USF Osteoporosis Program

Make your home safer!

Entryway Living Room #1 Living Room #2 Kitchen Bedroom #1 Bedroom #2 Office Bathroom #1 Bathroom #2 Outdoors Stairs & Hallways All Areas Prevention & Safety Tips
  • Fix every loose carpet section on the stairs securely to prevent the risk of tripping.
  • Install railings (two if possible), and mark the edge of the stairs with brightly colored tape.
  • Provide adequate lighting of stairwells and have light switches installed at the top and the bottom of stairs.
  • Do not change stairway light bulbs by yourself. Ask someone to change it for you.
  • Use nightlights to ensure that the route from the bedroom to the bathroom is well-lit.
  • Remove loose things like charger cords, clothing, and shoes from hallways, stairs, and walkways.
  • If you live alone, consider carrying a cell phone with you all the time to call for help if you fall.
  • Use walkers or canes if needed.
  • Put everything in the right places to keep your home clean.
  • Arrange with a family member or friend for daily contact. Try to have at least one person who knows where you are at all times.
  • If you need corrective lenses, be sure to use them at night and during the day to see your path clearly.
  • Wearing well-fitting shoes that support and fit properly can reduce the risk of falls. Try not to walk around in socks, stockings, or floppy, backless slippers.
  • Use safe seating. Be cautious with anything on rollers or rockers.
  • Avoid rapid moves.
  • Do not walk with hands in your pockets in order to have support in case of falling.
  • Hands should be free. Wear a shoulder bag or a backpack.
  • Use anti-tippers on wheelchairs.
  • Wear pool shoes for protection against falls when walking on slippery surfaces around water
  • Consider wearing hip protectors or hip pads for added protection in case you fall.
  • During the winter, keep your walkways and driveway clean of snow and ice.
  • In the autumn, avoid walking on wet leaves. Keep your walkways unobstructed of leaves and branches.
  • Use a seatbelt at all times.

Make the first step to make the next one safer!

The most common causes of a fall:

  • Poor vision and hearing: Get your vision and hearing checked. Certain vision and/or hearing disorders can increase the risk of falls.
  • Medications: Please consult your doctor and carefully review your medications with him. Some medications may have unwanted effects such as dizziness, sleepiness, or dehydration which can increase the risk of falls.
  • Balance: Weakness and poor balance can lead to falls. Exercise and do physical activities regularly to gain balance and strength. It is recommended that you exercise for at least 2 1/2 hours per week, and this can be split into intervals of at least 10 minutes at a time throughout the day/week.
  • Chronic conditions including disorders that cause weakness in the extremities, poor grip strength, balance disorders and cognitive impairment can increase the risk of falls.
  • Lack of house safety: Eliminate all environmental hazards to reduce risk of fall as described below.

Download the Home Saftety and Fall Prevention list

References:

Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation
The NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center
Clarke, B.M.C., Mayo Clinic guide to preventing & treating osteoporosis. 2014
Center for Disease Control and Prevention