Most of the time, falls don’t “just happen.” They are often avoidable, and taking the right steps can help you prevent them.1 Read below to learn six steps to help prevent falls.
Work with your healthcare provider
Your healthcare provider can help assess your risk of falling and give you more tools to help you stay safe.
Be prepared to discuss your:
- Medicines. Make a list of all the medications and supplements you’re taking—both prescription and over-the-counter—and bring it with you to every appointment. Your provider can review your medications and help you learn about risky side effects and drug interactions that may increase your risk of falling.
- Fall history. Try to write down the details of each fall you’ve experienced, including when, where and how it happened. You can also discuss examples of when you almost fell but were caught by someone or managed to grab onto something. These details can help your provider give you personalized fall-prevention strategies.
- Health status. Talk to your healthcare provider about your conditions and your comfort level when walking. If you feel dizziness, joint pain, shortness of breath, or numbness in your feet and legs, tell your provider.1,2
In some cases, your provider may refer you to a physical therapist. Some types of physical therapists—called vestibular physical therapists—are specially trained in issues regarding balance and the inner ear.
Stay physically active
Exercise helps reduce the risk of falls by improving strength, balance, coordination and flexibility.2 Consider activities like walking, water workouts and tai chi. Some exercise classes are specifically designed to help you build balance and prevent falls.
Talk to your doctor about the best type of exercise program for you. If your fear of falling is preventing you from being active, tell your doctor.
Remove home hazards
Falls can happen anywhere, but most occur at home.2 Making simple changes to make your home safer may help prevent falls.
- Assess your home. Look for possible fall hazards in or around your home using the checklist below.
- Act now. Remove or repair hazards and consider additional safety measures like canes, walkers or grab bars.
Remove home hazards: A checklist
| Area of home | Action steps |
| Floors | Keep floors free of clutter (paper, books, towels, boxes, etc.).Remove rugs or add double-sided tape or a nonslip backing.Tape cords and wires from lamps and telephones next to the wall.If you have to walk around furniture to walk through a room, ask someone to move it so the path is clear. |
| Stairs | Put up handrails on both sides.Have an electrician put in an overhead light and light switch at the top and bottom of the stairs.Make sure carpet is firmly attached to every step or remove carpet and attach nonslip rubber treads instead.Remove any clutter (e.g. paper, shoes, books or other objects) from the stairsFix any broken or uneven steps.Add strips of contrasting colors (e.g. tape to the edges) to help you see your stairs better. |
| Kitchen | Clean up spills as soon as they happen.If you must use a step stool, get one with a handrail (never use a chair as a stool).Try to place items that you use often on lower shelves. |
| Bathrooms | Put a nonslip rubber mat or self-stick strips on the floor of the tub or shower.Put up grab bars inside the tub or shower and next to the toilet.If you are unsteady on your feet, use a shower seat and a handheld shower head to help you bathe. |
| Bedrooms | Place lamps on either side of the bed where they are easy to reach.Use a nightlight between the bed and the bathroom.Keep a flashlight with fresh batteries in your bedside table.Put your phone within arm’s reach of your bed in case you need help in the middle of the night. |
| Outside the home | Put in motion-sensor lights or dark-to-dawn lights.Keep your porch, deck, walkways and driveway free of leaves, snow, trash and clutter.Cover steps with gritty, weather-proof paint and install handrails on both sidesIf you live in an area that gets snow and ice, ask someone to sprinkle salt or sand on slippery steps and sidewalks.3 |
Wear functional footwear
Changing your footwear may help prevent falls. Make sure your shoes fit you properly and have these characteristics:
- Nonskid. Your shoes should have nonskid, rubber soles that aren’t too thick or too thin. Never walk in slippery footwear including socks and slippers.
- Low-heeled. Avoid high heels and floppy shoes. Heels can make you feel less steady, and floppy shoes may be a tripping hazard.
- Supportive. Your shoes should be firm, sturdy and fully support your feet.1
Have your vision and hearing checked
It’s important to have your vision and hearing checked annually. Even small changes in your vision and hearing may cause a fall.1
If you need glasses or contacts, be sure to wear them when needed. Ask your optometrist if your eyeglasses need to be updated during your annual eye exam.
If you have a hearing aid, wear it. Make sure it fits well. Talk to your healthcare provider if you think you need one.
Be mindful of fall threats outside
Outdoor falls are often caused by uneven sidewalks, curbs and slippery surfaces.
- Always look ahead at your path. Watch for things like cracks, holes and uneven areas.
- Navigate uneven surfaces carefully and slowly. Be especially careful in grassy areas.
- Be extra careful in inclement weather. Rain, snow and ice can make surfaces extremely slippery, and the slick spots are difficult to see.
- Look for the curb cut. This is the dip in the curb near corners. If you walk with a cane or walker, or you worry about stepping down from a curb, this can be particularly useful.
- Only walk in well-lit areas in the evening. Look for areas with plenty of light and consider using a flashlight and wearing a reflective vest.4
- Interested in learning more? Visit www.HumanaNeighborhoodCenter.com to register for live and on-demand health education classes.
This is for informational purposes only and does not replace treatment or advice from a healthcare professional. If you have questions, please talk with your doctor. Talk to your doctor before beginning an exercise program or making any changes to your diet.
Sources
- “Falls and Fractures in Older Adults: Causes and Prevention”, National Institute on Aging, Last accessed May 13, 2025, https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/falls-and-fractures-older-adults-causes-and-prevention
- “Fall prevention: Simple tips to prevent falls”, Mayo Clinic, Last accessed May 13, 2025, www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/fall-prevention/art-20047358.
- “Check for Safety: A Home Fall Prevention Checklist for Older Adults”, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Last accessed May 13, 2025, https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/pdf/steadi-brochure-checkforsafety-508.pdf.
- “18 Steps to Fall Proofing Your Home”, National Council on Aging, Last accessed May 13, 2025, https://www.ncoa.org/article/18-steps-to-fall-proofing-your-home.
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