Preventing falls
Preventing falls at home
Accommodations, routines and technical aids to reduce risk — and keep your loved one safe every day.
Falls are common, but often preventable
The majority of falls at home occur in high-traffic areas (stairs, corridors) and in the bathroom. Fortunately, simple and inexpensive measures can significantly reduce the risk: decluttering, lighting, stabilizing, equipping yourself and adopting good habits.
This information is general and does not replace the advice of a health professional (doctor, physiotherapist, occupational therapist).
- Improve lighting and remove obstacles.
- Install grab bars and non-slip surfaces.
- Wear closed-toe shoes with non-slip soles.
- Stand up slowly; Stay hydrated to avoid dizziness.
- Provide a way to alert quickly in the event of a fall.
Personal factors
- History of falls, balance or gait disorders.
- Decreased vision, unsuitable glasses.
- Orthostatic hypotension, dizziness, dehydration.
- Medications that can cause drowsiness or dizziness (sedatives, anxiolytics, hypotensives). Seek professional advice.
- Muscle weakness, sedentary lifestyle, joint pain.
Factors related to home
- Insufficient lighting; absence of night lights at night.
- Unfixed carpets, slippery floors, obstacles in the way.
- Stairs without handrail on both sides.
- Bathroom without grab bars or non-slip mats.
- Everyday objects placed too high or too low.
Securing every room
Bathroom
- Install grab bars near the toilet and in the shower/tub.
- Non-slip mat and always dry floor.
- Shower chair and handheld showerhead, if required.
- Strong lighting + night light.
Room
- Clear path from the bed to the bathroom.
- Lamp or switch accessible from the bed.
- Suitable bed height (feet flat on the floor when sitting).
- Avoid thick or loose carpets.
Stairs and corridors
- Solid handrail on both sides if possible.
- Non-slip and contrasting stair nosing .
- Sufficient lighting, switches at the top and bottom.
- No objects on the steps.
Kitchen and living room
- Everyday objects at waist height (avoid climbing).
- Wires/extension cords stored, not in passageways.
- Stable chair with armrests for sitting/standing up.
- Good lighting of work areas.
Useful equipment
| Equipment | Utility | Buying Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Grab bars | Stand up, sit down and stabilize yourself. | Solid wall mounting; avoid suction cups. |
| Non-slip | mats Limit slippage (bathroom, kitchen). | High adhesion surface; flat edges. |
| Shower chair | Reduce fatigue and the risk of falling. | Stable seat, backrest/armrests; non-slip pads. |
| Accent lighting | Seebetter at night and in dark areas. | Night lights/motion detectors in hallways and bathroom. |
| Closed shoes | Improve grip and stability. | Non-slip soles; avoid open slippers. |
| Medical Alert | Call for help quickly in the event of a fall. | Wrist/collar button; fall detection and GPS options. |
Tip: Photograph the installation (bars, mats, lighting) to regularly check the condition and stability.
Habits that protect
- Stand up slowly (sit → stand) and lean on as needed.
- Drink enough to avoid dizziness.
- Schedule breaks; avoid haste.
- Wear your glasses; update the order.
- Review medications with a professional if there are any side effects.
- Practice an adapted physical activity (balance, strengthening, walking).
Examples of simple exercises
- Chair lift : sit down and stand up gently 5–10 times, hands on the armrests if necessary.
- Static equilibrium : hold for 10–20 s in light unilateral support (hand on a chair back).
- Walk : 10–20 minutes, depending on capacity, with suitable shoes.
Seek professional advice before starting an exercise program, especially if you have pain or a medical condition.
Vision & Medication
- Have your eyes checked regularly; clean glasses.
- Store medications clearly; review prescriptions for dizziness.
- Avoid alcohol with sedatives; Stick to dosages.
Fall Contingency Plan
- Reassure and assess: pain, bleeding, consciousness.
- Call for help via an alert button or the phone.
- Do not pick up the person if there is a suspicion of serious injury.
- Follow the agreed plan (relatives, neighbour, emergency services).
- Inform the doctor if persistent pain, head shock, or new fall.
Emergency Sheet
- List of medications, allergies, medical conditions.
- Contacts of relatives and the doctor.
- Precise address and access information.
- Special instructions (walker, prostheses, etc.).
Advice for carers
- Go around the home once a month with the checklist.
- Set reminders (bulbs to change, mats to re-glue, night light batteries).
- Explain how the alert button works and who will be contacted.
- Encourage and value progress; avoid multiple instructions at the same time.
Need support?
Our advisors can guide you in choosing a suitable solution (home or mobility, fall detection, GPS, intervention plan).
Frequently asked questions
How to choose the location of the grab bars?
Near the toilet, at the entrance and in the shower/bathtub. Seek professional advice on the height and type of fastening.
Are carpets to be avoided?
Avoid thick, loose carpets. Opt for thin, non-slip mats, glued or removed borders if possible.
What are the warning signs after a fall?
Persistent pain, confusion, vomiting, unusual weakness, memory loss, open wound. Consult a professional quickly.
Is fall detection 100% reliable?
No, it reduces the alert time but is not infallible. Combine with best practices and a contingency plan.
Fall Prevention Checklist
Review each piece, check off the steps, and plan your upgrades.