Fall Prevention for Older Adults: Home Safety and Movement

Notice changes early

Take a new fall, near-fall, dizziness, reduced confidence, or a change in walking seriously. Share the change with the person’s clinician so that potential causes can be assessed rather than relying on guesswork.

Make the home easier to move through

Walk through the usual routes together: bedroom to bathroom, chair to kitchen and entrance to living space. Look for poor lighting, loose rugs, trailing cables, wet surfaces and objects that block a clear path.

Do not make a person stop using a walking aid or handhold that they depend on. Changes to the environment or equipment should fit the person’s assessed needs.

• Keep frequently used items within easy reach.
• Use lighting that makes routes and level changes easier to see.
• Ask for professional advice before changing equipment or starting balance exercises after a fall.

Use a tailored movement plan

For older adults at risk of falling, balance and functional training should be selected for the individual and reviewed as needed. The goal is safer, more confident movement—not a generic challenge or a fast progression.