Does Your House Have Any of These Fall Risks?

About Laura Gooch

Laura Gooch, MFA, is a Content Specialist at Brookdale and a poet. She earned her BA in English from Pace University and an MFA in Creative Writing from Adelphi University. Laura uses her storytelling background to craft engaging blog and social media content. When she's not writing, she's reading voraciously, singing in her car, or spending time with her two wiener dogs.

a senior man sitting on a couch holding a cane

Over fourteen million Americans 65 and older fall annually — and that number is only continuing to rise. The older a person gets, the more likely they are to fall. However, a fall doesn’t have to be inevitable. By taking a look around your home and assessing any potential risks, you can help reduce the likelihood that a fall may occur.

From removing loose area rugs to cleaning up cluttered walkways, here are 5 common fall risks to look out for.

Carpets, Rugs and Mats

Chances are at least one room in your home has carpet, and it’s easy to overlook the danger it can pose. A fall may occur at the point where floors transition between carpet and non-carpeted materials. The difference in height between materials and the presence of a transition strip can be hazardous for those using a cane, wheelchair or other mobility device or for those who have difficulty lifting their legs when walking. If possible, use the same type of flooring throughout your home to maintain height consistency, while also avoiding material transitions and the need for transition strips. Sometimes carpet is unavoidable, and if that’s the case for you, make sure it is firmly affixed with double-sided carpet tape or tacks. You can also have a professional come re-stretch wall-to-wall carpet to eliminate any bumps.

Area rugs and mats may add a little something extra to any space — a pop of color, a little texture — but they can also be a major tripping hazard. While they may look nice, unsecured rugs and mats can bunch up or roll and the edges can become dangerous. To effectively eliminate this hazard, it’s best to remove all loose rugs and mats from your home. If you’d prefer not to part with any of these accent pieces, secure the edges with double-sided carpet tape or a slip-resistant backing. While this method won’t completely mitigate the fall risk, it may help reduce the possibility of a fall.

Cluttered Walkways

A box in the hallway, newspapers piled up, shoes you kicked off by the door or clothes you forgot to fold — clutter accumulates quickly, and your space can become hard to navigate. That’s why it’s especially important to keep high-traffic walking areas free and open, including entryways, hallways, stairs and specific paths through the kitchen, living room and to the bathroom. Even things you might not think of as clutter can still pose a tripping hazard, like a potted plant. Anything that takes up valuable floor space can be a potential danger, so decluttering will help decrease your risk of falling.

Electrical Cords

Electrical cords such as extension cords, wires and chargers stretching across high-traffic areas can inhibit normal movement. Cane tips and wheeled walkers can easily get caught on bunched wires, or your foot can snag on a cord loop, causing a fall. By keeping cords neat and tidy, you create a clear walking path.

Another option is to remove and store away any cords you aren’t actively using. And when you’re done with a household appliance like the vacuum, unplug it and put it away, too. For items that are almost always plugged in, like a floor lamp, try running the cord along the wall or behind furniture. You can also use cable clips to fasten wires to floors or walls. When it’s time to charge your phone, laptop or tablet, use a shorter cord if possible. It may also be helpful to mount power strips in easily accessible locations. This can help keep wires off the floor, limit the need for extension cords and help reduce tripping hazards.

Dim Lighting

You may know your space by heart, but when it’s dark, things can start to look different. During the day and at night, proper lighting is essential for seeing the floor, stairs and furniture clearly. Household objects and wires can also become harder to see in dim lighting. These are dangers you might be able to mitigate by taking the proper precautions. Replace any burned-out light bulbs, and install nightlights or floor-level lighting strips. Add table or floor lamps to rooms where overhead lighting isn’t sufficient, taking care to organize cords so they aren’t in walkways.

And outside lighting matters just as much as indoor lighting. A porch light above your front door or motion-activated lights along pathways go a long way in making your outdoor spaces easier to traverse. Adequate lighting is an important part of establishing a navigable environment and helping you maintain your independence.

Loose or Broken Handrails and Grab Bars

Handrails are great for helping you go up and down the stairs. Grab bars provide support as you get in and out of the shower. But an improperly secured railing or bar can pose a hazard, and broken rails and bars are also a danger. Properly secured and intact handrails and grab bars help increase your confidence and independence, allowing you to get around your house with more ease. Regularly check the state of your handrails and grab bars and repair or replace them when needed.

If you find yourself holding onto walls or furniture when you walk, consider installing handrails in hallways and on any staircases that don’t already have them. Or maybe getting in and out of the shower is a little more difficult than it used to be — it could be time to install a grab bar. Supportive equipment is a great resource that should be added when you need it.

Take a few minutes today to walk around your home and look for any of these potential fall risks. Put away a loose cord, replace a burned-out bulb or clear a blocked pathway. It’s all about making your space easier to navigate and allowing you to stay as independent as possible.

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