people are taken to A&E and, according to NHS data, a third of people aged over 65, and half of those aged over 80, fall over at least once a year. The good news is that you can dramatically reduce the risk of falls at home with some practical changes around the home. 

Karen Togher, Staff Trainer at the Bright Care Training Academy says: 

“Preventing falls at home is absolutely critical to maintaining an older adult’s independence and safety. That’s why we equip our care team to identify and address fall risks from day one, so they are always confident, fully capable, and prepared to provide safe, person-centred care.”

Karen shared her tips for creating a safer home environment and reducing the chances of accidents.

Fall-proofing the home

A quick safety audit of the house can reveal easy-to-fix hazards. Most falls happen in familiar surroundings, so it’s worth taking a close look at every room:

• Brighten things up: make sure all areas are well-lit. Install nightlights in hallways, bedrooms, and especially the bathroom, so your loved one has a clear, illuminated path if they get up at night. Check that switches and lamps are easy to reach.
• Clear the floors: preventing falls at home is often about clearing away clutter. Secure any loose rugs or simply remove them, make sure all cables and wires are secured out of the way, and check that carpets are flat and firmly attached. Non-slip mats are a must-have in bathrooms and near external doors.
• Secure the bathroom: The bathroom is a high-risk zone for slipping. Install grab bars in the shower or next to the bath, and near the toilet. A shower chair or a raised toilet seat can also help reduce strain and instability when they move from sitting to standing.
• Stair safety: if they use stairs, ensure there are sturdy handrails on both sides. Always keep the steps completely clear of laundry or other items.

Monitor health and mobility

Your loved one’s personal health plays a huge role in their stability. Keeping an eye on these factors is just as important as fixing hazards.

• Talk about medication: many medications, or the combination of several, can cause side effects like dizziness, sleepiness, or light-headedness when standing up (postural hypotension). These can be major fall triggers. Have a chat with their GP or pharmacist about all prescriptions to ensure the dosages are right and to understand potential side effects. Professional medication management is a key aspect of care precisely to avoid these kinds of errors.
• Check footwear: encourage them to wear supportive, non-slip footwear indoors. Walking around in bare feet, socks, or loose slippers can make slipping much more likely.
• Eyes and ears: Schedule regular vision and hearing checks. Poor eyesight can lead to misjudging steps, and inner ear issues can dramatically impact balance.
• Support safe movement: It’s great to promote independence, but always make sure moving is safe. If they need physical help transferring or walking, use techniques learned from reliable sources, which focuses on maintaining best practice to keep everyone safe.

Be ready for emergencies

Even when you take every precaution, accidents can happen. Being prepared for a fall is the final piece of the safety puzzle to minimise injury and distress.

• Keep contacts handy: keep a clear, easy-to-read list of emergency numbers, including local services and key family contacts, in an accessible spot.
• Consider an alarm system: personal alarm systems or wearable tech are worth looking into. Many smartwatches now offer fall detection that can automatically call emergency services if they sense a fall and the person is unresponsive. They can also use emergency sharing to quickly let family members know their location.
• Build a support system: make sure your loved one knows exactly who they can call for help if they feel unsteady, whether it’s a neighbor, relative, or professional support. That knowledge alone is often highly reassuring.

Complete a quarterly home safety review

Use this checklist to ensure your loved one’s environment stays safe throughout the year:

• Spring: Check external paths, patios, and steps for moss, algae, or loose paving stones that might have loosened during winter. It is also the perfect time to clear away any winter debris from garden walkways.
• Summer: Ensure outdoor seating is stable and that there are clear, safe access points to the garden. If your loved one spends time outdoors, ensure hydration levels are monitored, as dizziness from dehydration can be a hidden fall risk.
• Autumn: As the days grow shorter, check that all external lighting works correctly and that entryways are free from slippery, fallen leaves. Ensure all interior nightlights are functioning, as the earlier darkness can be disorienting.
• Winter: Clear driveways and paths of ice and snow immediately. Ensure the home is kept at an adequate, comfortable temperature; extreme cold can sometimes affect mobility and stiffness, making falls more likely.

By taking a proactive approach, you can build a secure and safe environment for your loved one.

What if you need more support

If you reach a point where you feel you are struggling to manage your loved one’s needs, or if you are worried about their safety, it may be time to consider professional support. Key signs of decline that indicate the need for outside help include an increase in fall frequency, significant changes in mobility, difficulty managing complex medication schedules, or a growing inability to maintain personal hygiene and housekeeping. 

While combining proactive steps like fall-proofing the home and monitoring health and mobility is important, professional, tailored in-home care offers consistent support and peace of mind for families who cannot always be there to care for their loved ones. Services like those provided by Bright Care focus on building meaningful relationships and offering practical home help services and emotional support.