‘Fall’ Safety Tips for Older Adults from Monmouth County's Level 1 Adult & Pediatric Trauma Center

As autumn arrives, bringing vibrant foliage and cooler weather, the transition into the “fall” season serves as a reminder for older adults to safeguard against a different kind of fall. With shorter daylight hours and wet, slippery leaves gathering outside, autumn is the right time to evaluate your living space for hazards.

Falls are the leading cause of injury for people over 65, and the statistics surrounding them are alarming. “One in 4 people in the U.S. aged 65 and older fall each year due to preventable trips and slips, leading to emergency department visits, hospitalizations and trauma. These falls commonly include hip fractures and traumatic brain injuries, and falling just once doubles an older adult’s chance of falling again,” says Harry Kopolovich, M.D., MBA, chair of Emergency Medicine, Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center (JSUMC) & K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital. “The good news is with the right environmental and activity precautions, many of these emergency visits can be entirely avoided.”   

Securing your home is key to aging in place. “Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among older adults, so taking proactive, preventive measures is vitally important for seniors who want to maintain their independence and safety,” explains Zeeshan Khan, M.D., chief of Geriatric Medicine at JSUMC. “Even minor home modifications can significantly reduce fall risk and ease the caregiving responsibilities that might otherwise fall on family members.”

To keep your home your safe haven, consider these research-backed upgrades from Dr. Khan and Dr. Kopolovich to age-proof your space:

• Enhance Visibility and Clear Pathways As the days get shorter this season, good indoor lighting is essential. Studies show that adding lamps to living spaces improves the ability of older adults to perform daily tasks safely. Swap traditional switches for rocker-style switches, use touch-activated bedside lamps, or install voice-controlled smart devices so you never have to navigate a dark room. Keep living areas and hallways free of tripping hazards by removing throw rugs (or securing them with nonskid pads), tucking away electrical cords, and keeping floors clear of shoes and clothing.
• Secure Your Steps Whether it’s an indoor staircase or outdoor steps covered in autumn leaves, stairs require extra caution. Ensure all staircases have sturdy handrails on both sides that you can wrap your whole hand around. Add anti-slip treads or slip-resistant tape to uncarpeted steps, and mark the edges with bright or reflective tape. Keep the top and bottom of your stairs well-lit with rechargeable puck lights or motion sensors.
• Upgrade Kitchen and Bath Accessibility Conditions like arthritis can flare up in colder months, making daily routines difficult. In the kitchen, use sharp, comfortable chef's knives and move frequently used items to lower shelves. To avoid reaching dangerously, use a step stool with a railing or a reacher-grabber tool. To prevent cooking burns, wear short sleeves and use silicone pot handle covers. In the bathroom, replace faucet knobs with easy-to-use levers or touchless sensors. Install a comfort-height toilet or a seat riser, and secure screw-mounted grab bars in your shower alongside a slip-resistant shower chair.
• Safer Bedrooms and Outdoors If your bed is too high, use an adjustable frame or a sturdy step stool with handles. Place a bench in your room so you can sit while dressing. Outside, autumn means moving seasonal gear. Clear a wide, well-lit path through your garage, and upgrade to an automatic garage door with safety sensors. Finally, opt for wheeled garbage and recycling bins so you can easily roll them to the curb instead of lifting heavy loads.

By making these simple upgrades, you can confidently prevent falls and comfortably enjoy the fall season, and many more to come.

JSUMC’s emergency services include an accredited Geriatric Emergency Department, verified by ACEP, dedicated Pediatric Emergency Department, and New Jersey’s first Level 1 Adult and Pediatric Trauma Center, verified by the ACS COT. The academic medical center also provides an ACS verified Geriatric Surgery program for older adults. For information, visit www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/locations/jersey-shore-university-medical-center. For a free physician referral, call 844-HMH-WELL.