A fall at home can change everything in an instant. For people over 80, nearly half will suffer at least one fall every year – most often in the very place they should feel safest. The consequences can be devastating: broken bones, loss of independence, or a long, difficult recovery. Even a “minor” fall can knock confidence and make everyday life harder.
But… many of these falls are preventable. With some simple changes around the home, you can help keep your parents or relatives safe while supporting their independence. From small tweaks like moving rugs, to bigger adaptations such as stairlifts or wet rooms, every step you take reduces the risk.
In this guide, we share the top 10 ways to prevent falls in the elderly at home.
You may be able to get financial support with some of these changes from your relative’s local authority but you will need a home assessment first.
1. Accessibility
A few small changes can make a huge difference in keeping life safe and manageable at home. Some adaptations may not be very pretty, but they are invaluable for preventing falls and maintaining independence.
Safer entry and exit
Install a non-slip ramp instead of steps, making sure it connects smoothly with doorways and paths.
For someone living with dementia, or who walks with a frame or sticks, even slight differences in levels and changes in surfaces can be confusing and a trip hazard.
Key safes
A secure external key safe allows carers or family to access the home easily in an emergency.
Doorbells and post boxes
Loud or video-enabled doorbells. reduce rushing; a raised post box avoids bending down.
Grab rails
Install them near entrances, hallways, and steps for extra stability and to inspire confidence if someone’s worried about trips and falls. There are soft-grip grab rails, to red grab rails for people with dementia for whom the stand-out colour is important. Good places to fit grabrails include the loo, bath or shower, up the stairs and along corridors.
2. Personal alarm systems
Personal alarms can be lifesaving. In themselves of course, they can’t stop a fall, but if the worst happens, worn as a pendant or wristband, they allow someone to call for help at the press of a button – and many now come with automatic fall detection. Another confidence booster to enable people to access all areas of their home.
The benefits?
- A fast emergency response from family or monitoring centres.
- Affordable options, with simple subscription plans.
- Peace of mind for both the wearer and their family.
Try a personal alarm for your loved one. We’ve reviewed the best personal alarms for the elderly, with exclusive Age Space discounts.
3. Smart home monitoring services
New home technology is developing all the time and it can make a real difference to keeping your loved one safe – and giving you peace of mind, especially if you don’t live close by. If Mum gets up in the night and doesn’t return to bed, the system can send an alert to let you know that she may have had a fall. Over time, it learns her daily routines, like making a morning cup of tea and can let you know if something seems out of the ordinary, such as her moving more slowly than usual, which could be an early sign of illness.
Smart home monitoring devices can be a delicate balance for older relatives, potentially offering increased safety and peace of mind, but also raising concerns about privacy.
However, the pay-off in increased safety, peace of mind and enabling independent living for a loved one may mean this is a worthwhile option.
Smart home monitoring doesn’t necessarily involve cameras. It uses discreet sensors and AI to track patterns in movement and detect those potential issues before they become emergencies.
Why consider smart monitoring?
- Predicts and prevents falls using early warning signs.
- Alerts families quickly if a fall occurs.
- Affordable options available from under £10/month (e.g. StackCare).
Read our Guide to the best smart home monitoring systems in the UK.
Smart home monitoring doesn't have to cost a fortune. You can get it set up in your parents home for less than £10 a month with StackCare.
4. Stairlifts and home lifts
Stairs are one of the biggest hazards for elderly people. If they become too risky, a stairlift or compact home lift could be the answer.
Stairlifts: These days they fit almost any staircase, indoors or outdoors, and can be installed in days. Reconditioned models are often available at lower cost.
Home lifts: Increasingly popular and surprisingly space-efficient. They can also add long-term value to a property.
Designer Zandra Rhodes even has a zebra-print stairlift – proving practicality can still have personality!
5. Downstairs bedroom
If navigating the stairs to bed is no longer safe, one solution to this may be moving to a property with fewer stairs (or none at all!), which you can read more about in our downsizing guide. Alternatively, moving to a downstairs bedroom can be a smart solution.
Options include:
- Converting a dining room or study into a bedroom.
- Installing a mobile wet room in a cloakroom (many are now available to rent).
- Accessing NHS support for hospital beds or mobility equipment. This can be especially helpful when a stairlift or lift isn’t possible.
6. Lighting
Good lighting is essential for preventing falls, both inside and outside the home.
Lighting tips to make things safer:
- Use bright, instant-on bulbs (not dim eco bulbs that take time to brighten).
- Fit motion-sensor night lights to hallways, bathrooms, and bedrooms.
- Install exterior lighting for pathways, steps, and garages.
- Add task lighting for hobbies such as reading or sewing.
You can also get lights specifically for those that get up in the night, such as the Techsilver LED Bright Motion Light Sensor. This clever light can identify movement and darkness, and activates only when both are detected. It is bright enough to let a person see where they are going, and turns off quickly once somebody is back in bed.
7. Preventing falls in the bathroom
One of the rooms that becomes less and less accessible with declining mobility, as well as being one of the most obvious places to fall, is the bathroom.
Best bathroom adaptations for avoiding falls
Bathrooms are a common site for slips and trips, but careful adaptations can make them much safer.
The best bathroom safety adaptations:
- Wet rooms: level, slip-resistant floors with plenty of space for aids.
- Grab rails: beside the shower, bath, and toilet.
- Shower stools and raised toilet seats: reduce strain and instability.
- Step-in baths and glass shower doors: eliminate climbing and tripping hazards like bath pedestal mats too.
Wondering how to fund changes to your relative's home? Find out more about your options for funding home adaptations.
8. Preventing falls in the kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home, but it’s also a place full of potential hazards. Small adaptations can make it much safer.
Best kitchen safety tips:
- Glass-fronted cupboards: easier to see contents without bending or reaching.
- Pull-out drawers: safer and more accessible than deep cupboards.
- Accessible appliances: mid-height ovens and microwaves reduce lifting and bending.
- Non-slip flooring: essential in a room where spills are common. So, no rugs to trip over!
9. Gadgets and gizmos
Sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference. Modern gadgets can help older people stay safe and independent.
Our favourites are kettle tippers to avoid lifting heavy kettles of boiling water, and a grabber to prevent toppling over trying to pick up that dropped hanky!
Lots of clever and stylish aids are available from suppliers like Granny Gets a Grip and the Age Space shop has plenty of options to choose from, too.
10. Getting a home assessment
It’s well worth getting a professional home assessment to help identify risks and recommend the right adaptations.
What happens in a home assessment
Occupational therapists or social services assess the home environment.
Recommended changes may include grab rails, ramps, or hoists. This can be arranged as part of a needs assessment, particularly if the local authority might pay for any adaptations.
You may also want to consider additional care at home. Live-in carers are a growing option, providing constant support in case of a fall.
Always use trusted contractors for any work – local councils often have approved supplier lists to make this easier.
When thinking abut making changes to the home to prevent falls, keep in mind that making too many changes at once could be confusing.
Making changes over a period of time may be the best and safest option for some people.
Final thoughts
Falls don’t have to be an inevitable part of ageing. By making the home safer with the right adaptations, technology, and support, you can protect your loved ones, give them confidence, and help them remain independent for longer.
Our Prepare to Care hub is a great place to find more information on all the ways to support a loved one in older age.
