Fall Prevention Checklist: How to Make Your Home Safer to Reduce the Risk of Falling

Updated May 9, 2026

Did you know that falls are one of the leading causes of injury for older adults? Many falls, however, can be prevented with simple home safety changes, assessing risks, and intervening to reduce these risks.

We asked an occupational therapists at Memorial Rehabilitation Institute at Memorial Regional Hospital South, to give us some suggestions to prevent injuries from falling.

Quick Fall Prevention Checklist

Use this checklist to identify and remove common fall hazards in your home:

• Remove loose rugs, cords, and clutter from walkways.
• Install grab bars in bathrooms and near toilets.
• Add non-slip mats in bathtubs and showers.
• Improve lighting in hallways, bedrooms, and stairways.
• Keep frequently used items within easy reach.
• Wear supportive, non-slip shoes indoors and outdoors.
• Use handrails on both sides of staircases.
• Schedule regular vision, hearing, and medication reviews.
• Stay active with exercises that improve balance and strength.
• Talk to your doctor if you feel dizzy, weak, or unsteady

What Causes Falls at Home?

Common Home Hazards That Increase Fall Risk

Ask yourself these questions while walking through your home:

Is the path from your bedroom to the bathroom clear and well-lit?

Dark hallways, electrical cords, clutter, and loose rugs can increase your risk of tripping at night.What to do:

• Add nightlights in bedrooms, bathrooms, and hallways.
• Keep pathways free of furniture, cords, and clutter.
• Secure or remove throw rugs.

Is your bathroom slippery or difficult to use safely?

Bathrooms are one of the most common places for falls because of wet, slippery surfaces.

What to do:

• Install grab bars near the toilet and inside the shower or tub.
• Use non-slip bath mats.
• Consider a shower chair or handheld shower head if standing feels difficult.

Are frequently used items hard to reach?

Stretching, bending, or climbing can increase the risk of losing balance.

What to do:

• Store everyday items at waist or shoulder height.
• Use a sturdy step stool with hand support if needed.
• Avoid climbing on chairs or unstable furniture.

Are your floors uneven or slippery?

Loose flooring, recently polished surfaces, and uneven transitions between rooms can contribute to falls.

What to do:

• Repair loose carpeting or floorboards.
• Clean spills immediately.
• Use a non-slip backing under rugs.

How Can You Prevent Falls as You Age?

Stay Physically Active

Regular movement helps improve balance, flexibility, and muscle strength. Exercises like walking, yoga, and stretching may help reduce fall risk.

Review Your Medications

Some medications can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or balance problems. Ask your healthcare provider to review:

• Prescription medications
• Over-the-counter medications
• Sleep aids
• Supplements

Schedule Vision and Hearing Checks

Changes in vision and hearing can affect balance and depth perception, making falls more likely.

Wear Proper Footwear

Choose supportive shoes with non-slip soles. Avoid walking in socks, slippers without grip, or high heels.

Signs You May Be at Higher Risk for Falling

You may have a higher risk of falling if you:

• Have fallen before
• Feel dizzy or weak when standing
• Have trouble walking or balancing
• Use multiple medications
• Experience numbness in your feet or legs
• Have vision problems
• Need support getting in or out of the shower

Talk to your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms.

How Caregivers Can Help Prevent Falls

• Conduct regular home safety checks
• Encourage physical activity and mobility
• Make sure assistive devices fit properly
• Watch for medication side effects
• Ensure loved ones have easy access to lighting and emergency contacts 

If you or a loved one is at risk of falling, call us at 954-518-5725.

We encourage you to download this fall prevention checklist to share with your friends and family to prevent a fall.