How to adapt the home to prevent falls?

My father has fallen twice this year inside the house. I'm afraid that next time he'll seriously hurt himself. How can I make the house safer without turning it into a hospital?

The fear of a fall is one of the biggest sources of anxiety for those caring for a person with dementia — and rightly so: falls are one of the main causes of hospitalisation and loss of independence at this stage of life. The good news is that many falls are preventable with small changes to the home environment, without the need for major renovations.

Why it's important

Dementia affects not only memory, but also spatial perception, balance, and the ability to recognise dangers. A person may no longer realise that a folded rug is an obstacle, or that a wet floor is slippery. Coupled with orthostatic hypotension (blood pressure drops when the person stands up quickly, causing dizziness), the risk of falling multiplies. Prevention is not about overloading the house with warnings — it's about removing dangers before they become a problem.

Practical strategies

• Remove loose rugs: they are one of the most common causes of falls at home. If you can't remove them, secure them firmly to the floor with double-sided tape.
• Ensure good lighting: place night lights in hallways, the bathroom, and the bedroom, especially important for night-time trips to the bathroom.
• Install grab bars: next to the toilet, in the shower, and near the bed, so the person always has something firm to hold onto.
• Use anti-slip tape on stairs: and, if possible, install handrails on both sides.
• Choose closed-toe footwear with non-slip soles: never open slippers or loose socks, which slip easily.
• Teach the "two-minute rule": before getting out of bed or a chair, the person should sit for one to two minutes to avoid dizziness from orthostatic hypotension.
• Clear pathways: move electrical cords, low furniture, and objects from the floor in frequently used areas.

"I took all the rugs out of the living room the same day my husband fell for the second time. It seemed like an exaggeration, but he never fell at home again."

What NOT to do

• Do not leave electrical cables or extension cords scattered on the floor, even if they seem "out of the way".
• Do not rely solely on constant supervision — even the most attentive carers cannot prevent all falls just by being nearby.
• Do not ignore "minor" falls — every fall, even without apparent injury, is a sign that something in the environment or the person's health needs attention.

When to seek professional help

If falls are frequent, or if you notice that balance is rapidly worsening, speak to your GP. It may be worth reviewing medication (some drugs increase the risk of dizziness) and requesting an assessment by a physiotherapist, who can suggest balance exercises and specific home adaptations. In case of a fall with a head injury, severe pain, or inability to get up, seek immediate medical assistance.