Home Safety:
When George tripped over a throw rug in his hallway, it shook the whole family. He wasn’t badly hurt—but he could have been. His grandson came over that weekend, pulled up the rug, added a night-light, and tightened the handrail. George laughed, “Guess I should have done that years ago.”
Stories like George’s are common. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reminds us that falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults.⁵ But here’s the hopeful news: most falls are preventable with simple home adjustments.
These little changes gave George something priceless: peace of mind. He no longer feels nervous about walking to the kitchen at night. His family rests easier too, knowing his home is safer.
In New York, the state Office for the Aging even provides tools like home injury control services.² The CDC also offers a printable “Check for Safety” checklist so families can walk through the home together, spotting hazards before they cause harm.⁷
A Few Smart Habits to Add
- Keep a phone or emergency pendant nearby in case of a fall.
- Talk with your doctor about medications—some can cause dizziness.⁸
- Wear supportive shoes indoors, not just socks or slippers.
- Stay active—exercise and balance training reduce fall risk.
Home safety is not about fear—it’s about freedom. The safer the home feels, the longer older adults can live there with confidence. For families, small updates show love and respect. For seniors, they make independence possible.
George’s grandson calls him “stubborn” for refusing to leave his house, but George just grins: “I’m not stubborn, I’m prepared.”
References
5. CDC – Important Facts about Falls. https://www.cdc.gov/falls/about/index.html
6. NIA – Preventing Falls at Home: Room by Room. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/falls-and-falls-prevention/preventing-falls-home-room-room
7. CDC – Check for Safety: A Home Fall Prevention Checklist for Older Adults. https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/pdf/steadi-brochure-checkforsafety-508.pdf
8. CDC – STEADI: Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries. https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/index.html
Room-by-Room Safety Tips
Bedroom: Keep a lamp or night-light close by. Place a phone within reach of the bed.
- Bathroom: Add grab bars, non-slip mats, and a shower seat. A hand-held shower head can make bathing safer.
- Kitchen: Store everyday items at waist level. Clean up spills right away. Use a sturdy step stool—not a chair.
- Living Room & Hallways: Remove loose rugs or tape them down. Keep cords tucked away. Leave wide, uncluttered walking paths.
- Stairs & Entrances: Install sturdy handrails on both sides. Use non-slip treads. Make sure steps and outdoor walkways are well lit, especially in winter.
This article is meant for general education. Every home is unique, so talk with your doctor or local Office for the Aging about what’s right for your situation.