Falls Prevention Home Safety Checks

Falls Prevention Home Safety Checks can help you create a safer living environment and support your ability to stay active, confident, and independent. By identifying potential hazards around your home and making simple changes, you can move through your daily routines with greater peace of mind.

What are Falls Prevention Home Safety Checks?

Falls Prevention Home Safety Checks are free in-home safety visits provided by the Rochester Olmsted County Falls Prevention Coalition. During the visit, trained volunteers come to your home and complete a room-by-room safety check. They look for things that may increase your risk of falling, such as poor lighting, loose rugs, clutter, or other hazards.

After the visit, you will receive recommendations and information about resources that can help make your home safer. These can reduce your risk of falling and help you to live independently for as long as possible.

How can Falls Prevention Home Safety Checks help me?

Creating a safer home environment can help you move through daily life with greater confidence and peace of mind. A home safety check can help you spot potential hazards and make practical changes that support healthy aging.

Common household hazards could lead to falls, causing:

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Broken bones and fractures

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Head injuries

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Cuts, scrapes, and bruises

Make sure your home is safe by following these few simple tips:

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Remove tripping hazards, like throw rugs, cords, or clutter on the floor. You can also move furniture to create clear paths and walkways.

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Replace light bulbs with bright, non-glare bulbs to help you see around your home.

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Place a chair in your bedroom so you can sit while getting dressed or putting your shoes on.

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Keep frequently used items between waist and shoulder height, making them easier to access without the need for a stepstool or unsafe reaching.

Do I qualify for a Falls Prevention Home Safety Check?

To receive a free Falls Prevention Home Safety Check, you must:

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Be age 55 or older.

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Live in Olmsted County.

If you do not meet these requirements, you can still take steps to reduce your risk of falling. You can:

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Check your Falls Risk Score using NCOA’s online tool. This short questionnaire helps you understand how likely you are to fall and can identify areas where you may be at greater risk.

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Use this Home safety checklist for tips to make your home safer.

How do I schedule a Falls Prevention Home Safety Check?

To learn more or set up a Free Home Safety Visit, call Family Service Rochester at 507-287-2010. A trained volunteer will arrange a time to visit your home and provide support to help you stay safe and continue living independently.