You hear a thump in the next room, and your heart stops for a second. If you want to know how to prevent falls for elderly loved ones, or for yourself, you are in the right place. A fall can mean more than bruises, and recovery is often hard.

This checklist walks through each room of the house, starting with the living room, kitchen, bedroom and laundry room. It also covers no-cost fixes using things you already own, a 5-minute daily balance routine, eye exams, medications and shoes, and helpful technology like fall detection.

How to Prevent Falls for Elderly People

The key to reducing the chances of elderly people falling is to eliminate as many of the risks as possible.

Walk through every room of the home and use these checklists as a guide to look for fall risks. Often, seniors will not want things in their home moved or “disturbed”. They may want to compromise, but remember there is no compromising their safety.

Falls are common among the elderly, and far too common. The CDC reports that 29 million older Americans had fallen in 2014, leading to 7 million injuries. More than 27,000 deaths a year are caused by falls.

Preventing falls in the first place is serious business.

If you are a loved one are at high risk for falling, consider a medical alert system for quick response in the even a fall does happen. Before you pick one, it helps to know which medical alert system your parent will actually wear, since a device left on the nightstand can’t help after a fall.

Preventing Senior Falls in the Living Room

Elderly falls are very common in the living room.

Think about it. This is the room where seniors spend most of their day. Perhaps this is where they watch TV from their favorite recliner. Or it’s the room where they read the newspaper or a good book.

Since they spend so much time in this room, they also come in and out of the room several times a day. This is when the opportunity for a fall happens.

Living Room Fall Prevention Checklist

• Look at the senior’s footwear. All shoes should have firm soles and be secured including slippers. Loose, floppy shoes may come off while walking.
• Make sure the living room is brightly lit, even during the day. This helps the senior see the room better and can identify trip hazards before they happen.
• All rugs should be secured or, better yet, removed. If rugs are in the room, use a non-slip rug pad under them and tack the edges down. A flipped over corner of a rug will lead to a fall.
• Keep frequently used items close like the remote, reading glasses, and reading material. Have the home phone on a table next to the senior’s favorite seat. If the older adult uses a cordless phone, this is a good place for the base.
• Look around for electrical cords and extension cords. Route them along the wall so that the risk of tripping on them is eliminated. No cords crossing the walking path. Keep cords from vacuum cleaners and other appliances out of the way.
• Keep the walkway path clear of, well, everything. Keep toys, newspapers, books, etc picked up and out of the way. Train others in the home (including children and adults) to keep things picked up and out of the way.
• Teach the elderly person how important it is to look around their feet and down their path before they take off.
• Of course, if the senior feels dizzy or like they are losing their balance as they stand, have them sit back down and call for help.

Eliminating Senior Fall Risk in the Kitchen

The kitchen is another room of the home where seniors and elderly spend a lot of time.

It’s the room where they kick off their day with a cup of coffee and breakfast. It’s also where they eat other meals and snacks throughout the day.

So, it is important to keep the path clear as they travel back and forth through the kitchen.

Kitchen Fall Prevention Checklist

• Throw rugs and mats are often used by the elderly, especially in the kitchen. The best idea is to get rid of them. If not, use non-slip rug mats under them and secure the edges with rug tape to keep them from flipping over.
• Locate the trash can so that it is easy to get to in as few steps as possible but also not in an area where it can be tripped over.
• Keep the senior’s most commonly used small appliances like microwaves and coffee makers on the countertop. This reduces the fall risk from them bending over to get them out of a cabinet.
• Put the most commonly used dishes and drinkware on the lowest shelf of the cabinets. The reduces the temptation to use a stool or stand on tippy toes to get an item. If a stool is necessary, get a step stool with a handle and rubber non-slip pad.
• Same for the refrigerator, keep their favorite items at arm level to minimize bending over.
• Teach the senior to do food prep while seated at the table instead of standing. This will help keep save their energy. Use safer utensils if they have dexterity or hand problems to reduce the chance of an injury.
• Do not use any slick cleaners or floor wax on the floor that could lead to a slippery surface.
• Train everyone in the home to clean up spills immediately. Keep a mop or other cleaning device with a long handle loaded and ready to go. Never let a senior get on their hands and knees to clean up a spill.

Reducing Fall Risks in the Bedroom

Falls frequently happen in the bedroom especially when the senior is getting in and out of bed.

Many seniors get out of bed multiple times per night as well to use the bathroom. Walking in a dark room at night is inviting a fall.

Bedroom Fall Prevention Checklist

• Teach to senior to lay in bed for a few minutes after waking so that they are fully awake before moving. Have them sit on the edge of the bed for a few minutes before getting up.
• Keep the room well lit especially at night. Use a nightlight that automatically turns on in the dark. Have an easy to use lamp close by on the nightstand so that the elderly person can turn it on quickly.
• For nighttime bathroom trips, keep the bathroom light on or a night light close to the light switch so the senior can see where to turn the light on.
• Use a standing aid bed rail to help the elderly person get up and down off the bed safely. These rails attach to the bed and give a supportive handle to hold onto.
• If it is too risky for the senior to get up on their own due to dementia or Alzheimer’s, use a bed alarm to wake their caretaker when they get out of bed.
• Look at the height of the bed. If the bed is too high, the risk of falling is significantly increased. The mattress should be about chair seat height meaning the senior should be able to easily sit on the mattress like a chair. It also shouldn’t be so low that they struggle to get back up. Buy a lower profile bed frame or bed risers as necessary to get the best height.
• Keep commonly used items like alarm clocks, glasses, reading materials, and a phone next to the bed on the nightstand. Try to eliminate reasons to get up during the night.
• Look over the walking path in the bedroom. Think about walking that path in the dark. Arrange the furniture so that the path is straight as possible. Remove smaller pieces or decorative items like plants that are tripping hazards.
• Put commonly used clothing items in the closet on shelves that are in arms reach. Lower the clothing rods if the senior cannot reach them without a stool or tippy toes. Store shoes and accessories on a shelf at arm level to reduce bending over.

A 5-Minute Daily Balance Routine

Checking the house is only half of fall prevention. The other half is keeping your balance and leg strength working, and five minutes a day, tied to things you already do, is a simple way to go at it.

Balance exercises done regularly can lower the chance of a fall. Ask your doctor or physical therapist which ones suit you. Short daily sessions tend to work better for balance than one long workout once or twice a week.

Here is how to fit it into your day:

• While the coffee brews (2 minutes): Stand on one foot for 30 seconds, then switch. Rest your fingertips lightly on the counter if you need to, and try to use less support over time. Then walk heel to toe along the counter, one foot directly in front of the other, like walking a tightrope.
• During TV commercials (2 minutes): Cross your arms over your chest, stand up from your chair slowly, then sit back down with control. This builds leg strength and the coordination you need to move safely.
• Before bed (1 minute): Stand safely next to your bed and reach forward, to each side and a little behind you without losing your balance. This helps you react if you start to tip.

Because each exercise rides along with something you already do, it is hard to forget. If you want more structured exercise, a low-impact exercise bike can build the strength and endurance that support balance. Pick one that matches your current fitness level.

Some people feel steadier with a walking aid made for balance, especially when moving between indoors and outdoors.

Grip strength matters too. Squeezing a tennis ball or a resistance band, or just squeezing and releasing your hands during the day, helps you catch yourself if you stumble and hold handrails and grab bars with confidence.

The trade-off: stand next to a counter or sturdy chair for every one of these, and expect some days to feel steadier than others. That is normal. Daily practice matters more than any single day.

Fall Prevention in the Laundry Room

This is a forgotten area on many other fall prevention checklists.

But I would argue that falls are as likely here as in the kitchen.

Here is how to prevent falls in the laundry room.

Laundry Room Fall Prevention Checklist

• Front load washers and dryers on risers are safer for elderly people because they minimize the amount of bending over required.
• Clean up any soapy messes immediately to avoid slips and falls.
• Take the same rug precautions as before: remove them completely or make sure they are secure.
• Watch the placement of laundry baskets making sure they are not in the walkway.
• Put detergents and other cleaning products on a shelf about arm height so that no climbing or bending over is required.
• Use a closet bar to hang clothing on and make sure it is low enough that it can be easily reached.

No-Cost Fall Prevention Fixes Using Things You Already Own

Not every fix needs a purchase. Plenty of safety changes can be made today with items already in the house, and there is no waiting on a delivery or an installer. If you want a bigger plan to follow, the 30-day home safety challenge walks through it step by step.

Start with just three that fit your biggest worries. Work within your comfort level and abilities.

In the kitchen:

• Put a slightly damp dish towel under cutting boards and mixing bowls so they do not slide.
• Pull a sturdy dining chair up to the counter and sit while you prepare meals.
• Rearrange cabinets so the things you use often sit between waist and shoulder height. Move rarely used items to higher shelves or deep cabinets.
• Keep a dedicated towel in an easy-to-reach spot for spills, so they do not become slip hazards.
• For area rugs, remove the rug, or use a store-bought non-slip rug pad and rug tape.

In the bathroom:

• Hang a sturdy hand towel through the handle of the shower door, or drape it over the tub edge, for a dry place to grip.
• Use a rubber-backed bath mat outside the tub. Until you have one, dry the floor right after bathing and have someone nearby.
• Keep toiletries in a hanging shower caddy or a plastic colander so you do not have to bend or reach.
• With no night light, leave the bathroom door slightly open with the light on, or keep a flashlight within reach.

In the living areas:

• Arrange furniture so walkways are at least 3 feet wide, and move decorations that narrow them.
• Use twist ties from bread bags to fasten loose cords against the baseboards.
• Move your existing lamps around to get rid of shadows and dark spots, especially in hallways and stairwells.
• Put colored electrical tape or bright sticky notes on step edges so they are easier to see.
• If low chairs are hard to get out of, use a firm, higher-seat chair or a purpose-made seat riser, and ask a therapist.

The trade-off: these are stopgaps. A damp towel will not replace a proper mat or a grab bar, and what suits one person may not suit another. If you have balance or mobility problems, check with your doctor or an occupational therapist first.

Fall Prevention in the Bathroom

The bathroom is where elderly people worry about falling the most.

And it’s no wonder why.

The bathroom mixes dangerous elements like water, slippery soap, and hard surfaces.

But there are many bathroom safety products you can put in place to reduce the risk of a bathroom fall.

Fall Prevention Checklist for Bathrooms

• Put commonly used items in an easy to reach location
• Eliminate the use of throw rugs, if possible. If not, make sure they are secured to the floor and will not slip.
• Use night lights for nighttime bathroom use. Motion-activated night lights are a good choice because they automatically click on when the senior enters the room.
• Wear non-slip shoes like shower shoes when in wet areas like the bathroom.
• Secure the tub and shower with the bathing and shower checklist below
• Review the toilet safety checklist below to prevent falls while using the toilet.

Toileting Fall Prevention Checklist

• Mount toilet paper holder within arm’s reach.  Do not use loose rolls on the back of the toilet where they could fall off and the senior has to bend over to get them.
• Remove all decorative rugs around the toilet.
• Consider a raised toilet seat for elderly people who need a little help getting up and down but have good balance.
• Do not use walkers or canes to get up and down from the toilet. These can tip and cause a fall. Only secure items like toilet safety rails should be used for this. Grab bars could also be mounted to assist.
• Elderly with severe mobility problems may want to use a bedside commode or potty chair instead of coming to the bathroom for toileting.
• For a universal solution, use a bedside commode (potty chair) over the toilet. These are also called 3 in 1 commodes because they have multiple purposes. Raise the legs and the commode will fit right over the toilet, which elevates the toilet seat. Use the arms of the potty chair to stand and sit like toilet safety rails.

Bathing and Shower Fall Prevention Checklist

• Use grab bars to give the elderly person a firm base of support while getting in and out of the tub. The permanently installed ones are safest followed by suction cup models. This reduces the chance of tripping over the tub edge.
• Get a shower chair especially for seniors who cannot stand for long periods or have balance issues. The best shower chairs are the ones with backs because they offer more support.
• Consider a transfer bench if the senior has difficulty getting in and out of the tub AND also has weakness and balance problems. A transfer bench allows them to sit down outside of the tub and scoot over into the tub while remaining seated.
• Choose a good bath mat for use in the tub. Make sure it doesn’t float and covers the entire surface.
• Handheld shower heads are safest for elderly bathers who cannot stand. There is a full guide to handheld shower heads on this site. Look for extra long hoses with the controls built into the handle.
• Keep soaps and shampoos within easy reach.

RELATED READING: Technologies to Help Prevent Falls in Elderly

Balance Apps, Fall Detection and Other Helpful Technology

A few simple gadgets can add a layer of confidence without making your home feel like a hospital.

Smartphone apps designed for balance training can walk you through exercises and track your progress. Many use voice prompts and visual cues, which helps when you are practicing on your own.

Wearable devices can keep an eye on your activity and even detect a fall. If one happens, they alert the contacts you have chosen. That pairs well with a medical alert system, since quick help matters most after a fall.

If you like structured exercise, an exercise bike is a low-impact way to build the strength and endurance that support good balance. Choose one that matches your current fitness level and build up from there.

Some simple changes need no technology at all. Add railings to outdoor steps, put in brighter light bulbs, or use a reaching tool for high shelves. If you want extra support while walking, a four-prong cane for stability and balance may help.

In the bedroom, bed steps can make getting in and out of bed safer, and motion-activated lights mean you are not walking in the dark. In the bathroom, bathroom safety products like grab bars, non-slip mats, and shower seats make a wet, hard-surfaced room much safer.

The trade-off: a device is a tool, not a replacement for your own habits. The goal is to support your confidence and independence, not to depend on technology.

Eye Exams, Medications and Shoes That Keep You Steady

Three habits are easy to overlook, and each one affects how steady you are on your feet.

Start with your eyes. Schedule an eye exam every year and make sure your prescription is current, because even a small change in vision can affect depth perception and balance.

Medications come next. Many common ones can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or changes in blood pressure that throw off your balance. Keep an updated list of every medication and supplement you take, and talk over possible side effects with your healthcare provider. Sometimes a simple timing change helps, such as taking a medication with food or at bedtime.

Then look at your shoes. Good ones have low, wide heels, non-slip soles, and secure fastenings. Skip loose slippers, flip-flops, and shoes with worn treads. Many falls happen when someone moves between different surfaces or lighting, and the wrong shoes make that harder.

If you still feel unsteady after taking care of those three, some people find that a walking cane made for stability and balance gives them more confidence, especially going between indoors and outdoors.

The trade-off: these habits lower your risk, but they do not replace each other. Fresh glasses will not fix a medication side effect, and good shoes will not help in a dark hallway.

Fall Prevention for the Elderly

Hopefully, this guide and these checklists are helpful to you.

I encourage you to walk each room of your home now and check each item.

Look around each room for anything that the senior could trip over. A senior with walking problems who shuffles along can trip over even a small difference in height.

There are places that will help seniors make repairs to their home so they stay safe.

We all want our elderly loved ones to stay safe!

Do you have recommendations for fall prevention for elderly people? Any experience or ideas you would like to share with the readers? Please leave a comment below!