Preventing Falls at Home

If you haven’t fallen at home, you’re lucky. Half of all falls occur there during routine, daily living, and up to half of these result from poor home design. Your risk, obviously, increases with age. Weaker muscles, poorer eyesight, or medication that causes dizziness all contribute to your chances of falling down. Older adults amplify these risks when they fail to use handrails, reach for objects overhead, or use stepstools and ladders.

Half of all falls occur at home during routine, daily living, and up to a half of these result from poor home design.

What can you do to prevent falls? Consider these safety improvements around the house. Use the list as you inspect each room and the outside of your home.

© 2003, 2004, 2007 AARP. Reprinting by permission only.