How to Prevent Falls at Home with Safety Upgrades for Seniors

Smart Safety Tips for Aging in Place in Wisconsin

Many families assume falls happen outside, but most falls happen at home, during everyday routines like getting up from a chair, using the bathroom, or walking through a hallway.

According to the CDC, more than 1 in 4 adults age 65+ falls each year, and less than half tell their doctor. That matters, because falling once doubles your chances of falling again.

And those falls can be quite serious, in fact, about 1 out of 10 falls results in an injury that causes an older adult to restrict activities for a day or more. And each year, there are about 3 million emergency department visits and about 1 million fall-related hospitalizations among older adults.

The encouraging part? Many falls are preventable with a few practical home safety upgrades.

At ThedaCare At Home Medical Equipment, we help families throughout Northeast Wisconsin make changes that support safer aging in place. Here’s where to start.

1. Start in the Bathroom — One of the Highest-Risk Areas

Bathrooms combine water, smooth surfaces, and tight spaces, which makes them a common place for slips and loss of balance.

Simple upgrades that can make a real difference:

Grab bars installed near the toilet and inside the shower
Shower chairs or transfer benches for seated bathing
Non-slip bath mats
Raised toilet seats to reduce strain when standing

Important: Properly installed grab bars are far more secure than towel racks or suction products (suction handles can shift unexpectedly, especially with moisture and temperature changes).

ThedaCare At Home Medical Equipment carries bathroom safety equipment designed specifically for senior support — not makeshift solutions.

Explore Bathroom Safety Equipment

2. Make Sitting and Standing Safer with a Lift Chair

A large percentage of falls happen during the transition from sitting to standing. Joint pain, muscle weakness, and balance changes can make that movement harder and less steady over time.

A power lift chair gently tilts forward to assist with standing. It can reduce strain on the knees and hips while supporting day-to-day independence.

Lift chairs can help:

Reduce the risk of losing balance when standing
Ease strain on joints
Help caregivers avoid back strain
Encourage safer daily movement

ThedaCare At Home Medical Equipment offers lift chairs in multiple sizes and styles to fit both the person and the space.

Check Out: Lift Chair FAQs

3. Use the Right Mobility Aid for Your Needs

Mobility aids aren’t one-size-fits-all. Choosing the right option can make a noticeable difference in stability and confidence.

Walkers provide maximum stability and are ideal for individuals who need strong balance support.

Rollators (four-wheeled walkers with hand brakes and a seat) allow smoother movement and include built-in rest breaks.

Benefits of using a properly fitted mobility aid:

Improved balance
Greater confidence indoors
Reduced fear of falling
Safer navigation through hallways and doorways

ThedaCare At Home Medical Equipment can help determine whether a walker or rollator is the best fit based on strength and stability needs.

4. Address Bedroom and Nighttime Risks

Falls often happen when someone gets up at night, especially when lighting is low or the path to the bathroom isn’t clear.

Reduce risk by:

Adding nightlights along the path to the bathroom
Keeping walkways clear of clutter
Installing bed rails if needed for stability
Placing frequently used items within easy reach

Even small lighting improvements can help reduce trip hazards and missteps.

5. Don’t Overlook Entryways and Stairs

Entryways and stairs are high-traffic spots where falls often happen, especially when lighting is dim, handrails are loose, or floors are uneven.

Improve safety by:

Making sure handrails are sturdy (and present on both sides when possible)
Adding brighter lighting at entrances and stairways
Using non-slip treads on steps (indoor or outdoor)
Keeping floors clear of throw rugs, cords, and clutter

If stairs inside the home are becoming difficult, mobility support equipment may help reduce strain and improve safety.

6. Do a Quick Home Safety Check (2-Minute Scan)

Ask yourself:

Are there loose rugs or cords in walkways?
Is lighting dim in hallways or on stairs?
Does standing up from furniture feel difficult?
Are grab bars missing near the toilet or in the shower?
Has there been a recent fall or near-fall?

If you answered “yes” to any of these, it may be time to make a few home safety upgrades or consider fall-prevention equipment.

Check Out Our Full Fall Prevention Guide

Keep Reading: How to Lower Your Risk of Falling: Tips for Older Adults

Supporting Safe Aging in Place in Northeast Wisconsin

Preventing falls is all about protecting your or your loved one’s independence, not limiting it.

Falls can lead to serious injuries. The CDC notes that falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Falls are also tied closely to hip fractures—in 2019, 83% of hip fracture deaths (and 88% of ER visits and hospitalizations for hip fractures) were caused by falls.

ThedaCare At Home Medical Equipment is your local resource for:

If you’re in Northeast Wisconsin and want guidance on fall prevention equipment, stop by or contact ThedaCare At Home Medical Equipment. We’re here to help you choose equipment that fits your needs and your space.

Contact or Stop by ThedaCare for Aging in Place Help Today

Fall Prevention FAQs

What is the best way to prevent falls at home?

Installing grab bars, improving lighting, removing tripping hazards, and using properly fitted mobility aids are proven ways to reduce fall risk.

Do lift chairs help prevent falls?

Yes. Lift chairs assist with the sit-to-stand transition, making it safer, which is a common moment when a person’s balance is compromised.

What is the difference between a walker and a rollator?

A walker offers maximum stability and usually has no seat. A rollator has four wheels, hand brakes, and a built-in seat for rest breaks.

Are grab bars better than suction handles?

Yes. Professionally installed grab bars are significantly more secure and safer than suction-based products.

Are mobility aids covered by insurance?

Coverage varies depending on insurance plans and medical necessity. ThedaCare At Home Medical Equipment can help determine eligibility.

A Safer Home Starts with Simple Steps

Falls often happen during everyday moments—standing up, walking to the bathroom, stepping inside after shoveling.

A few practical upgrades can make those moments safer.

If you’re in Northeast Wisconsin and want guidance on fall prevention equipment, stop by or contact ThedaCare At Home Medical Equipment. We’re here to help you make your home safer and support aging in place with confidence.

Stop By a ThedaCare Store Near You

How to Prevent Falls at Home with Simple Safety Upgrades for Seniors