What is Senior Home Independence Services?

A trusted local resource for home maintenance, safety, and aging-in-place support to help older adults remain safely in the homes they love.

Where should I start with fall prevention?

Secure loose rugs, improve lighting, and clear walkways first. These are inexpensive and prevent many falls.

When are grab bars appropriate?

Grab bars help when placed where someone actually needs support getting up, sitting, or steadying themselves. Placement should fit the person and the bathroom.

Home Safety

How to Reduce Fall Risks Around the Home

Practical, low-cost and moderate-cost improvements that meaningfully reduce the chance of a fall at home.

5 min read Updated September 5, 2026

Quick Answer

Reduce fall risks by improving lighting, securing rugs, adding grab bars and handrails, clearing walkways, and making stairs and bathrooms safer.

In This Guide

Start with the highest-impact, lowest-cost changes
Low-cost improvements
Moderate-cost improvements
Where falls happen most
Make changes that last

How to Reduce Fall Risks Around the Home

Start with the highest-impact, lowest-cost changes

You do not have to spend a lot to reduce fall risk. Some of the most effective improvements are simple and inexpensive.

Low-cost improvements

Remove or secure loose rugs.
Add nightlights in hallways and the path to the bathroom.
Clear clutter from walkways and stairs.
Coil or reroute cords so they do not cross pathways.
Improve bulb brightness in dim areas.

Moderate-cost improvements

Install properly placed grab bars in the bathroom.
Add or secure handrails on stairs and exterior steps.
Add non-slip flooring or mats that stay flat.
Add light switches at the top and bottom of stairs.
Improve exterior lighting at entrances.

Where falls happen most

Stairs, bathrooms, and entrances account for a large share of falls. Focus there first.

Make changes that last

A one-time fix is a start, but the home needs to be reviewed regularly. New hazards appear over time, and what worked last year may need adjustment.

When It May Be Time to Get Help

If falls have already happened, or if stairs and bathrooms feel unsafe, a practical assessment can prioritize the changes that will reduce risk the most.

Learn about a Home Independence Assessment Ask us a question

Need help taking care of something you found? You can request a one-time visit No membership required.

This article offers general guidance for planning and education. It is not medical advice, and no home modification can guarantee that someone will avoid injury. Some work, including electrical, plumbing, structural, and accessibility modifications, may require a qualified professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

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