Fall prevention at home—lighting, rugs, and honest shoes
Most falls are multicausal. Small home fixes plus strength training reduce risk together—not alone.
Lighting
Add motion night lights on the path from bed to bathroom. Turn on a hall light before TV dimming tricks your eyes. Keep a flashlight by the bed if storms knock power out.
Tripping hazards
Secure loose rugs with nonslip backing or remove them. Coil cords behind furniture. Pet bowls belong at the edge of kitchens, not mid-walkway.
Footwear
Backless slippers are fashionable and risky. Choose closed-heel house shoes with thin rigid soles for proprioception. If your feet swell, buy afternoon fitting sizes with your clinician’s advice.
Strength matters
Pair this guide with our movement article—sit-to-stand practice pays off on curbs and buses.
Reviewed by A. Nguyen, MD · February 2026