Start with the route used at night and the bathroom, then remove clutter, improve lighting, secure mats, add suitable support and review footwear, vision and medicines.
Pair home changes with strength and balance work.
Walk the real route
Audit bed to toilet, chair to kitchen and entrance to lift at the time they are normally used. A daytime tidy room may hide a night-light or footwear problem. (HealthHub preventing falls)
Water, thresholds and unsupported transfers combine several hazards. Use secure non-slip surfaces and professionally suitable grab bars rather than a loose towel rail.
| Situation | What changes |
|---|---|
| A fall caused injury or new weakness | Seek medical assessment before treating it only as a home issue |
| Bathroom is slippery | Add appropriate non-slip and support measures |
| Night route is dark or cluttered | Create continuous lighting and a clear path |
| Four or more medicines are used | Arrange the recommended medication review |
Improve lighting and contrast
Even illumination, visible step edges and reachable switches reduce uncertainty. Avoid glare that can make a shiny floor harder to read. (HealthHub fall-prevention tips)
HealthHub recommends regular aerobic activity plus strength, balance and flexibility work. Choose an appropriate programme with clinical advice after a fall, dizziness or major mobility change.
Example: Score each hazard from one to three for likelihood and consequence. A slippery bathroom used several times daily scores ahead of a rarely used storeroom, so the first budget goes to bathroom fixes.
Check medicines and health
Vision, blood pressure, foot problems and medicine effects can contribute. Bring an updated medication list to the review and describe when dizziness occurs.
For each hazard, record owner, cost, due date and completion evidence. Prioritise high-frequency routes and severe consequences instead of cosmetic changes.
- Record any recent fall
- Walk night routes
- Audit bathroom transfers
- Improve light and contrast
- Secure mats and cables
- Review footwear, vision and medicines
- Assign and verify fixes
