Falls Prevention Awareness Week: Helping Older Adults Stay Safe at Home in Kansas
For many older adults, home represents comfort, familiarity and independence. But as we age, everyday features of the home—from a slippery bathroom floor to a poorly lit staircase—can create unexpected safety risks.
Falls Prevention Awareness Week, September 21–25, 2026, is an important reminder for Kansas families to take a closer look at fall risks and the steps that can help older adults remain safe and independent at home.
According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), falls are a serious concern for older adults, but they are not an inevitable part of aging. Many falls can be prevented by addressing risks in the home, supporting strength and mobility, reviewing medications with healthcare providers and making sure older adults have the assistance they need with daily activities.
At Caretech of Kansas, we believe helping someone remain independent also means helping create an environment where they can feel safe and supported.
Why Fall Prevention Matters for Older Adults
A fall can have consequences that extend far beyond the initial injury. For an older adult, a fall may affect mobility, confidence and the ability to continue living independently.
Even when a fall doesn't result in a serious injury, the fear of falling again can cause some older adults to become less active. Reduced activity may contribute to decreased strength and balance, potentially making future falls more likely.
That's why fall prevention shouldn't begin after a fall happens. Families can take proactive steps to identify risks and provide additional support before an accident occurs.
7 Ways to Help Reduce Fall Risks at Home
Fall prevention often starts with simple changes. Walk through your loved one's home and look at it from their perspective, paying particular attention to the areas they use every day.
1. Clear Walkways and Reduce Clutter
Keep frequently used pathways open and make sure there is enough room for an older adult to move comfortably, particularly if they use a cane, walker or other mobility aid.
Loose rugs can also create a fall risk. Consider removing them or securing them with appropriate nonslip backing.
Shoes, electrical cords, pet toys, small furniture and other everyday objects can quickly become tripping hazards.
2. Make Bathrooms Safer
Bathrooms deserve special attention because water and smooth surfaces can make them particularly hazardous.
Depending on an individual's needs, bathroom safety improvements may include:
Nonslip mats or surfaces
Grab bars near the toilet and bathing area
A shower chair or bench
A handheld showerhead
Adequate lighting
Keeping frequently used toiletries within easy reach
Families may also want to consider whether their loved one would benefit from assistance with bathing, dressing or other personal care activities.
3. Check Stairs and Entryways
Stairs should be well-lit and free from clutter. Handrails should be secure and easy to reach.
Don't forget exterior steps, porches and entryways. Uneven surfaces, wet leaves, rain, snow and ice can create additional seasonal hazards for older adults in Kansas.
Encourage your loved one to avoid carrying too many items while navigating stairs so they can keep a hand available for the railing.
4. Improve Lighting Throughout the Home
Changes in vision can make it more difficult to identify obstacles, changes in flooring or the edge of a step.
Make sure hallways, bedrooms, bathrooms and stairways are adequately lit. Nightlights can be especially helpful along the route between the bedroom and bathroom.
Frequently used lamps and light switches should also be easy to reach so an older adult doesn't have to walk through a dark room to turn on a light.
5. Talk With Healthcare Providers About Medications
Some prescription and over-the-counter medications may contribute to dizziness, drowsiness or changes in blood pressure that can increase fall risk.
Older adults and their families should periodically review medications with a doctor or pharmacist, particularly when a new medication is added or there has been a change in balance, alertness or mobility.
Never stop or change a medication without guidance from an appropriate healthcare professional.
6. Support Strength, Balance and Mobility
Staying physically active can play an important role in maintaining strength, flexibility and balance.
The right activities will vary based on an individual's health and abilities. Walking, strength exercises and balance-focused activities may be appropriate for some older adults, while others may benefit from guidance from a physician, physical therapist or other healthcare professional.
Families should also make sure prescribed mobility devices, such as walkers or canes, are available and being used correctly.
7. Consider Whether Your Loved One Needs More Support at Home
Sometimes the biggest fall risk isn't a rug or a dark hallway. It's an older adult trying to complete a task that has become difficult to do safely on their own.
Daily activities such as bathing, getting dressed, preparing meals, doing laundry or moving around the home may become more challenging with age.
This is where in-home care can provide another layer of support.
A caregiver can be there to assist with daily routines, provide reminders, help maintain clear living spaces and offer a steady presence throughout the day. Having someone nearby can also give families greater peace of mind when they can't be there themselves.
Watch for Changes That Could Increase Fall Risk
Fall risk can change over time. Families should pay attention to changes such as:
Increased difficulty standing or walking
Holding onto furniture while moving through the home
New dizziness or weakness
Difficulty getting in or out of the shower
Trouble navigating stairs
Changes in vision
A recent medication change
A previous fall or near-fall
Increased fear or hesitation when walking
Difficulty completing everyday activities safely
A noticeable change doesn't necessarily mean an older adult can no longer live at home. It may simply mean it's time to reassess the home environment, talk with healthcare providers and consider additional support.
A Fall Prevention Checklist for Kansas Families
Falls Prevention Awareness Week is a great time to walk through your loved one's home together.
Check the floors for clutter, cords and loose rugs. Look at stairs and railings for stability and adequate lighting. Evaluate the bathroom for slippery surfaces and opportunities to add safety equipment. Make sure commonly used items are within easy reach so your loved one isn't regularly stretching, climbing or using unstable furniture.
Then look beyond the home itself.
Ask whether your loved one has experienced dizziness, changes in mobility, a recent fall or increased difficulty completing everyday tasks. Consider scheduling a medication review and discussing any balance or mobility concerns with their healthcare provider.
Most importantly, involve your loved one in the conversation. Fall prevention should be about helping preserve independence—not taking it away.
Helping Kansas Seniors Remain Safe and Independent at Home
For many families, the goal isn't simply preventing a fall. It's helping someone they love continue living safely, comfortably and independently in the place they call home.
Caretech of Kansas provides compassionate in-home support designed around each individual's needs. Whether your loved one needs help with personal care, daily activities, companionship or additional support at home, our team is here to help families explore their options.
This Falls Prevention Awareness Week, September 21–25, take a few minutes to look around your loved one's home and start a conversation about safety.
A few thoughtful changes—and the right support—can make home a safer place to age.
Looking for In-Home Care in Kansas?
If you're concerned about an aging loved one's safety or ability to manage everyday activities independently, contact Caretech of Kansas to learn more about in-home care and how additional support can help your loved one continue living safely at home.