Age Up Age Well
Connecting Information to Your Daily Life
Safety Awareness Starts at Home
During my time working in a rehabilitation department, I gained a much deeper understanding of the safety hazards that exist right inside our homes. Countless individuals came through our programs after experiencing falls while simply going about their daily lives.
That experience changed the way I look at home safety. When I visit my aging parents, I’m far more observant than I once was—and over time, I’ve made several changes in my own home to better support safety and overall well-being.
Most of us want to remain in our homes as long as possible without compromising safety. I know I do. Whether you live in an apartment, condo, house, or even an RV, home is where we feel comforted and grounded.
There are, of course, other living options. Senior communities continue to expand, assisted living is more accessible than ever, and multi-generational households are increasingly common. According to a Pew Research Center analysis of census data, 59.7 million U.S. residents lived in multi-generational homes as of March 2021. These arrangements often foster shared responsibility, care, and connection across generations and stages of life.
A Closer Look
I grew up in a home built in the 1930s—no bedrooms or bathrooms on the main level, and stairs everywhere. When my dad’s cardiovascular disease made navigating stairs increasingly difficult, my parents transitioned to a single-story condo.
Dad adjusted fairly easily, but my mom deeply missed her home. She tried to fit a house full of belongings into a much smaller space, which created a new set of challenges. More items in less space meant increased fall risk—and unfortunately, falls did occur.
When my brother joked, “They don’t call 911…they call T-I-M,” we began to wonder how many falls had happened that we didn’t even know about.
Aging can also bring challenges with tasks like climbing in and out of the tub or shower. Major home renovations—such as installing a walk-in shower or relocating laundry to the first floor—aren’t always possible. While taking safety precautions supports independence, it can also come with financial considerations.
When I was still working in rehab, more than half of my caseload in a single week had experienced falls at home or in the community. People fell off ladders, became tangled in garden hoses, tumbled down stairs, or tripped in parking lots.
Why Falls Happen
- Alcohol consumption
- Generalized weakness following illness or injury
- Low blood pressure or low blood sugar
- Medication side effects such as dizziness or lightheadedness
- Neurological conditions (Parkinson’s disease, MS, etc.)
- Pain or loss of sensation in the feet
- Vertigo
- Vision loss
Print and Post Page
Print & Post: Minimize Fall Risk
- Look up — ensure adequate lighting throughout.
- Look down — check for uneven flooring, rugs, cords, and obstacles.
- Look around — remove backpacks, shoes, towels, boxes, etc.
- Look out — watch for pets, water, dishwasher or oven doors left open.
- Look sharp — check footwear fit, tied laces; avoid clothing that affects balance.
- Look at what you’re carrying — avoid too much in a single trip.
- Look at the weather — rain, snow, ice increase risk; walk slowly and with assistance.
- Look into assistive devices like canes or walkers for added stability.
- Look ahead — plan and make gradual changes like grab bars, ramps, raised toilet seats.
Cognitive Connection
The falls that trouble me most are the ones that go unnoticed — sometimes for hours or even days. I’ve worked with patients who fell out of bed, down stairs, or in their garages, with no one aware of what had happened.
Alert devices can save lives, yet many people own them and don’t wear them. Often, the concern is embarrassment — “What will the neighbors think?”
For safety’s sake, please talk with someone you trust about alert options. There are watches that detect falls, voice-activated devices, and systems that allow regular check-ins by phone or in person. Asking for help is not weakness — it’s wisdom.
Excerpt from Age Up Age Well
Today I will be mindful of my emotional, mental, and physical health. I am made stronger through the things I do. I will not hesitate to ask for help — asking for help is a sign of strength and courage…
“To keep the body in good health is a duty… otherwise, we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.” — Buddha