Falls can occur at any age, yet they remain the leading cause of injury among older adults. As clinicians, we know that the majority of these events are largely preventable through proactive assessment, education, and environmental modification. Evidence shows that 1 in 3 adults over the age of 65 experience a fall each year, and nearly 50% of all fall-related hospitalizations result from incidents that occur within the home.
In your practice, effective fall prevention begins with understanding how the environment supports or challenges safe mobility, bedside and bathroom transfers, and the controlled body movements required for daily activities. Incorporating two hands of support, eliminating tripping hazards, and enhancing mobility opportunities are key to enabling clients to navigate their home environments with greater safety and confidence.
HealthCraft has reviewed the current fall prevention literature and applied those findings to create an evidence-informed Home Safety Checklist. This practical resource supports your clinical reasoning by identifying both simple, low-cost adjustments and more advanced modifications that promote ease of transfers, bathroom safety, and overall home safety.
By integrating this knowledge into your assessments, you can make individualized recommendations that enhance independent living, preserve dignity, and reduce caregiver injuries. Alternatively, you can offer this Home Safety Checklist to clients and families as they begin reviewing their own home environments. This proactive approach not only supports fall prevention, but also enables safe, independent living—helping your clients remain confident, capable, and secure in the place they call home.