Preparing for Fall Prevention Awareness Week (September 21–25) and World Alzheimer’s Day (September 21)
Every year, more than one in four adults age 65 and older experiences a fall — and less than half ever mention it to their doctor. Falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults, sending roughly 4.5 million people to the emergency room annually and contributing to hundreds of thousands of hip fractures. The good news is that most falls are preventable, and many of the biggest risk factors are sitting right in plain sight, in the homes we live in every day.
September 21st-25th is Fall Prevention Awareness Week. Falls Prevention Awareness Week reminds us that a few small changes around the house can dramatically lower risk. It also happens to overlap with World Alzheimer’s Day on September 21, which feels fitting: for people living with dementia, the risk of falling is significantly higher. Memory loss, confusion, and changes in vision or judgment make it harder to notice hazards or move through a space safely, which makes a fall-proofed home even more essential for families caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.
At Alvita Care, we walk through homes with families every day, and we tend to see the same hazards over and over. Here’s a room-by-room checklist to help you spot and fix them before they become a problem.
Entryways and Stairs
Check that every step, indoors and out, has a sturdy handrail on at least one side — two is better. Make sure outdoor steps and walkways are well lit and free of cracks, moss, or uneven pavement. Keep a clear, unobstructed path to the front door, and consider adding non-slip treads to wooden or tile stairs.
Living Areas
Loose area rugs and runners are one of the most common causes of trips. Remove them if possible, or secure every edge with non-slip backing or double-sided tape. Rearrange furniture to create wide, clear walking paths, and tuck away electrical cords and phone chargers that cross walkways. Make sure lighting is bright enough in every room, with switches easily reachable near each entrance — not just at the far end of the room.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms are where a disproportionate number of falls happen, largely because wet, hard surfaces leave little room for error. Install grab bars near the toilet and inside the shower or tub — not towel bars, which aren’t built to bear weight. Use non-slip mats both inside the tub and on the bathroom floor. A raised toilet seat and a shower chair can also make a real difference for anyone with limited strength or balance.
Bedrooms
Keep a clear path from the bed to the bathroom, and add a nightlight or motion-sensor light along that route for nighttime trips. A lamp or light switch within arm’s reach of the bed means no one has to feel their way across a dark room. Beds that are too high or too low can make getting up unsteady, so check that the height allows feet to rest flat on the floor when seated on the edge.
Kitchen
Store everyday items on lower shelves so step stools become the exception, not the rule. If a step stool is necessary, make sure it has a handrail and a wide, stable base. Clean up spills immediately, and use non-slip mats near the sink and stove.
Throughout the Home
Good general lighting matters everywhere, especially in hallways and on stairs. Wear supportive, non-slip footwear indoors rather than loose slippers or socks. Schedule a yearly vision check, since even mild changes in eyesight can affect balance and depth perception. And review medications with a doctor or pharmacist periodically — some, especially in combination, can cause dizziness or drowsiness that increases fall risk.
For Families Caring for Someone with Dementia
Everything above matters even more for a loved one living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. Consider a few additional steps: reduce clutter and visual “noise” that can cause confusion, use contrasting colors to help distinguish floors from walls or the edges of steps, and remove or lock away small rugs, extension cords, and anything that could be mistaken for something else. Consistency also helps — keeping furniture and pathways in the same place, day after day, supports the kind of familiarity that reduces disorientation and missteps.
A Small Investment, A Meaningful Difference
None of these changes require a major renovation. A grab bar, a brighter bulb, a rug removed — these are modest steps that can prevent a life-altering injury. Walking through your own home, or a loved one’s, with this checklist in hand is one of the simplest things you can do this week to protect someone you care about.
If you’d like an extra set of eyes, Alvita Care offers in-home safety assessments as part of our care services, along with compassionate, professional caregivers who can help your loved one stay safe, supported, and independent at home. Reach out to our team to learn more or to schedule a visit.