Reducing the Risk of Falls in the Home

September 22, 2026

3 minute read

Written by George Powney

Reviewed by Ellie Burcher

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Falls can cause distress, pain, injury, loss of confidence, loss of independence and mortality, with 1 in 3 people over the age of 65 experiencing a fall at least once a year.

In the UK, falls are the most common reason for an ambulance being called to assist an older person.

Our Clinical Advisors have put together a short guide to help you identify potential fall hazards and ways you can help safely minimise these risks.

Where do falls happen?

Falls can happen anywhere but certain places in the home carry increased risk for falling:

The bathroom is the highest-risk area in the home due to wet and slippery surfaces, especially when getting in and out of the shower or bath.
The bedroom can pose risks when getting in and out of bed, especially when you are feeling tired or drowsy.
Falls on the stairs are common, often due to poor lighting, clutter, loose carpet or unstable rails.
Kitchen falls can occur due to clutter, spills, and the need to move around in a smaller space.

Other places where falls can frequently happen:

When crossing pavements or roads, this can be due to uneven surfaces or cracks, which can increase the risk of having a fall.
Getting in/out of a car can increase the risk of falls due to uneven surfaces and the need to sit/stand and change your body position.
Walking through the shops – shops and supermarkets often have laminate-style flooring, which can increase the risk of slips when you are out walking.

Why do falls happen?

There are lots of factors which can increase the risk of falls, including:

Muscle strength is reduced, which can affect your standing tolerance and increase how quickly you begin to feel tired.
Medical conditions such as low blood pressure can cause dizzy spells when you stand up, whereas other conditions, such as diabetes, can cause numbness & tingling in the feet.
Poor-fitting or worn footwear can significantly add to the risk of tripping or slipping.
Memory loss, confusion or difficulties with thinking or problem solving.
Vision and hearing problems can affect your balance and stability, causing a risk of falls.
Taking some medications can make you dizzy or drowsy; take care and always read the information provided. If you have concerns, always speak to your GP.

How can I reduce the risk of falls?

There are lots of things you can do to reduce your risk of falls, from maintaining your own health to checking your home and putting appropriate equipment in place to support you.

Keeping active, doing a little and often, can improve your overall strength and balance. Getting out and about for a walk can be a great way of maintaining strength and mobility, and using mobility aids to keep you safe, such as a walking stick or rollator
When walking around your home, make sure you are wearing supportive shoes or slippers with a good fit and good grip.
When walking around, ensure you can get help if you do have a fall, this could be carrying a mobile phone with you or having a personal alarm to alert friends and family if something should happen to you.
When using the bath or shower, make sure you have a non-slip mat in place and handles or rails to provide stability when transferring.
Consider a nightlight or motion-detecting light in dark areas such as hallways and landings
Take your time when getting up from a bed or chair. Make sure you are steady before walking.
Remove loose rugs, carpets and wires which can be easily tripped over or caught when using mobility aids.
Speak to your GP or pharmacist if you think your medicines could be affecting your balance.
Make sure your eyesight is checked regularly

By following these simple steps and making some small changes, you can make a significant difference to your safety and security to reduce the chances of falls.

Get Personalised Guidance

For additional guidance and support, you can book a private online assessment with one of our Expert Clinical Advisors. This provides an opportunity to discuss your individual needs and receive personalised recommendations.

This article is for informational purposes only.

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