Fall-proof every room

Live well guide

Fall-proof every room

Falls affect us all whether we experience them ourselves or know someone we love or care about who has fallen. In fact, every second of every day an older adult falls.* Here are some ideas for reducing your risk of losing your balance in different areas of your home. 

A woman smiling and holding a cane.

 

1. Living room

  • Lay down nonslip rugs: Make sure rugs are secure or nonslip. You can also use heavy double-stick tape so they don’t slide.
  • Use supportive furniture: Chairs with sturdy armrests can help you stand. Pick chairs and sofas that aren’t too low or too high.

2. Bedroom

  • Clear the floors: Remove clutter and keep pathways open. Things like electrical cords, piles of magazines or clothes can easily cause a fall.
  • Use bright lighting: Use night-lights to make walking around easier. This is especially important if you get up during the night.

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3. Bathroom

  • Install grab bars: Place them near the toilet and inside the shower. They provide support if you start to slip in the bathroom.
  • Keep items in reach: Place soaps and shampoos at easy-to-reach levels.
  • Try a raised toilet seat: A higher toilet seat next to grab bars can make it easier to sit and stand.
  • Use nonslip mats: Put nonskid mats in the shower and on the bathroom floor.

Move your body to stay on your feet

Exercise and physical activity can help you improve your balance, which can help prevent falls and other injuries. That’s why your plan offers a fitness benefit with a SilverSneakers® basic membership at no added cost. It includes access to in-person and 24/7 online fitness classes that may focus on balance, flexibility and strength. To start, visit SilverSneakers.com.

4. Kitchen

  • Organize your cabinets: Keep everyday items on lower shelves. This way, you don’t have to reach too high.
  • Use a sturdy step stool: Use a stable step stool with a handle if you need to reach high shelves.
  • Clean up spills: Wipe up any spills on the floor right away to prevent slips.

5. Stairs and hallways

  • Add handrails: When possible, secure handrails on both sides of stairs.
  • Mark the steps: Use bright tape on stair edges for visibility.
  • Improve lighting: Just like in the bedroom, keep stairs (at the top and bottom) and hallways well-lit. Consider adding night-lights with sensors that turn on automatically when you walk through a dark area.

How your health plan can help

Your provider can help you understand your potential fall risk during an Annual Wellness Visit (AWV). They’ll check your strength, balance and other factors that might cause an accident. They can also offer suggestions to lower the chances of taking a tumble.

 

*FOR FALL STATISTIC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Patient & caregiver resources. August 8, 2024. Accessed August 20, 2025. 

 

See Evidence of Coverage for a complete description of plan benefits, exclusions, limitations and conditions of coverage. Plan features and availability may vary by service area. SilverSneakers is a registered trademark of Tivity Health, Inc. ©2025 Tivity Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

©2025 Aetna Inc. 
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