Falls are a high concern for older adults and individuals with mobility issues. Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal accidents in elderly individuals and the CDC estimates that there are about 7 million fall injuries that require medical attention in a 12-month period (Powell-Cope et al., 2018).
To modify the home to decrease likelihood of falls, there are multiple different things you can do. Some tips include removing throw rugs and mats or fixing them to the floor to prevent them from slipping. You can also decrease clutter, increase home lighting, install ramps, raise toilet seats, install grab bars, install handrails along steps, purchase chairs and sofas that are stable, and keep items that are frequently used in areas that are easy to access (Powell-Cope et al., 2018).
It may also be necessary to purchase medical equipment such as a walker or wheelchair. Private insurance and Medicare may pay for medical equipment such as hospital beds, walkers, and lifts to help with mobility impairments (Powell-Cope et al., 2018). Local governments may fund kitchen, bathroom, and stair modifications through special housing programs. For veterans, there are grants for home modifications through the VA (Powell-Cope et al., 2018).