Key takeaways
- Between 20% and 30% of Canadian seniors fall each year.
- Falls cause about 85% of injury-related hospital stays among older Canadians, and about half of those falls happen at home.
- Lighting, rugs, stairs and the bathroom are the first things to fix.
- Medication reviews, eye checks, good footwear and balance exercise all lower risk.
- Always tell the doctor about a fall, even if there was no injury.
1. Why falls matter
According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, between 20% and 30% of seniors fall each year, and falls are the cause of most injury-related hospital stays among older adults. A fall can also shake someone's confidence, leading them to move less, which in turn raises the risk of the next fall. Preventing the first one is worth the effort.
2. Entrances and stairs
- Sturdy handrails on both sides of every staircase, inside and out
- Bright lighting with switches at the top and bottom of the stairs
- Nothing stored on steps, not even "just for now"
- Non-slip treads or contrasting tape on step edges
- Outdoor steps and paths cleared of snow and ice, and salted, every winter
- A bench or chair by the door for putting on shoes
3. Living room
- Remove loose rugs, or secure them with non-slip backing
- Keep cords and cables away from walkways
- Arrange furniture so there is a clear, wide path through the room
- A chair with arms at a good height, so getting up is easier
- Lamps that can be switched on from the doorway
4. Kitchen
- Everyday items stored between waist and shoulder height
- No climbing on chairs. Keep a sturdy step stool with a handle if needed
- Wipe up spills straight away
- A stable chair or stool for sitting while preparing food
5. Bathroom
The bathroom is one of the most common places for falls at home.
- Grab bars by the toilet and in the shower or tub. Towel bars are not strong enough to hold weight.
- Non-slip mats inside and outside the tub or shower
- A shower chair or tub transfer bench, and a hand-held shower head
- A raised toilet seat or toilet safety frame if getting up is hard
- A night light, and a clear path from the bed to the toilet
6. Bedroom and night-time
- A lamp or touch light within reach of the bed
- Night lights along the route to the bathroom
- A bed at a height where feet rest flat on the floor when sitting
- Glasses, phone and walking aid next to the bed
- Sitting on the edge of the bed for a moment before standing, to avoid dizziness
- A commode by the bed if night-time trips are frequent or urgent
If night-time falls are a worry, overnight care can help. See 24-hour home care.
7. Health checks that lower fall risk
- Review medicationsAsk the doctor or pharmacist whether any medications cause dizziness or drowsiness.
- Check eyes and hearingUpdate glasses and remove clutter that is hard to see.
- Choose good footwearWell-fitting shoes or slippers with closed heels and non-slip soles, not socks.
- Keep movingStrength and balance exercise lowers fall risk. Ask about programs or physiotherapy.
- Use the right walking aidHave it fitted by a physiotherapist or occupational therapist, and use it indoors too.
8. What to do after a fall
- Stay still for a moment and check for pain or injury before trying to get up.
- If hurt, or if they hit their head or can't get up, call 911.
- If not hurt, roll onto hands and knees and use a sturdy chair to get up slowly.
- Tell the family doctor about every fall. It can be a sign of a health change.
- Consider a personal emergency alarm for anyone who lives alone.
Falls are one of the signs that a parent may need more help at home. After a hospital stay, use our discharge checklist to prepare the home first.
9. How Artistic Home Care helps prevent falls
During our free, no-obligation in-home consult, our registered nurse looks at safety at home as part of the assessment. A qualified PSW can then help with the moments when falls are most likely: bathing, getting up, toileting and walking, including at night. Visits start at 4 hours, and we are available 24/7.
Learn more about senior home care, PSW services and post-hospital care in Etobicoke, Toronto and across the GTA. Book a free consult or call 437-985-6225.
Frequently asked questions
Where do most falls happen at home?
Often on stairs, in the bathroom and on the way to the toilet at night. Start your safety check there.
Are grab bars better than towel bars?
Yes. Towel bars are not designed to hold a person's weight. Install proper grab bars, fixed into wall studs.
Can a caregiver help prevent falls?
Yes. A caregiver can help with bathing, transfers and walking, and spot hazards around the home.
Should I tell the doctor about a fall without injury?
Yes. Even a fall without injury can point to a health change, such as a medication side effect.
Cover photo: Age Cymru on Unsplash
Published 19 October 2026 · Last updated 19 October 2026
