As we enter September, it’s the perfect time to spotlight Fall Prevention Month and how small changes in your home can protect older adults from injury. Whether you’re aging in place or caring for a parent or grandparent, fall prevention is one of the most important steps you can take to stay safe and independent, especially as the weather changes and routines shift for autumn.
At ThedaCare At Home, we’re here to help you make your home safer with equipment and guidance tailored to your needs.
Why Fall Prevention Matters
According to the CDC, falls are the leading cause of injury among adults aged 65 and older, with over 14 million older adults experiencing a fall each year. Roughly 37% of these falls result in serious injury, often requiring medical treatment or limiting independence.
Some of the most common fall-related injuries include:
- Hip fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Sprains and broken bones
- Loss of mobility or independence
More concerning, fall-related death rates have been increasing steadily in the U.S. among seniors. Luckily, most falls are preventable, and ThedaCare At Home is here to help you reduce risk through simple steps and smart equipment choices.
Find Aids to Daily Living for Your Aging Loved One Here
5 Effective Ways to Fall-Proof Your Home
Below are five practical fall prevention tips, along with recommended medical equipment available through ThedaCare At Home to help you or your loved one stay safe.
1. Secure Bathrooms with Safety Equipment
Bathrooms are one of the most common locations for falls, especially with wet floors, tight spaces, and slippery surfaces.
Tips to improve bathroom safety:
- Install grab bars near the toilet, tub, and inside the shower
- Use non-slip mats both inside and outside the shower
- Consider a shower chair or transfer bench for stability while bathing
- Install a handheld showerhead to reduce bending and twisting
ThedaCare At Home Product Suggestions:
- Grab bars
- Non-slip bath mats
- Shower chairs and benches
- Raised toilet seats (see #5 below)
Read This Next: Bathroom Safety Essentials You Need in 2025
Explore All Bathroom Safety Items
2. Improve Lighting Throughout the Home
Poor lighting, especially at night, can make it hard to see steps, cords, or rugs, all of which can lead to dangerous trips and falls.
Tips to improve visibility:
- Add night lights to hallways, bathrooms, and bedrooms
- Install motion-activated lighting in high-traffic areas
- Upgrade to brighter, energy-efficient bulbs
- Ensure stairways have lighting at both the top and bottom
Bonus ThedaCare Tip: Keep a flashlight or lamp within reach of the bed in case of power outages or nighttime bathroom trips.
Read More Here: Fall Safety Tips for Those with Limited Mobility
3. Declutter and Remove Tripping Hazards
A tidy home is a safer home. Small objects can cause big injuries when they get in the way.
What to clear or adjust:
- Loose rugs (or tape them down securely)
- Electrical cords across walkways
- Clutter near doorways and stairs
- Pet toys or bowls in walkways
- Low furniture or sharp-cornered items
Helpful tools from ThedaCare At Home:
- Reachers and grabbers to avoid unsafe bending or stretching
- Mobility aids to maintain balance while tidying
- Fall mats beside the bed to cushion potential nighttime falls
Search for Aids to Daily Living Here
Related: How to Talk to a Loved One About Needing Mobility Support
4. Use Mobility Aids for Added Support
If you feel unsteady or have difficulty walking, don’t wait until after a fall to start using a mobility aid. The right cane, walker, or rollator can prevent accidents and increase confidence.
Mobility products available through ThedaCare At Home:
- Walkers and Rollators: Lightweight, foldable, and available in various styles to suit different levels of support
- Folding walkers for stability and compact storage
- Rollators with built-in seats, hand brakes, and storage bags
- Lightweight and bariatric options available
- Canes: For individuals who just need a bit of extra balance support, a cane is a great option!
- Mobility Scooters and Power Chairs: Ideal for those who want to maintain independence both indoors and outdoors
- Portable and travel-ready scooters
- Mid-size and heavy-duty models for outdoor use
- Trusted brands like Golden Technologies
- Stair lifts: For multi-level homes, stair lifts offer safe and secure access to upper or lower floors. Start by reading this guide: 3 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying a Stair Lift
Read More: Top 6 Mobility Aids to Help Seniors Stay Independent at Home
Take a Look at Mobility Aids Online
5. Upgrade Seating and Toilets for Easier Transfers
Many falls happen when people struggle to rise from low chairs or toilets. Replacing furniture or installing adaptive equipment can significantly reduce risk.
Helpful seating solutions:
- Lift Chairs: Help gently raise you from a seated to standing position. We offer many lift chair options on our website
- Toilet Seat Risers: A toilet seat riser reduces how far you need to bend to sit or stand
- Bed Rails: Assist with getting in and out of bed – browse hospital bed accessories in our catalog
- Armrest Cushions: Add support when pushing off from low surfaces
Explore adaptive seating at ThedaCare At Home:
Find Even More Tips Here: Top 10 Tips to Fall-Proof Your Home This Autumn
Don’t Let a Fall Change Everything
A fall can happen in seconds, but the impact can last a lifetime. With just a few adjustments, you can create a home that supports safety, independence, and peace of mind.
Whether you’re planning ahead for your own aging needs or helping a loved one stay safe at home, ThedaCare At Home is your trusted partner in fall prevention. Our team is here to help you find the right products, install them properly, and offer personalized recommendations.
Age In Place Home Safety Safety
September 1, 2025 by ThedaCare At Home