Falls are one of the leading causes of injury for seniors living at home, and most of the risk factors are fixable with a single afternoon of changes.

Entryway and hallways

Secure or remove loose rugs, add non-slip strips to any thresholds, and make sure hallway lighting is bright enough to see clearly at night — a plug-in nightlight in the hallway makes a real difference.

Bathroom

Grab bars near the toilet and inside the shower, a non-slip mat, and a raised toilet seat if needed are some of the highest-impact, lowest-cost changes a home can make.

Kitchen

Keep frequently used items on lower shelves to avoid step-stool climbing, and wipe spills immediately — kitchen floors are a common fall location.

Bedroom

A clear path from the bed to the bathroom, a lamp within reach of the bed, and a phone or call button on the nightstand all reduce risk during the most vulnerable hours — the middle of the night.

Stairs

Handrails on both sides where possible, secure carpeting or non-slip treads, and good lighting at both the top and bottom of the staircase.

A caregiver visiting regularly can also spot small hazards that are easy to miss when you're used to seeing the same space every day.