Falls prevention: home safety

Many falls happen at home, but most can be prevented with some simple changes. Research shows that assessing and adapting your home can lower your risk of falling by up to 26%.

This page walks you through common hazards in your home and what you can do to make each room safer. Even if you can’t make all these changes, completing just a few can make a big difference.

You can also use this home safety checklist to assess your home and make sure it’s safe.

Small changes to prevent falls at home

General safety tips

• Consider using a Medical Alert or Personal Emergency Response System, including when you are in the bathroom
• Always keep a portable phone, call alert device, cell phone, medical alert, or Personal Emergency Response System with you or within easy reach (including when in the bathroom)
• Store frequently used items where you can reach them without bending or stretching
• Store heavier items in lower cupboards
• Use a stable stepping stool with a safety handle if you must reach high places
• Use a reaching tool (grabber) when needed
• Avoid walking while looking at your phone
• If you get dizzy when standing, lift your heels up and down for 15–30 seconds before you stand up to improve circulation
• Wear well‑fitting shoes or slippers with non‑slip soles and fasteners (laces or Velcro)
• Have a plan for moss, ice, or snow around your driveway, entrance and home. 

Floors, hallways, & pathways

• Remove throw rugs or use non-slip mats
• Clean up spills immediately
• Keep pathways clear and remove clutter
• Avoid floor wax or use non-skid types of wax

Lighting

• Increase lighting in dim areas
  • Consider changing to LED lightbulbs (check with BC Hydro for more information and potential offers/assistance BC Hydro – Power smart )
• Add nightlights (ideally ones that come on automatically when it gets dark or have a motion sensor)
• Keep switches and lamps easy to reach

Furniture & fixtures

• Repair broken furniture
• Avoid chairs with wheels
• Use chairs with armrests and proper height
• Adjust bed height and add bedrails if needed
• Remove raised door sills where possible (a door sill sits at the bottom of your doorway on the floor)
• Run electrical cords along walls or behind furniture

Bathroom safety

• Use non-slip mats inside and outside the tub and shower and make sure they are secure
• Add grab bars inside the tub/shower and next to the toilet
• Consider using a higher toilet or raised toilet seat 
• Consider using a seat in the shower. Use a shower chair or bathtub transfer bench to get in and out of the bathtub
• Remove any slippery rugs or swap them for non-slip ones outside the bathtub or shower 
• Wipe up water spills straight away and try and keep the floors as dry as possible

Stairs

• Ensure stairs are in good repair and free of clutter
• Make sure the stairs are well lit
• Make sure there is a sturdy handrail on one or both sides of the stairs
• Mark stair edges with contrasting non skid tape or paint’
• Remove your reading glasses when you go up or down stairs
• Take your time, never rush going up or down the stairs

Pets

• Use caution when pets are moving around you
• Add a bell to your pet’s collar so you can hear when they are nearby
• Try raised feeding bowls
• Consider using automatic litter boxes
• If your pet pulls on the leash:
  • Walk them in an enclosed yard
  • Use off‑leash parks when safe
  • Ask family, friends, or neighbours for help
  • Consider a pet-walking service