Fall Prevention Checklist for Seniors: Home and Health
One in four older adults falls each year, and falling once doubles the chance of falling again (CDC). Each year, older adults' falls lead to about 4.5 million emergency department visits. Fall prevention works best on two fronts: health and home.
Health risk factors (from CDC's STEADI program)
Talk to a doctor if any of these apply:
- ☐ Fell in the past year
- ☐ Feels unsteady when standing or walking
- ☐ Worries about falling
- ☐ Uses or has been advised to use a cane or walker
- ☐ Holds onto furniture when walking at home
- ☐ Needs to push with hands to stand up from a chair
- ☐ Has trouble stepping onto a curb
- ☐ Often rushes to the toilet
- ☐ Has lost feeling in the feet
- ☐ Takes medicine that causes dizziness or sleepiness
- ☐ Takes medicine for sleep or mood
Ask the doctor about
- ☐ A fall-risk screening and a balance check
- ☐ A medication review
- ☐ Vision and hearing checks
- ☐ Foot problems and footwear
- ☐ Vitamin D and bone health
- ☐ A referral to physical therapy
Home hazards
- ☐ Clutter and cords on the floor
- ☐ Loose rugs
- ☐ Poor lighting, especially at night
- ☐ No grab bars in the bathroom
- ☐ Stairs without two handrails
Use the full aging in place checklist for a room-by-room walkthrough.
Everyday habits
- ☐ Shoes with backs and non-slip soles indoors
- ☐ Stand up slowly, especially at night
- ☐ Keep a phone on you
- ☐ Stay active: strength and balance exercise reduces falls. Ask about Tai Chi or A Matter of Balance classes at local senior centers.
If a fall happens
Tell the doctor, even if there's no injury. Falls are often a sign that something has changed.
General information, not medical advice.
The Aging-in-Place Home Safety Checklist includes a fall-risk check and a page of questions for the doctor.
Aging-in-Place Home Safety Checklist — $12
17-page room-by-room home safety and fall-prevention workbook with a fall-risk check, modification plan, ways to pay and a fridge emergency sheet. Instant download: PDF + DOCX + XLSX.
Get the Aging-in-Place Home Safety ChecklistAll 10 kits — $59More guides
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