5 Simple Fall Prevention Tips You Can Use at Home

National Fall Prevention Awareness Day is a reminder that falls can happen to anyone—but many are preventable. Falls are a leading cause of injury, especially among older adults, but a few simple steps and exercises can greatly reduce your risk.

Here are five practical tips to help you stay safe at home:

1. Keep Walkways Clear
   Remove clutter, cords, and loose rugs from areas you walk through daily. Clear paths reduce tripping hazards and make it easier to move safely.
2. Improve Lighting
   Ensure hallways, staircases, and entryways are well-lit. Nightlights in bedrooms and bathrooms can prevent falls during nighttime trips.
3. Strengthen Your Legs and Core
   Exercises like squats, heel raises, and gentle core work improve balance and stability. Strong muscles make it easier to recover if you stumble.
4. Use Handrails and Support
   Always use handrails on stairs and consider grab bars in bathrooms. These supports provide stability and confidence when moving around the home.
5. Wear Proper Footwear
   Shoes with non-slip soles and good support help prevent slips. Avoid walking in socks or slippery slippers, especially on smooth floors.

Falls aren’t an inevitable part of aging or daily life. By making simple adjustments at home and incorporating targeted exercises, you can reduce your risk and maintain independence. Physical therapy offers guidance on safe movement, balance training, and fall prevention strategies tailored to your needs.

Contact us today to start your Elite PT journey!