Your home should be a place of comfort and security. However, fall hazards can be hiding in plain sight—especially for older adults. Something as simple as a loose rug or a dimly lit hallway can quickly turn into a serious safety issue.
Falls are one of the most common causes of injury among seniors, with thousands of hospital admissions each year caused by trips, slips, and stumbles at home. The good news? Most of these accidents are preventable with just a few small changes.
At Acorn Stairlifts, we believe in empowering people to live safely and independently in the home they love. That starts with awareness. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common fall hazards hiding in your home right now.
10 Hidden Fall Hazards in Your Home—and How to Prevent Them
1. Loose Rugs and Carpets
Unsecured rugs are one of the most common tripping hazards. Even a small rug can slide underfoot and cause a fall. Use non-slip backing or double-sided rug tape to keep rugs firmly in place, or consider removing them altogether for a safer surface.
2. Cluttered Walkways
Stacks of magazines, shoes, cables, and other everyday items can quickly clutter up high-traffic areas. Keep hallways, staircases, and entryways clear to ensure a safe home environment.
3. Poor Lighting
Insufficient lighting makes it difficult to spot hazards, especially at night. Install brighter bulbs, motion-activated night lights, and consider adding lights along staircases and in hallways to improve visibility and prevent missteps.
4. Slippery Bathroom Floors
The bathroom is one of the most dangerous rooms in the house when it comes to falls. Wet tiles can be incredibly slick. Add non-slip mats inside and outside the tub or shower and consider installing grab rails for extra support.
5. Stairs Without Handrails
Navigating stairs without support significantly increases the risk of falling. Ensure all staircases—both inside and outside—Have secure handrails on both sides. If stairs are becoming difficult to manage, a stairlift from Acorn Stairlifts can provide a safe, comfortable alternative.
6. Worn or Uneven Steps
Crumbling or uneven stair edges can cause missteps. Repair or replace damaged stairs, and consider adding anti-slip stair treads or visual contrast to make each step easier to see and navigate.
7. Pets Underfoot
Our furry friends can unintentionally become fall hazards. Pets that move suddenly or lie in walkways can catch you off guard. Keep an eye on where they like to sleep or play, and consider using pet gates to create clear walking paths.
8. Unstable Furniture
Furniture that wobbles or tips easily can be dangerous when used for balance. Avoid using chairs, stools, or tables as makeshift supports. Anchor unstable pieces or replace them with sturdy, supportive alternatives.
9. Improper Footwear
Wearing socks on slick floors or slippers without grip can increase fall risk. Choose non-slip footwear that fits well and provides adequate support to improve balance and stability at home.
10. Reaching for Hard-to-Access Items
Stretching or climbing to reach items stored too high can throw off your balance. Rearrange frequently used items to waist or shoulder height and use a reacher tool or ask for help instead of using stools or ladders.
Protecting Your Safety with Acorn Stairlifts
At Acorn Stairlifts, we believe in creating safer homes and helping people age in place with confidence. If stairs are becoming a challenge, a stairlift could be the perfect solution to help you maintain your independence and avoid preventable falls.
Contact Acorn Stairlifts today for a free, no-obligation quote and learn how we can help make your home safer—one step at a time.