Home safety

A safer home for an older parent: where to begin

Simple points to discuss with your family and care professional before changing the home.

Look at the routes used every day

Falls can cause serious harm in older age. Walk through frequently used spaces together. Look for poor lighting, loose objects and obstacles, and discuss appropriate changes with a qualified professional.

Ask for an individual assessment

A general checklist cannot assess a person’s balance, health or mobility. WHO identifies home assessment and modification, together with suitable clinical support, among approaches to preventing falls. Ask the treating team what is appropriate for your parent.

Plan how help is reached

Agree who to contact when your parent needs assistance. Keep their existing care plan and emergency contacts accessible to the family and caregiver. After a fall or a sudden health change, seek appropriate medical assessment rather than relying on a home-care website.

Sources & further reading

This guide is general information and has not been clinically reviewed. It does not replace your treating clinician’s advice. For individual medical needs, follow the prescribed care plan.