Preventing falls at home

Most falls are preventable: clear walkways, good lighting, non-slip footwear, and no rushing — especially at night and on the way to the bathroom. Report hazards you can't fix and any near-miss stumble.

1. 1Clear the paths the client actually walks: cords, loose rugs, clutter, pet bowls. Secure or report loose carpet edges.
2. 2Light the way: nightlights between bed and bathroom, lamps reachable from bed, turn lights on before the client walks.
3. 3Footwear: non-slip soles that fit; no walking in socks or loose slippers.
4. 4Bathroom: wipe up water at once, use grab bars (never a towel rack as one), non-slip mat in the tub.
5. 5Encourage using the walker/cane every time — it's needed for the 3 steps to the bathroom too.
6. 6Rushing causes falls: answer call bells promptly, offer scheduled bathroom trips, have them rise slowly (dizziness on standing is common and reportable).
7. 7Report: new unsteadiness, dizziness, near-falls, and hazards the household won't let you fix.

A near-fall today is often a fall next week — report changes in balance so the care team can reassess (medication side effects are a common hidden cause).