How do I avoid falling?

The risk of accidents is much greater at home than on the road. Far more people die from accidents in their own homes than in traffic. However, there are many steps you can take to prevent accidents at home. You can make your living space safe from trips and falls, use walking aids if needed, and develop an awareness of your personal risk of falling. Many older people are less mobile than they used to be due to fractures or other serious injuries. Every sixth fall leads to a serious injury – but around a quarter of all falls can be prevented by taking the right precautions. There are also many questions you can ask yourself to assess your risk of falling.

Are you at risk of falling?

Ask yourself the following questions:

  • Have you noticed any changes in your body that affect your hearing, vision, or sense of touch?
  • Do you find it difficult to keep your balance?
  • Can you stand steadily with your feet together for 30 seconds? Can you do the same exercise with your eyes closed?
  • Can you get up from a chair without using your hands for support –  and repeat this several times?
  • Can you walk a few metres in a straight line, placing your heel directly in front of the toes of your other foot?
  • Can you cross the street safely during a green pedestrian light?
  • Has your walking speed noticeably changed? Do you walk more slowly than before?
  • Do you now take the bus or other forms of transport more often instead of walking?
  • Do you sometimes steady yourself on furniture when walking through your home? Do you ever feel dizzy or unsteady on your feet?

If your answers suggest that your mobility has decreased, speak to your doctor. You can also seek advice from other healthcare professions, for example a nurse.

Tips

There are several steps you can takes and things to consider to prevent falls:

  • As the old saying goes: “A rolling stone gathers no moss.” Stay active to keep your muscles and joints healthy. Regular exercise, especially endurance, strength and balance training, will help you feel more confident on your feet.
  • Eat a healthy and balanced diet. Make sure you maintain a healthy body weight. Your joints and bones also need calcium, protein and plenty of vitamins. Get out into the fresh air - especially in spring and summer you can fill up on vitamin D from the sun.
  • Stay hydrated – this improves your blood flow.
  • Are you taking several medications at the same time? This can cause side effects such as dizziness, which increases your risk of falling. Discuss your medication with your doctor.
  • Wearing the right shoes can prevent many falls. Footwear should be stable, supportive and, above all, flat. Take care of your feet regularly – movement is easier and safer when you are free from pain.
  • A quarter of all falls in older people can be prevented by taking simple precautions in the home:
    • Remove any loose carpets.
    • Make sure that the floor is non-slip, especially in the kitchen or bathroom
    • All rooms should be brightly lit. Motion sensors can help make sure you always have enough light when you need it.
    • Fit railings to high steps, and make sure doors are easy to open. Remove trip hazards such as small steps, rugs or cables in living areas.

Note: If you receive care allowance, you can also take advantage of a free home visit by a health and nursing professional on request. During this home visit, the nurse can identify possible fall risks and take appropriate action, for example by removing tripping hazards. 
You can find more information about home visits on request here:

Home visits by healthcare and nursing staff

Last update: October 14, 2025