Why this matters

Falls can change a life in seconds. For families, carers, and nursing homes, the goal is simple: reduce risk and maintain independence. Most improvements are low-cost, common-sense changes you can do today.

1) Quick Home/Care-Room Safety Audit (15–30 minutes)

Do this walk-through with a notepad:

Entrances & hallways

• Clear clutter, bags, and deliveries from walkways.
• Fix or remove loose mats; add non-slip backing if keeping them.
• Fit night lights or motion lights for corridors.

Living areas

• Create a straight, wide “walking lane”.
• Anchor cables behind furniture or along skirting.
• Choose chairs with arms and a firm seat height (easier to stand).

Bedroom

• Bed height: hips level when sitting, feet flat.
• Stable bedside table within easy reach; avoid over-reaching.
• Consider a bed rail or grab rail for turning and transfers.

Bathroom

• Non-slip mat inside and outside the bath/shower.
• Grab rails where hands naturally go (by toilet, shower entry, near basin).
• Shower chair or bath board if standing is unsteady.

Internal link ideas:
– Link “grab rails” to your Bathroom Aids category.
– Link “bed rail” to Bedroom Aids.
– Link “shower chair” to the product/category.

2) Mobility Aids That Actually Get Used

The “best” aid is the one the person uses daily. Focus on comfort, fit, and confidence.

Walking sticks

• Choose the correct height (handle at wrist crease when standing tall).
• Consider ergonomic handles if there’s wrist pain.

Rollators (4-wheel walkers)

• Look for easy-to-use brakes, stable seat, and storage bag.
• Test turning in tight spaces (kitchen, hallway).
• Adjust handle height so shoulders stay relaxed.

Frames/walkers

• Wheeled front legs for smoother indoor movement; rubber ferrules for stability.
• Mark the frame with a name/room number in care settings.

Transfers

• Toilet frames, raised seats, and transfer boards reduce strain.
• Place aids exactly where the person instinctively reaches—don’t fight habits.

3) Routine Matters: Tiny Habits That Prevent Big Problems

Footwear

• Closed heel, non-slip sole, secure fastening.
• Avoid floppy slippers and “just socks”.

Hydration & nutrition

• Dehydration and missed meals increase dizziness.
• Keep water within reach; set gentle reminders.

Medication timing

• Some medicines can cause drowsiness or light-headedness.
• Carers/nurses: note patterns (e.g., riskier mornings) and plan walks accordingly.

Stand-sit technique

• Hands on chair arms (not pulling on a stick or rollator).
• Count “1-2-3” to stand slowly; pause before stepping off.

4) Care-Home Layer: Make Prevention a Team Habit

Five-minute floor check (each shift)

• Pick one area (lounge, corridor, dining).
• Remove trip hazards; check lighting; ensure aids are nearby and labelled.

Named responsibility

• Assign a “falls champion” per shift to keep an eye on common risks.
• Keep a simple log: issue → fix → date.

Personalised risk notes

• Note preferred side for transfers, usual footwear, most used aid.
• Brief new staff/agency workers with a one-page summary per resident.

Incident learning, not blame

• If a stumble happens, capture the context (footwear, time since meds, room layout).
• Adjust the plan: change layout, add a rail, remind about hydration.

5) Bathroom Focus: High-Return Improvements

• Grab rails: place where hands actually go (trial with the person).
• Shower chair/bench: stability while washing; consider backrest and armrests.
• Non-slip flooring/mats: both inside shower and on exit point.
• Toilet frame/raised seat: reduces effort and wobble when sitting/standing.

Tip: use contrasting colours (e.g., white rail on coloured wall) to help low vision.

6) Vision, Hearing, and Confidence

Vision

• Clean glasses; check lighting and glare; high-contrast tape on stair edges.

Hearing

• Working hearing aids reduce startle and mis-steps; store spares and batteries together.

Confidence

• Practice “safe laps” at low-risk times with a carer.
• Celebrate small wins to rebuild independence.

7) Simple “Before Bed” Routine (2 minutes)

• Clear the path to the bathroom.
• Place stick/rollator within reach on the strong side.
• Night-light on; water and phone nearby.
• Slippers by the bed (closed heel).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Stick or rollator—which is safer?
A: Whichever the person uses confidently. If balance varies through the day, a rollator with a seat is often the safer all-rounder.

Q: Where should grab rails go?
A: Where the hand naturally reaches during the movement (e.g., turning to sit, stepping into shower). Trial the movement first, then mark and fit.

Q: Do we need special shoes?
A: Look for secure fastening, closed heel, non-slip sole, and a firm heel counter. Avoid backless slippers.

Q: How do we start in a care home without big spend?
A: Do a five-minute check per shift, standardise footwear guidance, ensure labelled aids are to hand, and add rails where people actually reach.

Putting It All Together

Small, consistent changes beat big promises. Start with a quick audit, set up the right aids in the right places, and build habits around footwear, hydration, and lighting. For care homes, a simple team routine prevents most avoidable risks.

DLAcare supplies practical mobility and safety equipment for homes and care settings across the UK, with immediate dispatch.