AGING IN PLACE

Preventing Fall and Increasing Safety

Falls are the leading cause of injuries among the older adults.
These tips can help reduce the risk of falls and promote
healthier, more independent lives for the older adults.

1 INSTALL HANDRAILS &

GRAB BARS
Handrails and grab bars make it possible to stand
and climb with confidence.
Install handrails on BOTH sides of every
stairway.
Install METAL grab bars near showers, bathtubs
and toilets.

2 IMPROVE LIGHTING
Poor lighting condition can cause falls.
Make sure there is adequate lighting in
hallways, stairways, and outdoor walkways.
Allow nighttime navigation easier by using
nightlights and motion sensor lights, especially
along the path between the bed and the
bathroom.

3 USE NONSLIP MATS &

TREADS
Environmental hazards like carpets, mats and rugs
can lead to fall-related injuries.
Install nonslip strips to help improve traction on
bathroom floors, shower, bathtub, outside
decks and outside steps.

4 REPAIR STEPS &

FLOORINGS
Fix loose or uneven steps.
Repair crumbling outdoor steps, loose wall-to-
wall carpeting, and uneven floorboards

5 EASY REACHING
Place frequently-used items within easy reach
Move items that are used on a daily basis to
waist-high cabinets or drawers. This eliminates
the need to reach high or bend low - which
reduces the risk of falling

6 INEXPENSIVE FIXES
Items placed in or across walkways can cause a
fall.
Move or remove clutter
Tuck electrical cords behind furniture or use
cord management products
Move furniture away from the walkways.
Rearrange them so that it works well with the
flow of traffic. Furniture should be easy to lean
on and strategically placed so it can be used
for balance.
Use double-sided tape to secure the edges of
area rugs to the floor and remove small throw
rugs.

sources:
Brought to you by www.health.harvard.edu/fall
Fine Training Digital www.sunriseseniorloving.com/design
All Rights Reserved www.seniorcareadvice.com
www.nih.gov/aging-in-place