Most serious falls for persons 65 and older occur in their own homes. Here is a checklist of items to review to help prevent a fall from occuring.

Inside the home:

• Remove things you can trip over (such as papers, books, clothes and shoes) from any place where you walk.


• Use at least 100 watt bulbs in your home. Sufficient lighting is very important in rooms, hallways and especially on stairs in preventing falls.


• Install handrails where appropriate.


• All carpets should be securely attached to the floor.


• Avoid using throw/area rugs, but if you do use them, make sure they have skid-proof backing or are tacked to the floor.

Outside the home:

• If a sidewalk looks slippery, walk on the grass for better traction.


• Wear warm boots with rubber soles for added traction when outside.


• Look carefully at floor surfaces when entering a public building -- highly polished floors can be very slippery. Wet floors are always a great hazard.

In the bathroom:

• Install grab bars.


• Use a non-skid mat in the bath or shower.


• Consider installing a bath or shower chair.


• Consider a raised or cushioned toilet seat.

Daily living tips:

• Wear supportive, low-heeled shoes even at home. Avoid walking around in socks or stockings.


• When entering a room be aware of differences in floor levels and thresholds.


• Keep floor surfaces smooth but not slippery.


• If you need to use a stepstool, use one that is sturdy with a handrail and wide steps.


• Organize your living space to minimize stooping or reaching. For instance, move often-used kitchen items onto lower shelves where they can be easily reached.

Additional ways to prevent falls:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends the following additional health-related prevention methods.

1. Begin a regular exercise program -- Exercise makes you stronger and helps you to feel better. Lack of exercise leads to weakness and increases your chances of falling. Ask your doctor for the best type of exercise program for you.


2. Have your health care provider review your medicines -- Some medicines, or combinations of medicines, can make you drowsy or light-headed which can lead to a fall.


3. Have your vision checked -- Wrong glasses or conditions like glaucoma or cataracts can limit your vision and increase your changcs of falls.

Additional Web sites:

Fall Prevention Patient Info, National Osteoporosis Foundation. Accessed November 2007.

Preventing Falls Among Seniors, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. Accessed November 2007.