Q. One of my neighbors recently fell at home and ended up in the hospital. I have been praying for her recovery. But since we’re the same age, it’s also been a wake-up call for me. What are some things I can do around my own home to prevent a fall?
A. I join you in hoping that your neighbor makes a full recovery. Unfortunately, falls like hers are more common than people realize. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 1 in 4 people age 65+ suffers a fall each year. Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries in this age group. The good news is, there are things you can do to reduce your risk.
In recognition of Falls Prevention Week, which takes place September 21-25, 2026, the National Council on Aging is sharing five easy ways to make your home safer.
Clear the way. Throw rugs, cords, and clutter on the floor can all be tripping hazards. Remove these and move furniture to make it easier to get around.
Light it up. Replace lightbulbs with bright, non-glare bulbs to make it easier to see and avoid accidents around the house.
Have a seat. Place a chair in your bedroom so you can sit while getting dressed or putting on shoes.
Secure some support. There are lots of products out there that can help you stay safer at home. For example, you can get a shower seat, grab bar, and an adjustable height handheld showerhead to make bathing easier. Your primary care doctor may be able to help you set up a home assessment with an occupational or physical therapist.
Store for success. Reaching for something or using a stepstool can increase the chances of losing your balance. Make it easier to get items you use often by storing them between waist and shoulder height.
NCOA also offers a Falls Free Checkup, which can help you evaluate your risk of falling. You can find this free tool on their website at www.ncoa.org/tools/falls-free-checkup/
AgeSpan can also help. Our Healthy Living Center of Excellence offers programming to help reduce your risk of falling, including A Matter of Balance, which is offered a few times a year. For more resources and support, you can always call the AgeSpan Information and Referral Department at 800-892-0890. Our I&R specialists can help answer questions and discuss resources for staying safe at home.
I hope your neighbor has a smooth recovery, and that these tips give you some peace of mind in your own home.
Are you caring for an older adult or need help finding healthy aging resources? Our experienced staff is available to help. Visit us online at www.agespan.org. You can also call 800-892-0890 or email info@agespan.org.
Joan Hatem-Roy is the chief executive officer of AgeSpan, which serves the following cities and towns: Amesbury, Andover, Billerica, Boxford, Chelmsford, Danvers, Dracut, Dunstable, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell, Marblehead, Merrimac, Methuen, Middleton, Newbury, Newburyport, North Andover, Peabody, Rowley, Salisbury, Salem, Tewksbury, Tyngsboro, Westford, and West Newbury.