Preventing Falls at Home: a Practical Guide

A fall is one of the most common reasons an older person suddenly loses their independence — but a large share of falls are preventable. Here's a practical, room-by-room guide to reducing the risk.

Around one in three people over 65 has a fall each year, and the consequences — a hip fracture, a loss of confidence, a hospital stay — can be life-changing. The good news is that small, cheap changes make a real difference. This guide covers the home, the person, and the safety net.

Why older people fall

Falls usually have more than one cause. Common factors worth checking:

• Health — poor balance, muscle weakness, dizziness, poor eyesight, or conditions like Parkinson's or after a stroke
• Medication — some drugs (or combinations) cause dizziness or drowsiness; ask the GP or pharmacist for a review
• The home — trip hazards, poor lighting, no grab rails
• Footwear — loose slippers and worn shoes
• Other — rushing to the toilet at night, dehydration, or simply doing less and losing strength

Room by room: making the home safer

Keep the person strong and steady

The home is only half the picture — the person's own strength and balance matter just as much:

• Stay active. Strength-and-balance exercises (like tai chi or the NHS-backed Otago programme) are proven to reduce falls. Doing less makes falling more likely, not less.
• Check eyes and feet. Regular eye tests, and looking after feet and nails, both help.
• Review medication. Ask a pharmacist to check for anything causing dizziness or drowsiness.
• Eat and drink well. Dehydration and low blood pressure can cause dizziness on standing.
• Get up slowly from bed or a chair to avoid light-headedness.

Put a safety net in place

Even with the best prevention, plan for what happens if someone falls — especially if they live alone. A personal alarm or fall detector means help can be summoned quickly, which can be the difference between a scare and a serious outcome. A key safe lets responders get in without breaking a door.