5 home hazards that cause falls

Most falls at home happen in a handful of predictable places. Here are the five we flag most often on a first assessment, and the simple fix for each.

**1. Loose rugs and mats.** A curled edge is enough to catch a toe. Remove the rug, or fix it down with double-sided carpet tape.

**2. Dim lighting on the route to the bathroom.** Most night-time falls happen on this walk. Plug-in motion nightlights in the hall and bathroom cost very little and remove the guesswork.

**3. Low, soft seating.** A deep sofa that is hard to rise from teaches the body to avoid standing. Add a firm cushion, or use a chair with arms for daily sitting.

**4. Clutter on the stairs.** Anything stored on a step becomes an obstacle in the dark. Keep the whole tread clear and make sure the handrail runs the full length.

**5. Reaching for high shelves.** Step stools and tiptoes cause serious falls. Move everyday items to waist height and keep a reacher nearby.

We walk through all five during the free assessment visit, then build the balance and strength work that makes each of them less risky.