Keeping Seniors Safe: 7 Essential Home Modifications to Prevent Falls
Comfort Keepers
For more information about the author, click to view their website: Comfort Keepers
May 15, 2025
Colorado - Western Slope
In Delta, Montrose, and the surrounding Colorado area, many older
adults are choosing to age in place—right in the comfort of their own homes.
But with that decision comes an important responsibility: making sure their
homes are as safe as possible. Falls are one of the leading causes of injury among
seniors, and even a minor fall can have lasting consequences.
1 in 4 adults age 65 and older falls each year in the United States.
At Comfort Keepers of Delta and Montrose, CO,
we’re committed to helping families create safe, supportive environments for
their aging loved ones. In fact, we are a leading provider of in-home senior care services within the
community and have helped many seniors navigate aging-in-place. Whether you're
caring for a parent, spouse, or other senior loved one, these seven simple tips can go a long way toward preventing
falls and giving everyone peace of mind.
Clear
the Clutter and Remove Tripping Hazards
Sometimes the biggest risks are the simplest to fix. Everyday items
like area rugs, cords, or even a pet toy in the hallway can cause a serious
fall. These hazards often go unnoticed because they're part of the daily
routine—but for seniors, one misstep can lead to injury. Taking time to clear
these obstacles can make a huge difference in their ability to safely age-in-place.
Things to look for:
●
Loose rugs that could slip or
bunch up
●
Electrical cords stretched across
walkways
●
Narrow or cluttered hallways and
furniture arrangements
●
Pet bowls or small items left on
the floor
●
Frequently used items stored out
of reach, leading to dangerous reaching or climbing
●
Slippery socks or shoes without
proper tread
Doing a room-by-room walk-through can be a great first step toward fall
prevention.
Make
the Bathroom Safer for Seniors
Bathrooms are one of the most common places for senior
falls, especially with water and smooth surfaces involved. A few
smart additions can make a big difference. Installing grab bars, using non-slip
mats, and adding a shower chair can greatly improve safety and reduce the risk
of slipping. Since so many daily routines happen in the bathroom, making it
safer is one of the most impactful steps you can take.
A few bathroom changes that can make the bathroom safer for seniors,
include:
●
Grab bars near the toilet and in
the shower or tub
●
A shower chair or bench for
stability during bathing
●
Handheld showerheads for easier,
safer bathing
●
Non-slip mats or adhesive strips
on floors and in tubs
3.
Rearrange Furniture for Safer Movement
The way a home is set up matters. If furniture blocks the flow of
movement or is unstable, it increases the chance of a fall.
Suggestions for a safer layout:
●
Keep walkways open and free of
clutter
●
Choose chairs with arms and firm
cushions for easier sitting and standing
●
Avoid furniture with sharp corners
or glass surfaces
●
Adjust bed height to ensure it's
easy to get in and out of
Improve
Lighting Throughout the House
As we age, it becomes harder to see clearly in dim or uneven lighting.
Making sure the home is well-lit, especially in the evening, can help prevent
missteps. Hallways, stairs, and bathrooms should be equipped with bright,
accessible lighting to guide the way. Simple upgrades like night lights or
motion-sensor bulbs can go a long way in helping seniors feel more confident
moving around—especially when they wake up during the night.
Tips for better visibility:
●
Swap out dim bulbs for brighter,
more energy-efficient ones
●
Install night lights in bedrooms,
bathrooms, and hallways
●
Add motion-sensor lights for
nighttime trips to the bathroom
●
Make sure light switches are easy
to access, particularly near entryways and bedsides
At Comfort Keepers in Delta, CO, our professional in-home caregivers
can help change light bulbs and do other light housekeeping tasks around a
senior's home.
Use
Non-Slip Flooring Solutions
Some types of flooring, especially tile, hardwood, or linoleum, can be
slippery underfoot. Tackling flooring issues can help seniors feel more
confident as they move around. Adding non-slip mats, securing loose rugs, or
applying anti-slip coatings are simple changes that make a big impact. Even
small upgrades can reduce the chance of slips and create a steadier, safer
surface for daily movement.
Simple fixes include:
●
Applying non-slip coatings to hard
surfaces
●
Using non-slip mats in places like
the kitchen and bathroom
●
Removing or securing throw rugs to
prevent bunching or curling edges
●
Avoiding thick or uneven rugs that
could catch a foot or mobility aid
Make
Stairways Safer for Senior Navigating the Home
If the home has stairs, it’s important to give them extra attention.
One missed step can quickly lead to injury. Adding sturdy handrails on both
sides, improving lighting, and using non-slip treads can make stairs much
safer. For those with limited mobility, it may also be worth exploring options
like ramps or stair lifts to reduce the risk of falls altogether.
Helpful stair safety measures:
●
Add secure handrails on both sides
of the stairs
●
Install bright lighting along
staircases
●
Use contrast tape or tread strips
to highlight steps
●
Consider adding a stair lift if
stairs are frequently used and mobility is limited
●
For small thresholds or steps,
ramps may be a better solution
Create
a Safer, More Accessible Kitchen
The kitchen is a high-traffic area with a lot of activity, and plenty
of opportunities for slips or strains.
A few small updates can help:
●
Store everyday items within easy
reach to avoid bending or climbing
●
Use pull-out drawers and
turntables in cabinets
● Set up a seated workspace for preparing meals
● Add non-slip mats in front of the sink and stove
These changes help reduce risks while allowing seniors to stay active,
independent, and confident in their own homes. For more helpful advice, check
out these additional kitchen safety tips for seniors on the Comfort
Keepers corporate blog.
Taking
the First Step Toward Fall Prevention for Seniors in Delta, Montrose, and the
Surrounding CO Communities
If you're caring for an
aging loved one in Delta or the surrounding area, remember that you don’t have
to make all these changes at once. Start by addressing the most noticeable
safety concerns, then gradually add improvements over time. Including your loved
one in the process not only helps them feel more comfortable with the changes
but also empowers them to take an active role in their own safety. If you have
immediate concerns, it may be time to explore senior care services as an option to help.
Comfort
Keepers of Delta Is Here to Help
At Comfort Keepers, we specialize in more than just in-home care, we’re
focused on helping seniors live confidently and joyfully in their own homes.
Our caregivers are trained to spot fall risks, support mobility, and provide
companionship and assistance with daily tasks that can become more difficult
with age.
If you’re ready to explore how Comfort Keepers of Delta and Montrose, CO can support your loved one through compassionate in-home senior care, we’re just a phone call away.
Call Comfort Keepers of Delta today at 970-241-8818 or visit https://www.comfortkeepers.com/offices/colorado/delta-montrose/contact/contact-us/to schedule your free in-home consultation
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