Keeping Seniors Safe: 7 Essential Home Modifications to Prevent Falls
In Delta, Montrose, and the surrounding Colorado area, many older adults are choosing to age in place—right in the comfort of their own homes. But with that decision comes an important responsibility: making sure their homes are as safe as possible. Falls are one of the leading causes of injury among seniors, and even a minor fall can have lasting consequences.
1 in 4 adults age 65 and older falls each year in the United States.
At Comfort Keepers of Delta and Montrose, CO, we’re committed to helping families create safe, supportive environments for their aging loved ones. In fact, we are a leading provider of in-home senior care services within the community and have helped many seniors navigate aging-in-place. Whether you're caring for a parent, spouse, or other senior loved one, these seven simple tips can go a long way toward preventing falls and giving everyone peace of mind.
Clear the Clutter and Remove Tripping Hazards
Sometimes the biggest risks are the simplest to fix. Everyday items like area rugs, cords, or even a pet toy in the hallway can cause a serious fall. These hazards often go unnoticed because they're part of the daily routine—but for seniors, one misstep can lead to injury. Taking time to clear these obstacles can make a huge difference in their ability to safely age-in-place.
Things to look for:
Loose rugs that could slip or bunch up
Electrical cords stretched across walkways
Narrow or cluttered hallways and furniture arrangements
Pet bowls or small items left on the floor
Frequently used items stored out of reach, leading to dangerous reaching or climbing
Slippery socks or shoes without proper tread
Doing a room-by-room walk-through can be a great first step toward fall prevention.
Make the Bathroom Safer for Seniors
Bathrooms are one of the most common places for senior falls, especially with water and smooth surfaces involved. A few smart additions can make a big difference. Installing grab bars, using non-slip mats, and adding a shower chair can greatly improve safety and reduce the risk of slipping. Since so many daily routines happen in the bathroom, making it safer is one of the most impactful steps you can take.
A few bathroom changes that can make the bathroom safer for seniors, include:
Grab bars near the toilet and in the shower or tub
A shower chair or bench for stability during bathing
Handheld showerheads for easier, safer bathing
Non-slip mats or adhesive strips on floors and in tubs
Rearrange Furniture for Safer Movement
The way a home is set up matters. If furniture blocks the flow of movement or is unstable, it increases the chance of a fall.
Suggestions for a safer layout:
Keep walkways open and free of clutter
Choose chairs with arms and firm cushions for easier sitting and standing
Avoid furniture with sharp corners or glass surfaces
Adjust bed height to ensure it's easy to get in and out of
Improve Lighting Throughout the House
As we age, it becomes harder to see clearly in dim or uneven lighting. Making sure the home is well-lit, especially in the evening, can help prevent missteps. Hallways, stairs, and bathrooms should be equipped with bright, accessible lighting to guide the way. Simple upgrades like night lights or motion-sensor bulbs can go a long way in helping seniors feel more confident moving around—especially when they wake up during the night.
Tips for better visibility:
Swap out dim bulbs for brighter, more energy-efficient ones
Install night lights in bedrooms, bathrooms, and hallways
Add motion-sensor lights for nighttime trips to the bathroom
Make sure light switches are easy to access, particularly near entryways and bedsides
At Comfort Keepers in Delta, CO, our professional in-home caregivers can help change light bulbs and do other light housekeeping tasks around a seniors home.
Use Non-Slip Flooring Solutions
Some types of flooring, especially tile, hardwood, or linoleum, can be slippery underfoot. Tackling flooring issues can help seniors feel more confident as they move around. Adding non-slip mats, securing loose rugs, or applying anti-slip coatings are simple changes that make a big impact. Even small upgrades can reduce the chance of slips and create a steadier, safer surface for daily movement.
Simple fixes include:
Applying non-slip coatings to hard surfaces
Using non-slip mats in places like the kitchen and bathroom
Removing or securing throw rugs to prevent bunching or curling edges
Avoiding thick or uneven rugs that could catch a foot or mobility aid
Make Stairways Safer for Senior Navigating the Home
If the home has stairs, it’s important to give them extra attention. One missed step can quickly lead to injury. Adding sturdy handrails on both sides, improving lighting, and using non-slip treads can make stairs much safer. For those with limited mobility, it may also be worth exploring options like ramps or stair lifts to reduce the risk of falls altogether.
Helpful stair safety measures:
Add secure handrails on both sides of the stairs
Install bright lighting along staircases
Use contrast tape or tread strips to highlight steps
Consider adding a stair lift if stairs are frequently used and mobility is limited
For small thresholds or steps, ramps may be a better solution
Create a Safer, More Accessible Kitchen
The kitchen is a high-traffic area with a lot of activity, and plenty of opportunities for slips or strains.
A few small updates can help:
Store everyday items within easy reach to avoid bending or climbing
Use pull-out drawers and turntables in cabinets
Set up a seated workspace for preparing meals
Add non-slip mats in front of the sink and stove
These changes help reduce risks while allowing seniors to stay active, independent, and confident in their own homes. For more helpful advice, check out these additional kitchen safety tips for seniors on the Comfort Keepers corporate blog.
Taking the First Step Toward Fall Prevention for Seniors in Delta, Montrose, and the Surrounding CO Communities
If you're caring for an aging loved one in Delta or the surrounding area, remember that you don’t have to make all these changes at once. Start by addressing the most noticeable safety concerns, then gradually add improvements over time. Including your loved one in the process not only helps them feel more comfortable with the changes but also empowers them to take an active role in their own safety. If you have immediate concerns, it may be time to explore senior care services as an option to help.
Comfort Keepers of Delta Is Here to Help
At Comfort Keepers, we specialize in more than just in-home care, we’re focused on helping seniors live confidently and joyfully in their own homes. Our caregivers are trained to spot fall risks, support mobility, and provide companionship and assistance with daily tasks that can become more difficult with age.
If you’re ready to explore how Comfort Keepers of Delta and Montrose, CO can support your loved one through compassionate in-home senior care, we’re just a phone call away.
Call Comfort Keepers of Delta today at (970) 240-4121
Or visit https://www.comfortkeepers.com/offices/colorado/delta-montrose/contact/contact-us/ to schedule your free in-home consultation
