Preventing Falls at Home
Simple changes to make your home safer.
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Most falls happen at home, but the good news is that many falls can be prevented with simple changes to your environment. Making your home safer can help you maintain independence and avoid serious injuries.
Room-by-Room Safety Checklist
Key changes to make in each area of your home:
Stairs and hallways
Install handrails on both sides of stairs. Ensure good lighting at top and bottom. Remove clutter. Secure loose rugs or remove them entirely. Mark the edge of steps with contrasting tape for better visibility.
CDC
Bathroom
Install grab bars near the toilet and in the shower/bathtub. Use non-slip mats in the tub and on the floor. Consider a shower chair and raised toilet seat. Good lighting is essential, especially at night.
NIA
Bedroom
Keep a lamp or light switch within easy reach of the bed. Use a nightlight. Ensure the path from bed to bathroom is clear. Keep frequently used items within easy reach.
CDC
Living areas
Remove clutter and loose wires from walkways. Arrange furniture to create clear paths. Remove or secure area rugs. Ensure good lighting throughout, especially near entrances.
NIA
Kitchen
Keep frequently used items on lower shelves. Use a step stool with a handrail if needed (never a chair). Wipe up spills immediately. Ensure good lighting over work areas.
CDC
Outdoors
Repair uneven paths and steps. Install handrails on outdoor steps. Ensure good lighting at entrances. Remove moss and leaves from walkways. Consider installing motion-sensor lights.
NIA
Simple Changes That Make a Big Difference
The most effective home safety modifications:
Improve lighting
Install brighter bulbs, add nightlights, and ensure switches are easily accessible. Good lighting reduces fall risk dramatically.
Remove trip hazards
Clear clutter, secure or remove rugs, and keep walkways clear. This is the single most important change you can make.
Install grab bars and handrails
Bathroom grab bars and stair handrails provide support where you need it most. Professional installation is recommended.
Wear proper footwear
Wear non-slip, well-fitting shoes indoors. Avoid walking in socks or slippers without grip.
Watch: Preventing Falls at Home
Trusted video on fall prevention:
CDC — STEADI for Older Adults
Covers practical ways older adults can reduce fall risk and stay independent.
CDC — STEADI: Older Adult Fall Prevention
Comprehensive CDC resource on fall prevention, including home safety checklists.
Community Resources (Hong Kong)
Local support for home safety:
Elderly Health Centres (Department of Health)
Provide home safety advice, falls prevention education, and can assess your fall risk.
Hospital Authority occupational therapy services
Can conduct home assessments and recommend modifications to improve safety and accessibility.
District Health Centres & DHC Expresses
Offer falls prevention programmes, home safety workshops, and individual consultations.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). STEADI — Older Adult Fall Prevention.
- National Institute on Aging (NIA). Falls and Fractures in Older Adults: Causes and Prevention.
- World Health Organization. Falls Fact Sheet.
- NHS. Falls Prevention.
This page provides general health information based on published guidelines and resources and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. A professional home safety assessment may be beneficial for those at high risk of falls.
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Your care team can help you understand what this means for you specifically, and can point you to the right local resources.
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