Fall Prevention for Seniors in Omaha: How to Make a Home Safer

Falls are one of the biggest threats to safety and independence for older adults. In Nebraska, unintentional falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults, and many fall hazards can be found in the home. The good news is that fall prevention does not always require a major renovation. Removing hazards, improving lighting, making pathways easier to navigate, and adding properly installed safety equipment can make a home easier and safer to use.

Start With the Areas Used Every Day

A practical fall-prevention review should begin with the places a senior uses most: the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living areas, entryways, hallways and stairs. Nebraska Medicine and UNMC both emphasize looking at common home hazards such as lighting, flooring, furniture arrangement, bathrooms and accessibility. Keep walking paths clear of boxes, cords, clothing and other obstacles. Secure or remove loose rugs and mats that can move underfoot. Improve lighting in hallways, stairs, bedrooms and other dim areas. Arrange furniture so there is enough room to walk safely, including with a cane or walker. Move frequently used items to comfortable heights so reaching and climbing are minimized.

Bathrooms Deserve Special Attention

Bathrooms combine several fall-risk factors: wet surfaces, transfers, stepping over thresholds and limited space. Properly positioned grab bars can provide support at key points, while shower seating, handheld shower heads, raised toilet options, improved lighting and slip-resistant surfaces may also help. Safety equipment should be installed for the structure and the person's actual needs. A towel bar, for example, should never be assumed to provide the support of a properly installed grab bar.

Stairs, Steps and Entries

Stairs and entry steps can become difficult as balance, strength or vision changes. Secure handrails on the appropriate side of a stairway, better lighting, improved traction and reduced clutter can make these areas easier to navigate. When stairs have become a major barrier, a stair lift may be worth considering. In other situations, a safer first-floor living arrangement or an improved entrance may be a better solution. The right choice depends on the home and the individual's mobility needs.

Don't Forget the Path Into and Out of the Home

Exterior steps, uneven walkways, thresholds and poor lighting can create problems before a person even reaches the front door. Handrails, threshold solutions, ramps where appropriate, better lighting and improved walking surfaces can help make entrances more accessible.

When a Home Safety Assessment Makes Sense

Families sometimes notice one problem—such as a recent fall or difficulty getting into the shower—and address only that issue. A broader home safety assessment can reveal related hazards that may otherwise be overlooked. A professional review can look at lighting, flooring, pathways, transfers, stairs, entrances, bathroom safety, accessibility and the way the home is actually being used. UNMC describes home safety assessments as a way to identify hazards and guide practical interventions such as securing rugs, improving pathways and installing supportive equipment.

Questions Families in Omaha Should Ask

• Has your parent had a fall, near-fall or increasing fear of falling?

• Are there rooms or parts of the home your parent has started avoiding?

• Is getting into the shower, using the toilet or climbing stairs becoming harder?

• Would a cane, walker or other mobility device require changes to the home's layout?

• Could a few targeted modifications help the senior remain at home more safely?

How ADAPT Home Solutions Can Help

ADAPT Home Solutions helps Omaha-area seniors and families identify practical ways to make a home safer and easier to live in. Services include home safety assessments, aging-in-place home modifications, grab bar and handrail installation, ramps, stair lifts, senior handyman services and property maintenance. The goal is not to change a home simply for the sake of renovation. It is to identify the changes that can improve safety, accessibility, comfort and independence while supporting the way the senior wants to live.

For a room-by-room review, use the senior home safety checklist.

If you are concerned about a parent, grandparent or loved one living at home in Omaha, starting with a home safety review can help you decide what should be addressed now and what can be planned for later.