Home Safety and Falls Prevention Checklist

Many falls happen at home, and many can be prevented with a few simple changes. Use this room-by-room checklist to spot risks and find practical fixes for you or someone you care for.

Throughout the home

• Keep walkways clear of clutter, cords and loose rugs.
• Make sure every room, hallway and staircase is well lit, with switches you can reach easily.
• Use night lights between the bedroom and bathroom.
• Fix uneven flooring and mark or ramp small steps. See threshold ramps.
• Wear well-fitting shoes, or grip socks indoors.

Bathroom

• Install grab rails beside the toilet and in the shower.
• Use a shower chair or shower stool if standing is tiring.
• Use an over toilet aid or raised toilet seat if getting up is hard.
• Replace a hob with a shower ramp, or consider a level-access shower.
• Use non-slip mats and wipe up spills straight away.

Bedroom

• Check the bed is the right height to sit and stand easily.
• Use a bed rail or bed pole to help you get in and out of bed.
• Keep a lamp, phone and glasses within reach of the bed.
• Consider a bedside safety mat.

Living areas

• Choose a chair with arms, at a good height. A lift chair can help if standing up is hard.
• Use a reacher so you don’t need to bend or climb.

Kitchen

• Store everyday items between waist and shoulder height.
• Use a trolley walker to carry things safely.

Outside

• Check steps, paths and handrails are in good repair.
• Consider a ramp or rails at entrances.

If a fall happens

A personal alarm or falls monitor can get help quickly, especially for people who live alone or are at high risk. See our fall prevention range, including FallAlert systems.

Get professional advice

An occupational therapist can do a home assessment and recommend equipment and modifications. NovitaTech is an NDIS registered provider of home modifications, and we can help with aged care funding too. Read about home modifications for older people.

Falls prevention FAQs

What is the most common place to fall at home?

Bathrooms, bedrooms and stairs are common places for falls, especially at night. Good lighting, grab rails and clear walkways help reduce the risk.

Do I need a therapist to install grab rails?

You don’t always need a therapist, but grab rails must be installed securely into the right wall structure. An occupational therapist can recommend where they should go, and our home modifications team can install them.

Can I get funding for home safety equipment?

Home safety equipment and modifications may be funded through Support at Home, the NDIS or other programs. See our Support at Home guide and NDIS home modifications guide.