Home Safety Checklist to Reduce Fall Risks for Dementia Patients

Falls can have devastating effects on individuals with dementia, sometimes accelerating the condition or leading to significant physical and emotional setbacks. Ensuring a safe home environment for a loved one with dementia is not just about fall prevention—it's about preserving their quality of life and independence. 

Did you know that individuals with dementia are at a significantly higher risk of falls? Studies show that up to 60% of people with dementia experience a fall each year, and they are twice as likely to be hospitalized for fall-related injuries compared to those without dementia. These statistics highlight the importance of proactive measures to reduce fall risks.

This guide will walk you through actionable steps to minimize fall risks, supported by evidence and professional recommendations. We'll explore environmental adjustments, physical aids, and practical tips to create a safer living space. 

Understanding the Risk of Falls and Dementia 

People with dementia are statistically more likely to experience falls due to cognitive, sensory, and motor impairments. Some findings highlight the serious implications of falls in this group:

• 4-5 times higher fall risk compared to cognitively healthy individuals. 

• Patients with dementia who fall are 3 times more likely to sustain fractures. 

• Fall-related injuries often result in a 5-times higher likelihood of hospitalization or a move to long-term care facilities (source). 

Falls not only jeopardize physical health but may also worsen cognitive decline. Research from the Harvard Gazette revealed that dementia diagnoses increase significantly within a year of a fall, with trauma potentially accelerating the condition's progression.

What Contributes to Falls in Dementia Patients? 

Individuals with dementia often face cognitive and physical challenges, making them particularly vulnerable to falls. These include:

• Mobility Issues: Problems with balance and muscle strength increase instability. 

• Cognitive Impairments: Memory issues, difficulty processing surroundings, and confusion can hinder navigation. 

• Medication Side Effects: Some medications, such as antipsychotics or sedatives, cause dizziness, drowsiness, or low blood pressure.

• Vision and Perception Changes: Depth misjudgment and poor visibility make it difficult to identify hazards. 

Every individual with dementia will experience unique combinations of these challenges, underscoring the importance of a tailored approach for reducing fall risks. 

How to Reduce Fall Risks at Home 

1. Optimize Lighting 

Proper lighting reduces visual confusion and improves spatial clarity. Follow these guidelines to brighten your space:

• Use high-wattage bulbs or energy-efficient LEDs. 

• Install motion-sensor lights in hallways and staircases for nighttime visibility. 

• Add glow-in-the-dark switches or nightlights in key areas like bedrooms and bathrooms. 

• Minimize shadows by ensuring even light distribution. 

2. Introduce Visual Contrasts 

Simple color contrasts make objects and important areas more visible. 

• Use solid colors instead of overly patterned floors, tablecloths, or furniture, which can cause confusion. 

• Avoid black surfaces, as they may be misinterpreted as holes or voids. 

• Apply contrasting tape on stair edges or thresholds for better delineation. For example, a light-colored floor with darker baseboards creates clear boundaries. 

• Replace monochromatic bathroom fixtures with ones in contrasting hues (e.g. a darker toilet seat against a lighter floor). 

3. Manage Pathways and Declutter Spaces 

Clutter-free areas reduce tripping or mobility hazards. Here's how to ensure safe pathways:

• Remove loose rugs or secure them with double-sided tape. 

• Keep frequently used walkways clear of furniture or decorations. 

• Ensure all flooring surfaces are level, dry, and non-slip. Replace damaged carpets or tiles to create even ground. 

• Outdoors, repair uneven pavements, remove snow or ice, and paint steps with non-slip paint (source). 

4. Ensure Accessibility 

Designing an accessible environment makes daily movements simpler and safer.

• Keep essentials visible and within reach. For example, store commonly used kitchen utensils on lower shelves. 

• Use a firm mattress and adjust the bed height so it’s easy to get in and out of.

• Consider adaptive equipment such as grab bars in bathrooms, raised toilet seats, and mobility aids like walkers or canes. 

• Place emergency numbers, phones, and glasses near the bed for quick access. 

5. Choose Proper Footwear 

Appropriate footwear is crucial for stable movement. 

• Look for close-fitting shoes with non-slip soles and Velcro straps for easy fastening. 

• Avoid slippers, socks, or shoes with thick, uneven soles. 

• Regularly check footwear for signs of wear and tear. 

For outdoors, ensure shoes are weather-appropriate to prevent slipping on wet or icy surfaces. 

6. Encourage Physical Maintenance 

While preventing falls is crucial, regular activity helps maintain muscle strength and mobility, which can reduce fall risks over time. Work with healthcare providers to implement safe exercise routines tailored to the individual’s needs.

Building a Dementia-Friendly Home  

By addressing lighting, contrasts, pathways, accessibility, and footwear, you're taking significant steps toward reducing fall risks for your loved one. These modifications not only improve their safety but also support their autonomy and overall well-being. 

Download Your Free Home Safety Checklist 

To make things even simpler, we’ve created a free downloadable checklist you can use to safeguard every area of your home. 

Caring for a loved one with dementia is a profound responsibility, but with the right tools and knowledge, you can create a safe and supportive environment that protects their dignity and independence.