How to Conduct a Fall Risk Assessment at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide

April, 15 2025 • 4 min read

A simple slip can change everything, especially for older adults. Falls are one of the leading causes of injuries among seniors, and most of them happen right at home. Many falls can be prevented by making a few adjustments. That's where a fall risk assessment comes in.

It’s like a safety checkup for your home. It helps you spot dangers before they cause trouble. Whether you're looking out for yourself, a parent, or a loved one, this guide will walk you through the process step by step. Let's make home a safer place.

What Is a Fall Risk Assessment?

A fall risk assessment is a way of determining how safe the living space is by looking for things that might cause the individual to fall. It assesses environmental risks like loose rugs, poor lighting, and wobbly furniture, as well as personal factors such as balance problems or medications that cause dizziness.

These are usually performed by healthcare workers in a hospital or clinic, however you do not have to wait for the professional to do this; you can do a simple check at home by using this guide.

Why Fall Risk Assessments Matter

Falls really cannot be called a minor bother because some can cause severe damages, such as hip fractures, head injuries, and complete loss of independence.According to the World Health Organization, falls are the second leading cause of accidental injuries worldwide. The CDC reports that one in four adults aged 65 and older experiences a fall each year, leading to over 800,000 hospitalizations. The best way to reduce these risks is through proactive home safety adjustments. Step 1: Check the Floors for Tripping Hazards

Start with the floor—one of the most common areas where falls occur due to clutter, loose rugs, or slippery surfaces.

Things to fix:

• Remove or secure loose rugs with non-slip pads.
• Keep floors free of clutter -shoes, wires, or books should never be in walkways.
• Wipe up spills immediately to avoid slippery surfaces.
• Use non-slip mats in the bathroom, kitchen, and near entryways.

Red flags:

• Rugs that move when you step on them.
• Slippery tiles without proper mats.
• Cords running across walking areas.

Step 2: Improve Lighting in Every Room

Poor lighting, especially at night, increases the risk of falls by making it harder to see obstacles.

Why?

Ways to improve lighting:

• Add nightlights in hallways, bedrooms, and bathrooms.
• Use brighter LED bulbs in dim areas.
• Keep a flashlight near the bed in case of power outages.
• Install motion-sensor lights for extra safety.

Red flags:

• Stairs with poor visibility.
• Dark hallways or entryways.
• Hard-to-reach light switches.

Step 3: Make Stairs and Steps Safer

If your home has stairs, they need extra attention. Falls on stairs can be particularly dangerous.

How to make stairs safer:

• Install sturdy handrails on both sides.
• Ensure steps are even and free from loose boards.
• Apply anti-slip tape on wooden stairs.
• Keep stairways clear- no books, shoes, or baskets on steps.

Red flags:

• Steps that feel wobbly.
• A missing or loose handrail.
• Poor lighting near the stairs.

Step 4: Check the Bathroom for Slippery Surfaces

Bathrooms are one of the most common places for falls. Water, soap, and hard surfaces don't mix well.

Simple fixes:

• Install grab bars near the toilet and inside the shower.
• Use a shower chair if standing is difficult.
• Place non-slip mats in the shower and outside the tub.
• Keep essentials within reach to avoid stretching or bending.

Red flags:

• No support bars in the shower or near the toilet.
• Wet, slippery floors.
• High bathtub edges that are hard to step over.

Step 5: Review Footwear Choices

What's on your feet can make a big difference. Wearing the wrong shoes or walking barefoot can increase the risk of slipping.

Best footwear for safety:

• Shoes with non-slip soles.
• Well-fitted slippers with rubber grips.
• Avoid high heels or flip-flops that can easily cause imbalance.

Red flags:

• Slippers with smooth soles.
• Walking in socks on tile or wood floors.
• Worn-out shoes with no grip.

Step 6: Assess Furniture and Supportive Equipment

Wobbly furniture, chairs without armrests, and low seating can make movement harder and riskier.

How to fix furniture hazards:

• Secure wobbly tables and chairs.
• Use armchairs instead of low couches for easier sitting and standing.
• Place frequently used items at waist level to avoid bending or reaching.

Red flags:

• Unstable furniture that shifts when leaned on.
• Sitting areas that are too low or soft.
• Sharp-edged furniture near walkways.

Step 7: Consider Health and Medical Factors

Sometimes, the biggest fall risks come from personal health factors rather than the home environment.

Things to check:

• Review medications that may cause dizziness.
• Schedule regular vision and hearing tests.
• Strengthen muscles with balance exercises.
• Stay hydrated- dehydration can cause weakness and dizziness.

Red flags:

• Sudden dizziness or balance issues.
• Vision problems that aren't corrected with glasses.
• Medications with drowsiness or light-headedness as side effects.

Step 8: Plan for Emergencies

Even with the best precautions, falls can still happen. Being prepared can make all the difference.

How to be ready:

• Keep a phone within easy reach at all times.
• Consider a medical alert device for emergencies.
• Teach loved ones how to respond if a fall happens.
• Store emergency contacts in a visible spot.

Red flags:

• No way to call for help in an emergency.
• Living alone without regular check-ins.
• No first-aid supplies available.

Wrap Up

Going through your home and making a couple of changes can prevent serious injuries and prolong independent living for seniors. You do not have to do it all at once. Work on the small changes, then the bigger ones. A happy home equals a space where you feel safe.

Now that you know how to create a safer living space, take a few minutes to walk through your home and conduct your own fall risk assessment with AGEasy technology.