Age-Proof Your Home: Essential Fall Prevention Tips for the Autumn Season

A Hackensack Meridian Ocean University Medical Center expert weighs in

Brick, N.J. - October 14, 2026 - As autumn progresses, bringing vibrant foliage and cooler weather, the transition into the season serves as a reminder for older adults to safeguard against a different kind of fall. With shorter daylight hours and slippery leaves gathering outside, now is the perfect time to evaluate your living space for hazards.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among people over 65. In fact, one in four older adults in the U.S. experiences a fall each year.

Bradley Pulver, MD, medical director of the Emergency Department at OUMC, says, “With a few simple actions, older adults can preserve their independence, ease caregiving responsibilities for their families, and avoid unnecessary visits to the hospital."

To keep your home a safe haven this season, consider these simple, proactive steps:

• Enhance Visibility and Clear Pathways: As days get shorter, good indoor lighting is essential. For ease, use touch-activated lamps or install voice-controlled smart devices. Keep hallways free of tripping hazards by removing throw rugs and tucking away electrical cords.
• Secure Your Steps: Whether indoors or outdoors, stairs require extra caution. Ensure all staircases have sturdy handrails on both sides. Add anti-slip treads to uncarpeted steps, and keep the top and bottom of your stairs well-lit.
• Upgrade Kitchen and Bath Accessibility: Keep frequently used kitchen items on lower shelves and use a reacher-grabber tool to avoid dangerous stretching. In the bathroom, install easy-to-use lever faucets, a comfort-height toilet, screw-mounted grab bars, and a slip-resistant shower chair.
• Create Safer Bedrooms and Outdoors: If your bed is too high, use an adjustable frame or sturdy step stool with handles. Place a bench in your room so you can sit while dressing. Outside, clear a wide path in your garage and use wheeled garbage bins so you can roll them to the curb instead of lifting heavy loads.

By making simple modifications, you can confidently prevent falls and comfortably enjoy the autumn season.

For additional information about Hackensack Meridian Ocean University Medical Center, visit www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/locations/ocean-university-medical-center or call 844-HMH-WELL.

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(photo: vecteezy.com)