Lowering Your Senior Parent’s Risk Of Falling At Home

By Jessica Ott | January 9, 2026 |

Falls are the biggest concern that family members have when a senior parent is living on their own. And falls are a serious risk for seniors. Every year, hundreds of thousands of seniors fall at home and end up with serious injuries. Sometimes, a fall can affect your parents’ mobility for the rest of their lives. The best way to lower the risk of your senior parent falling at home is to get senior home care services.

Senior Home Care Gettysburg, PA – Lowering Your Senior Parent’s Risk Of Falling At Home

Seniors are more prone to falls for several reasons. Medications can make them dizzy, especially if they are taking several different medications every day. Fatigue, dehydration, hunger, and other issues can all increase the chances that your parent will get dizzy, trip, or drop something that makes them fall.

With senior home care, your parent won’t be alone at home. They will have a care provider with them to help them move around the house, cook dinner, do the shopping and errands, and make sure your parent is taking their medication on time.

How To Lower The Risk Of Falls

Senior home care isn’t the only thing you can do to help your parent avoid falls at home.

You can also help lower your parents’ risk of falls at home by doing things like:

Keep walkways and the driveway clear

Outdoor and indoor walkways should always be free of clutter. Inside the home, remove loose items like shoes, cords, and small furniture from walking paths. Outside, keep the driveway and walkways clear of leaves, snow, ice, and debris. Make sure paths are wide enough to walk through easily. Clear walkways help prevent trips and give your parent a safer way to move in and out of the home. Make sure that your parent always has a clear exit in case they need to get out of the home during an emergency.

Make sure the flooring is even and secure

Uneven flooring is a common cause of falls. Check for loose rugs, curled carpet edges, or cracked flooring. Secure rugs with non-slip backing or remove them completely. Repair uneven thresholds between rooms if possible. Floors should be flat and stable throughout the house so your parent does not have to watch every step.

Install motion-sensor lighting

Poor lighting makes it harder to see hazards, especially at night. Motion-sensor lights turn on automatically when someone enters a room or hallway. These lights are very helpful on the way to the bathroom, kitchen, or front door. Motion lighting reduces the risk of tripping and removes the need to search for a light switch in the dark.

Add extra lighting in key areas

Some areas need more light than others. Stair landings, hallways, entryways, and bathrooms should be well-lit at all times. Add night lights or brighter bulbs in these spaces. Make sure light switches are easy to reach. Good lighting helps your parent see steps, edges, and obstacles more clearly.

Improve bathroom safety

Bathrooms are a high-risk area for falls. Install grab bars near the toilet and inside the shower or tub. Use non-slip mats on the floor and in the shower. Make sure towels and toiletries are easy to reach so your parent does not have to stretch or bend in unsafe ways. Small changes in the bathroom can greatly lower fall risk.

Keep frequently used items within reach

Reaching or bending can throw off balance. Place commonly used items like dishes, clothing, and toiletries at waist or shoulder height. Avoid high shelves or low drawers for everyday items. When everything is easy to reach, your parent is less likely to use stools or awkward movements that could lead to a fall.

**If you or an aging loved one is considering Senior Home Care Services in Gettysburg, PA, please get in touch with us. Our friendly staff can answer all of your questions.**

**In-Home Senior Care in Adams and York Counties, PA. Call Today: (717) 698-8258.**

Author
Recent Posts

Jessica Ott

Owner at A Helping Hand Home Care Services, LLC

Jessica Ott is the Owner at A Helping Hand Home Care Services, LLC.

A Helping Hand Home Care Services, LLC is dedicated to providing our clients with a better quality of life through our support services while maintaining their independence in the comfort of their own home.

As a Home Care Agency licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, we can provide families with peace of mind, knowing their loved one is in good hands.

We will work with you to prepare a care plan that incorporates your needs, your wishes, and your preferred schedule. Each client is matched with a caregiver who can best meet their individual needs, whether they reside in a house, apartment, condominium, assisted living, or nursing community.