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15 Products for Elderly Fall Prevention
Written by OurParents Staff
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12 minute readLast updated February 9, 2024
Falls are a common issue for seniors and can lead to serious injuries. Though falls can’t be completely prevented, you can make easy home modifications to lower the risk for your aging parent. Simple changes like placing non-slip mats in the bathroom, using a grabber for high shelves, or having a virtual assistant like Amazon’s Echo to manage lights can help. More extensive modifications like adding a stair lift or installing grab bars can further ensure safety around the home and help prevent falls for your aging loved ones.
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Home safety products for elderly fall prevention
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one out of four Americans over the age of 65 falls each year. Falls can lead to serious injuries and health issues, and these falls are also the leading cause of fatal injuries in seniors.[01] Falls and related injuries are much more preventable if you take the time to install safety features in your loved one’s home that are specifically made for elder fall prevention. Making these simple changes can be a big differentiator in how likely they are to slip or fall. The following products can help eliminate risk factors for falls in the elderly. All of these products provide a safe way to turn on the lights without the risk of a fall. A less high-tech option with the same result is to place lamps strategically around the house in any spots where your loved one may settle that aren’t within reach of a light switch (especially by the bed).
1. Grab bars
Grab bars can play a big role in helping prevent falls, especially in places like the bathroom, where the floors can get slippery. They are also useful in any place where your loved one may have trouble getting up and down, like next to the bed.2. Better lighting
Improving the amount of lighting in your loved one’s home is a small but crucial update you can make to enhance their quality of life. Place puck lights or motion lights along stairwells, along the floor, and next to doorways. If there’s any room that doesn’t have great lighting now, add to what’s there. As your parent’s eyesight starts to get weaker or they experience vision loss, lighting around the house plays an even bigger role in elder fall prevention.3. Non-slip mats and tape
One of the greatest risk factors for falls in the elderly is a slippery surface. In any room where the floor may get slippery, add low-profile non-slip mats. If your loved one wants to keep their existing area rugs, consider securing them with non-slip tape to reduce the risk of falls. This is an affordable and simple option that can help fall-proof your aging parent’s home.4. Shower chair
Showers are one of the biggest risks when it comes to senior falls. A shower chair makes it easier for your loved one to clean themselves without worrying about slipping or getting injured. Shower chairs also make it easier for your aging parent to get in and out of the shower safely.5. Transfer bench
A transfer bench is another option for getting in and out of the shower easily. Transfer benches can double as shower chairs, but they are specifically designed so your loved one can skip having to step over the edge of the bathtub and can instead scoot over to the other side. They eliminate one of the trickiest moves seniors regularly have to make that increases the risk of a fall.6. Raised toilet seat with bars
Toilets are another big risk factor once getting up and down becomes difficult for your aging loved one. A raised toilet seat is easier to sit on and rise up from, and handrails provide something sturdy to hold onto to further prevent falls.7. The Clapper, a remote control, or Amazon Echo for lighting
Not having to stumble in the dark to find a light switch provides another layer of fall protection for the elderly. The Clapper lets your loved one turn on the light with a simple clap. Alternatively, a light that comes with a remote control can let them illuminate a room without having to get up or fumble for a switch. When paired with smart light bulbs or smart outlets, the Amazon Echo can be programmed to turn on the lights with voice prompts.8. Reachers and grabbers
A kitchen-related risk factor for falls in the elderly is trying to reach things high up in a cabinet. If no one’s around, your parent may try to reach the item on their own rather than wait for someone else to help. Having a simple grabbing tool can be especially useful. These devices make it easy to reach higher or further than a person can safely do on their own.9. Bedrail
Bed rails are great assistive devices to prevent falls. Bed rails can help restless sleepers avoid falling out of bed at night and can help your senior loved one get out of bed easily and safely. Depending on whether you’re concerned about falls during the night, falls from getting on and off the bed, or both, you can find different models of bed rails designed to be useful in each scenario.10. Stairlift
A stairlift is crucial for older adults who live in multilevel homes and need to get up and down the stairs on a regular basis. If it’s possible to move their belongings to a room on the ground floor, that may be preferable. If not, a stairlift makes the trip up and down safe.11. Cane
One of the simplest but most reliable items on the list, a cane is a staple product if your aging parent is unsteady on their feet. Canes make walking easier, meaning your loved one can stay balanced as they walk with just a little extra assistance.12. Walker
Walkers take it one step further than a cane for those who have more difficulty getting around. They may not always be convenient, but using a walker is far better than the alternative if it can save your loved one from falling and getting injured.
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Post-fall mitigation products
All of the items above are useful for senior fall prevention. However, even if you implement all of them, you may not be able to ward off the possibility of a fall completely. To be safe, consider the following items that can help your loved one summon help after falling and reduce the severity of the impact. Remember, you may not be able to rid your loved one’s world of all risks, but you can certainly take steps to help prevent falls. With proper prevention and mitigation devices that fit your parent’s needs, you can rest easier knowing they’re playing it safe.
1. Sensor alarms
If your loved one falls off the bed or out of a wheelchair, you want someone to know right away so they can make sure there are no serious injuries. Both chair alarms and bed exit alarms will sense if your loved one falls and can alert others to ensure they receive immediate help.2. Fall mats
Fall mats will soften the landing for any fall that occurs, making it much less likely that your parent will break a bone or sustain other serious injuries. You can put them in any spots that may be a cause for concern, like next to the bed or on any floor surfaces around the house that are especially hard.3. Medical alert system
Finally, medical alert systems are designed to ensure your loved one gets help fast when there’s a problem. Many of these devices come with a wearable pendant so older adults always have access to assistance. Some devices even automatically detect falls and alert family members and/or an emergency response center. This feature is crucial in situations where your loved one can’t push their emergency button or reach a phone to call for help.
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References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Falls data.
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