Falls in and around the home are the leading cause of injuries and deaths among Americans 65 and older and the numbers are staggering. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that nearly three million older adults visit the emergency room every year for product-related injuries, with falls accounting for the largest share. On average, 1,800 deaths of older adults result from falls every year, along with 1.5 million emergency room-treated fall injuries. Americans over age 65 comprise 71 percent of consumer product-related deaths annually, despite making up only 16 percent of the population. Older adults are six times more likely to be treated in the emergency department as a result of a fall on flooring than younger people.
Where Falls Happen Most
Falls typically occur on floors, stairs, steps, and from beds. The home hazards most frequently associated with serious fall injuries include:
- Floors and floor coverings — loose rugs, slippery tile, polished hardwood, or cluttered pathways
- Stairs and steps — missing or unstable handrails, poor lighting, objects left on stairs
- Bathtubs and showers — wet surfaces, lack of grab bars, no non-slip mat
- Ladders and step stools — improper use, climbing alone, using unstable surfaces
Adults 75 and older are particularly vulnerable. This age group is twice as likely as adults 65 to 74 to suffer emergency room-treated injuries from consumer products, and their injury rate has grown significantly faster than their population.
What to Fix in Your Home Right Now
- Always grip handrails when using stairs. Install handrails on both sides of stairways if not already present. Keep stairs well lit and free of any objects.
- Remove loose rugs, mats, and any items on the floor that could be tripped over. Ensure all floor coverings are non-skid or secured at the edges.
- Install grab bars beside the toilet and in the shower or bathtub. Do not use towel bars as grab bars — they are not designed to support body weight.
- Use slip-resistant surfaces inside and outside the tub and shower.
- Use only stable step stools with a top handrail. Never climb alone — have someone nearby to assist.
- Stand up slowly from sitting or lying positions, as sudden position changes can cause dizziness.
- Ensure all areas of the home, including hallways and staircases, are adequately lit. Install nightlights in bedrooms, hallways, and bathrooms.
- Keep telephones and emergency numbers easily accessible throughout the home.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, visit SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC’s Hotline at 800-638-2772.
