• Talk with your health care provider about a plan for an exercise program. Regular exercise helps maintain strength and flexibility and can help slow bone loss.
• Have regular hearing and vision testing. Always wear glasses and hearing aids, if prescribed. Even small changes in sight and hearing can affect stability.
• Wear low-heeled, rubber-soled shoes. Avoid wearing only socks or shoes with smooth soles.
• Have handrails on both sides of stairs and make use of them when using the stairs. Try not to carry things when using the steps. When necessary, hold item in one hand and use the handrail with the other hand.
• Install safety gates at the bottom and top of staircases to keep children from tumbling down.
• Avoid using chairs and tables as ladders to reach items that are too high to reach.
• Keep electrical and telephone cords against the wall and out of walkways.
• Consider rails next to the toilet and in the shower or tub and raised toilet seats.
• Know the possible side effects of medications used. Some can affect coordination and balance.
• Use a cane, walking stick, or walker to help improve stability.
• Keep home temperature at a moderate level. Temperatures too hot or too cold can contribute to dizziness.
• Stand up slowly after eating, lying down, or resting. Standing too quickly can cause fainting or dizziness.
• Make sure there is good lighting, particularly at the stairs.
• Use a night light.
• Remove clutter from walkways inside and outside the house.
• Carpets should be fixed firmly to the floor to prevent slipping. Use no-slip strips on uncarpeted surfaces.
• Use nonskid mats, strips, or carpet on surfaces that get wet.
• Use rubber mats in the shower to prevent slips and falls from wet surfaces.
• Check all medications, including prescriptions, and over-the-counter drugs, herbs, and vitamins, with your health care provider and/or pharmacist to find out if any put you at risk for falling.

Source: Adapted from American Geriatrics Society (AGS)Health in Aging Foundation. (2019). Tips for preventing serious falls. AGS Geriatrics Healthcare Professionals. https://www.healthinaging.org/tools-and-tips/tips-preventing-serious-falls; American Geriatrics Society (AGS)Health in Aging Foundation. (n.d.). Aging & health A-Z. Falls prevention. AGS Geriatrics Healthcare Professionals. Retrieved June 15, 2020, from https://www.healthinaging.org/a-z-topic/falls-prevention; National Home Security Alliance. (2018). Safety at home: 10 common safety hazards around the house. https://staysafe.org/safety-at-home-10-common-safety-hazards-around-the-house/; and National Institute on Aging. (2017). Health information. Prevent falls and fractures. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/prevent-falls-and-fractures; National Institute on Aging. (n.d.). Fall-proofing your home. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/fall-proofing-your-home