Sixty per cent of falls happen in the home. In order to continue to live safely and independently, our homes have to ‘grow’ with us. Making simple modifications to our environment, especially at home, can go a long way in reducing the risk of falls.

Bathrooms & Toilets

Bathrooms and toilet accessibility and safety

• Ensure that your soap, shampoo and towel are within easy reach
• Be cautious at all times when in the bathroom as wet areas are more likely to be slippery and hazardous
• Use non-slip mats in the bathroom or install slip-resistant flooring
• Sit on a stable shower chair with back support to make shower time safer
• Install grab bars and/or use a raised toilet seat if you have difficulty getting on and off the toilet

Bedrooms

Bedroom safety, lighting and accessibility

• Check that you can easily switch on a light from your bed when you get up at night, otherwise, set up extra lights or lamps next to your bed
• Consider a touch lamp or a night lamp within reach of your bed at night
• Keep a telephone beside your bed
• Keep bedroom floors free of clutter
• Secure loose telephone and electrical cords against the wall do not cause tripping
• Ensure your eyeglasses are easy to reach if you need them when you get out of bed
• Check that beds are easy to get into and out of; use a firm mattress and ensure that the bed is of an appropriate height. You should be able to place your feet flat on the floor when sitting at the edge of the bed. Your knees should be at a comfortable 90 angle
• If you are having difficulty into or out of your bed, seek advice from an occupational therapist
• Ensure your bedspread is clear off the floor and is not a trip hazard
• Get out of bed slowly – sit for a short time before you stand up
• Have your walking aid handy in case you get up in the night

Kitchen

Kitchen safety and accident prevention

• Organise your kitchen so that frequently used items are easy to find and access without the need to climb, bend or reach
• Ensure there is good lighting over table tops and other work areas
• Clean up spills as soon as they occur
• Ensure your kitchen is clutter-free
• Use a broad based, sturdy and secure ladder if it is absolutely necessary to reach high places. Never use plastic stools or chairs

Living Room

Living room organisation for accessibility and safety

Flooring & Lighting

Flooring safety and trip hazards

• Remove all loose mats and rugs
• If mats are used, ensure they are firmly secured to the floor or walls – use non-slip backing tape where needed
• Always wipe up spills as soon as they occur. Some floor surfaces are extra slippery when wet
• Ensure floors are clutter-free
• Coil or tape wires and cables against the wall and safely away from walkways

Lighting to increase visibility to prevent falls

• Ensure lights are just bright enough for you to see clearly, but not too bright to cause glare or eye strain
• Ensure light switches are easy to reach and near each doorway
• Provide adequate lighting, particularly at night. An inexpensive option is to use plug-in nightlights, or you can consider installing motion sensor lights
• Allow time for your eyes to adjust when walking from light to dark areas and vice versa
• Ensure there is good lighting where you keep your medicines

Provide adequate lighting, particularly at night. An inexpensive option is to use plug-in nightlights, or you can consider installing motion sensor lights.

Clothing & Footwear

Clothing and footwear advice

Safer footwear

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