Falls hazards at home

Having a fall can be a risk anywhere; you can reduce these risks by following the advice outlined across our range of falls prevention leaflets. However, the most likely place to have a fall is at home. The good news is that this is the easiest place to make small changes to help prevent falls.

Walkways

Slips and trips are prime culprits in causing falls but are often preventable:

• indoor and outdoor walkways should always be free from clutter
• furniture should be arranged to allow unobstructed movement between rooms wherever possible (this should include additional space if using walking aids)
• non-slip mats may be used in entrances but should be in good condition and free from turned up corners, any other mats or rugs throughout the house are likely to increase the risk of falls
• trailing wires and cables can cause trips and falls but are easily overlooked, if possible, rearrange electricals in a way that wires do not need to cross walkways, ensure that wires are tucked out of the way and even secured with tape if needed
• garden pathways should be free of loose slabs, potholes, and debris and any necessary handrails should be fitted securely

Furniture

When buying new furniture ensure the height is appropriate to allow easy rise to standing. Assistive equipment such as rise and recline chairs may be beneficial.

Dining chairs with arm rests provide a safer base when transferring between sitting and standing than armless chairs.

Occupational therapists can arrange for existing furniture to be raised safely with specialist adaptations if new furniture is not an option.

Kitchens

Always clear up spillages to prevent slips, this includes food and liquids.

Arrange cupboards in a way that prevents overreaching, ensuring that regularly used items are not on top shelves or low cupboards which require bending down.

If you find standing for long periods of time challenging, perching stools can be useful when completing kitchen-based tasks such as preparing meals or washing the dishes.

Bathrooms

Sinks and radiators should not be used to help rise from sitting on the toilet or exiting a bath. Grab rails, toilet frames, raised toilet seats, bath boards and shower stools are safe adaptations to bathrooms to help prevent falls.

Only non-slip mats should be used in bathrooms to prevent slips on wet tiles.

Sitting when using the toilet is known to be safer than standing.

As with the kitchen, try to arrange your bathroom in a way that prevents overreaching by ensuring that items are placed near to where they will be used.

Bedrooms

Beds on castors can easily glide on non-carpeted floors, non-slip castor cups can be used to prevent unwanted gliding.

Furniture raises can be fitted to most beds to allow easier rise to standing. In addition, bed levers can be used to assist with transfers between lying, sitting, and standing.

Falls often occur when standing quickly from lying, it is important to move from lying to sitting briefly before attempting to stand. Standing still at the side of the bed briefly before walking is also advised to allow any dizziness to subside or return to sitting.

Avoid using bedding or bed throws which trail on the floor.

Walking

Falls at home often happen when people try to walk around without their walking aids. If you have been advised to always use walking aids you should do so, even if only moving short distances.

If you require walking aids outdoors, these will be assessed and prescribed, 2 wheeled Zimmer frames are not appropriate for use in the garden.

Pace yourself. Falls are often seen as the result of rushing to the toilet or rushing to answer the telephone or door. Avoid waiting until the last minute to go to the toilet, if possible, if you suffer from urgency, equipment and support is available to address this. Take as much time as needed to get to the telephone or door safely, if it is someone important, they will wait or try again.

Steps and stairs

Take one step at a time placing both feet safely onto each step rather than alternating when ascending or descending.

Always use handrails or grab rails where able.

Always wear safe footwear that cannot slink on and off easily (this is advised when walking anywhere).

Avoid stair climbing if you have been advised to use a stairlift.

See it all

Slips, trips, and falls are often the result of not being able to clearly see the route ahead. Even in familiar environments you are less likely to fall if you can see where you are going.

Always wear spectacles as prescribed and ensure that these are cleaned regularly.

Turn on lights when walking around at night, on dull days or in rooms that are never well lit with natural light.

Leave lights on in the hallway at night and turn on lights when using the stairs, even during the day if they are not naturally well lit.

Page last reviewed: August 04, 2025
Next review due: August 04, 2026