Preventing falls at home

Sahelisaheli.ca · hello@saheli.ca

Why this matters

Falls are one of the most common causes of injury for people living at home. Most happen in the rooms people use every day, and most can be prevented.

A safer home is not about giving anything up. It is about staying independent and confident in the place you already live.

Quick safety check

Ask yourself:

Is every room well lit, including at night?
Are the walkways clear from end to end?
Do all rugs and mats stay put when you step on them?
Are everyday things easy to reach without stretching or bending?
Is there anything on the floor that could catch a foot?

Room by room

Entryway
Keep the step and threshold clear. Add a non-slip mat and check the outside light works.
Living room
Clear the route to the door. Secure loose rugs and run cords behind the furniture.
Bedroom
Keep the floor between the bed and the door empty. Put a lamp within arm's reach.
Bathroom
Put non-slip mats inside and outside the bath. Fit a grab bar where the hand goes.
Kitchen
Move everyday things to waist height. Wipe up spills straight away.

What you can do today

1
Clear the walkways
Take up anything on the floor that could catch a foot: cords, boxes, shoes, laundry.
2
Turn the lights up
Replace dim and dead bulbs. Add a night light between the bed and the bathroom.
3
Sort out the rugs
Take up loose rugs, or hold them down with non-slip backing.
4
Bring things down
Move everyday items to waist height so nobody has to stretch or climb.

Where a companion helps

Some of this is easier with someone alongside. A Saheli companion can help with:

Decluttering and light housekeeping
Changing light bulbs
Securing or taking up loose rugs
Grocery shopping and errands
Accompaniment to appointments and outings
Technology help, such as setting up a phone by the bed
Companionship and regular visits

A companion goes with you; they never drive you and never provide the vehicle. You arrange the ride, or you travel together by transit, taxi or rideshare.

Find a companion

Companions are not an assessment team

Saheli companions give non-medical everyday support and companionship. They do not assess a home, install anything, or advise on health.

In an emergency

Call 911.

For anything medical

Speak to a doctor or pharmacist about dizziness, balance, eyesight, memory or medication. Some difficulties at home have a medical cause, and no change to the house will fix those.

Using this guide

If you are a family: Print it, walk the home with it, and do what you can today. Come back to it every six months.
If you are a companion: Share this with a family, or use it as a reminder of what to notice on a visit. It is not an assessment, and none of it is yours to carry out.

Next in this series

A new guide every week, free to read and print.

Need a hand at home?

Saheli helps you find a companion nearby for the everyday things, matched on language and the traditions that already feel like home.

Find a companion

Reviewed 1 September 2026 by the Saheli team.

This guide gives general information only. It is not medical, legal, or professional advice, and it does not replace an assessment by a qualified professional. In an emergency, call 911.

Preventing falls at home

Why this matters

Quick safety check

Room by room

Entryway

Living room

Bedroom

Bathroom

Kitchen

What you can do today

Clear the walkways

Turn the lights up

Sort out the rugs

Bring things down