A licensed physical therapist's guide to the hidden dangers in your home—and how to fix them

Why Fall Prevention Physical Therapy Matters for Seniors

I'm Mike Zagare, and I've been a licensed physical therapist for over 20 years. In that time, I've worked with hundreds of seniors who've fallen at home—and thousands more who were terrified they'd be next.

Every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in an emergency room for a fall.
Every 19 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall.

Most falls are completely preventable.

After two decades of walking through homes, I’ve identified the top 10 reasons seniors fall—and the simple fixes that actually work.

These are real problems I’ve seen in real homes, with real patients.

The list isn’t ranked, but each item includes the #1 priority fix so you know exactly where to start.

Let's make your home safer.

What Fall Prevention Therapy Looks Like at Home

1. Poor Lighting

Why It's Dangerous

As vision declines, dim areas hide obstacles, steps, and floor changes. What was easy to see at 40 becomes nearly invisible at 70.

Real Story

Mrs. Johnson fell in her hallway at 2am because she didn’t see her grandson’s backpack. One broken hip later, she realized: knowing your house isn’t enough if you can’t see the hazards.

Problem Areas

• Hallways

• Stairways

• Bathrooms at night

• Entryways

The Fix

⭐#1 PRIORITY: Install nightlights in every hallway and bathroom.
Additional fixes: brighter LEDs, motion-sensor lights, 2-way light switches.
Difficulty:Easy | Cost:Low | Impact:High

2. Loose Rugs and Floor Clutter

Why It's Dangerous

Rugs slide. Edges curl. Clutter creates trip hazards. It only takes one misstep.

Real Story

Mr. Patterson’s walker caught his Persian rug. Down he went. Rug is now gone — too late.

Problem Areas

• Throw rugs

• Entryway rugs

• Electrical cords

• Shoes and pet toys

The Fix

⭐#1 PRIORITY: Remove all throw rugs.
If you keep rugs: secure with non-slip backing AND carpet tape.
Difficulty:Easy | Cost:Free–Low | Impact:VERY High

3. Bathroom Hazards

Why It's Dangerous

Wet surfaces + no grab support = the most dangerous room in the house.

Real Story

Mrs. Chen slipped stepping out of the shower. “I just lost my balance for a second.” One second changed everything.

Problem Areas

• Getting in/out of shower

• Toilet transfers

• Slippery floors

The Fix

⭐#1 PRIORITY: Install professionally mounted grab bars (not suction).
Other fixes: non-slip mats, shower chair, handheld showerhead.
Difficulty: Pro install | Cost:Moderate | Impact:Extremely High

4. Stairs Without Proper Support

Why It's Dangerous

Stairs require balance, strength, and depth perception. One mistake… one whole-flight fall.

Real Story

Mr. Davis had a handrail on only one side. Stumbled on the other side while carrying laundry. Result: cracked ribs.

Problem Areas

• Missing handrails

• Poor lighting

• Slippery treads

The Fix

⭐#1 PRIORITY: Install sturdy handrails onbothsides.
Other fixes: non-slip treads, brighter lighting, contrast tape.
Difficulty: Pro install |Cost:Moderate–High |Impact:Extremely High

📞Feeling overwhelmed? A FREE Home Safety Check can help you prioritize.
Call/Text: (864) 528-6402

5. Weak Leg Muscles & Poor Balance

Why It's Dangerous

Weak legs can’t catch you. Poor balance means you stumble more often.

Real Story

Mrs. Rodriguez retired and became less active. She didn’t realize how weak she had gotten until she couldn’t stand up without using her arms.

Warning Signs

• Need to push off chair

• Feeling “wobbly”

• Holding furniture to walk

The Fix

⭐#1 PRIORITY:Strength & balance training with a physical therapist (Medicare-covered).
Exercises to start:

• Sit-to-stand

• Single-leg balance

• Heel-to-toe walking
  Impact:Extremely High

6. Improper Footwear

Why It's Dangerous

Slippery soles, backless slippers, and walking in socks are huge fall risks.

Real Story

Mr. Thompson fell three times in six months. The cause? Smooth leather slippers.

Common Problems

• Socks on wood floors

• Loose slippers

• Worn-out soles

The Fix

⭐#1 PRIORITY: Wear supportive, closed-back shoes with non-slip rubber soles.
Difficulty:Easy | Cost:Low | Impact:High

7. Medication Side Effects

Why It's Dangerous

Dizziness, drowsiness, or low blood pressure from medications can lead to sudden falls.

Real Story

Mrs. Kim started a new BP med and fell twice in two weeks. After adjusting timing, the falls stopped.

High-Risk Meds

• BP meds

• Antidepressants

• Sleep aids

• Pain meds

• Diabetes meds

The Fix

⭐#1 PRIORITY: Ask your doctor:“Which of my medications increase fall risk?”
Impact:High |Cost:Free

8. Vision Problems

Why It's Dangerous

If you can’t see obstacles clearly, you can’t avoid them.

Real Story

Mr. Lee misjudged a step he’d used for years because cataracts blurred his depth perception.

Common Issues

• Outdated prescriptions

• Cataracts

• Glaucoma

• Bifocals on stairs

The Fix

⭐#1 PRIORITY: Annual eye exam + updated glasses.
Other fixes:bright lighting, contrast tape on stairs.
Impact:High

9. Pets

Why It's Dangerous

Pets dart, weave, lie in doorways, or trip you unintentionally.

Real Story

Mrs. Anderson’s cat ran between her legs on the stairs. One knee injury later, she uses a baby gate.

Problem Areas

• Pets underfoot

• Pet toys in walkways

The Fix

⭐#1 PRIORITY:Use baby gates to block pets from stairs.
Difficulty:Easy | Impact:Moderate

10. Rushing & Multi-Tasking

Why It's Dangerous

Hurrying divides your attention. One moment of distraction is all it takes.

Real Story

Mr. Garcia rushed to answer his phone. Tripped on a rug. Broken wrist. Missed call.

Common Scenarios

• Rushing to bathroom

• Carrying too much

• Getting up too fast

The Fix

⭐#1 PRIORITY: Let the phone ring.
Other tips:stand up slowly, make multiple trips, keep phones in multiple rooms.

Your Personal Fall Risk Score

Check all that apply:
☐ Poor lighting
☐ Loose rugs
☐ No grab bars
☐ Missing handrails
☐ Weakness/unsteadiness
☐ Improper footwear
☐ Dizziness from medications
☐ No eye exam in past year
☐ Pets underfoot
☐ Rushing often

0–2: Good, but fix what’s checked.
3–5: Moderate risk — prioritize ⭐ items.
6–8: High risk — get professional help.
9–10: Severe risk — call us today.

What To Do Right Now

Do These Today

• Remove all throw rugs

• Put on proper shoes

• Add nightlights

Do These Within 1 Week

• Eye exam

• Medication review

• Home Safety Evaluation

Do These Within 1 Month

• Install grab bars

• Add second stair handrail

• Start physical therapy

The Most Important Step: Get a Professional Assessment

A list like this can feel overwhelming.
Let us make it simple.

FREE 30-Minute In-Home Safety Check

We will:

• Walk through YOUR home

• Identify YOUR biggest risks

• Perform a quick mobility screen

• Give you a ranked priority list

• Tell you what to fix first

No cost. No obligation. No sales pitch.

📞Call or text today: (864) 528-6402

Explore More In-Home Physical Therapy Resources

If you’re learning about in-home physical therapy or trying to decide what type of care is right for you or a loved one, these guides may also be helpful:

• In-Home Physical Therapy in Upstate South Carolina: What to Expect
  A complete overview of how in-home physical therapy works, who it’s for, and why many seniors choose care at home instead of a clinic.

• Does Medicare Cover In-Home Physical Therapy in Greenville, SC?
  A clear explanation of Medicare coverage, including the difference between Part A and Part B and what seniors and caregivers should know.

• Fall Prevention Physical Therapy at Home: How Seniors Stay Independent
  Learn how physical therapy at home helps reduce fall risk, improve balance, and keep seniors safe in their own homes.

• Home Physical Therapy Services in Greenville & Upstate South Carolina
  Explore Southern Steps’ in-home physical therapy services and the areas we serve throughout Upstate South Carolina.

Not Sure Where to Start?

If you’re unsure which type of in-home physical therapy is right for your situation, a short conversation with a licensed physical therapist can help clarify next steps.

Southern Steps Home Therapy

Physical Therapy You Can Trust — Right at Home, Covered by Medicare.
Proudly serving seniors throughout Greenville and Upstate South Carolina.