# Preventing falls at home: a practical checklist for families

Falls are a leading cause of injury in older adults. A room-by-room checklist, warning signs and what to do after a fall.

Source: https://healthcare.servq.in/care-guides/preventing-falls-at-home/

> **Note:** **Not medical advice.** This guide is general information for families and does not replace advice from your own doctor. In an emergency call 108 or go to the nearest hospital.

> Most falls in older adults can be made less likely by fixing the home (light, floors, bathrooms), reviewing medicines with a doctor, keeping muscles and balance strong, and having eyes and footwear checked. A fall with a head injury, severe pain or inability to get up needs urgent medical help.

## Why falls matter

A fall can lead to a broken hip or wrist, a head injury, a long hospital stay and loss of confidence. After one fall, many older people begin to move less, which makes muscles weaker and a second fall more likely.

## Room-by-room checklist

### Bathroom

- Fit grab bars near the toilet and in the shower, fixed into the wall (not towel rails)
- Use a non-slip mat inside and outside the shower
- Consider a shower stool and a raised toilet seat
- Keep a small light on at night

### Bedroom and living room

- Clear a wide path between bed and bathroom
- Remove loose rugs or fix them with non-slip backing
- Keep a lamp or torch within reach of the bed
- Choose a chair with arms and a firm seat to push up from

### Stairs, kitchen and entrance

- Good light and a handrail on both sides of stairs; mark the edge of steps
- Keep everyday items between waist and shoulder height so no stretching or climbing is needed
- Wipe spills at once and avoid polished wet floors
- Keep walkways and doorsteps free of cables and clutter

## Things beyond the house

- Ask the doctor to review all medicines at least once a year, because some cause dizziness or drowsiness
- Have vision and, where relevant, hearing checked regularly
- Wear well-fitting shoes with grip, not loose slippers or socks on smooth floors
- Stand up slowly after lying or sitting, especially at night
- Ask a physiotherapist about balance and strength exercises that suit your parent

## If a fall happens

1. Do not rush to pull the person up. Ask if they are in pain and check for injury.
2. If they are unconscious, confused, have hit their head, have severe pain, cannot move a limb, are bleeding heavily or are very breathless, **call 108**.
3. If there is no obvious injury, help them up slowly in stages and let them rest in a chair.
4. Tell the doctor about every fall, even if there was no injury, as it may point to a medicine, blood pressure or health problem.
5. Watch for new drowsiness, vomiting, headache or confusion over the next days, especially after a bump to the head or if on blood thinners, and seek medical help quickly if it appears.

## How ServQ Healthcare can help

A home physiotherapist can assess balance and teach safe exercises: see [physiotherapy at home](https://healthcare.servq.in/services/physiotherapy-at-home/). A night attendant can help if your parent gets up at night: see [24-hour and night care](https://healthcare.servq.in/services/24-hour-night-care/).

> **Note:** Medical review: this guide is awaiting review by [REVIEWER NAME AND QUALIFICATION] on [REVIEW DATE].

[Talk to our care team](https://healthcare.servq.in/contact/#lead)