Home Fall Safety Checklist: 10 Adjustments Every Senior Home Needs

### The Importance of In-Home Fall Prevention Over 1 in 4 Americans aged 65 and older falls each year. Most falls occur in the bathroom, bedroom, or along hallways. Making simple, proactive environmental modifications can prevent catastrophic injuries. ### Essential Room-by-Room Checklist: 1. **Remove Throw Rugs**: Unsecured rugs are the #1 tripping hazard. Remove them or use heavy-duty double-sided rug tape. 2. **Improve Pathway Lighting**: Install motion-sensor nightlights in hallways connecting the bedroom to the bathroom. 3. **Bathroom Grab Bars**: Install professionally anchored grab bars inside the shower stall and beside the toilet. 4. **Non-Slip Shower Mats**: Use suction-gripped textured mats inside showers and tubs. 5. **Clear Floor Walkways**: Eliminate extension cords, low coffee tables, and scattered pet toys from primary walking paths. 6. **Stair Handrails**: Ensure handrails on both sides of any interior or exterior staircases are firmly fastened. 7. **Accessible Footwear**: Encourage non-skid, supportive footwear with low heels indoors rather than loose socks. 8. **Keep Items Within Waist-to-Shoulder Height**: Avoid having seniors climb step stools to reach pantry items or pots. 9. **Emergency Response Devices**: Ensure a mobile phone or wearable alert pendant is within reach at all times. 10. **Regular Medication Reviews**: Ask the physician or pharmacist if any medications cause dizziness or low blood pressure upon standing. Our TomLee caregivers conduct ongoing environmental visual safety sweeps during every visit.