Preventing Falls at Home: Simple Safety Tips for Iowa Seniors

Introduction: A Small Step Toward Safety Can Make a Big Difference

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury among older adults — and most of them happen right at home.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four Americans over age 65 experiences a fall each year.

But here’s the good news: most falls are preventable.
With a few practical home modifications, better awareness, and the right support, seniors can remain safe, confident, and independent in their own homes.

At Maxona Care, we help families across Waterloo, Cedar Falls, Hudson, and all of Black Hawk County create safe living environments — combining professional home assistance with compassionate care that keeps seniors steady and supported.

Why Fall Prevention Matters

Falls aren’t just accidents; they can have lasting effects on confidence, mobility, and overall health.
Even minor falls can lead to:

• Fractures or sprains

• Reduced independence and physical activity

• Increased fear of falling again

• Hospitalization or long recovery periods

Preventing falls means more than avoiding injury — it means protecting quality of life, ensuring seniors continue to live comfortably and actively at home.

1. Start with a Home Safety Assessment

The first step toward preventing falls is identifying hazards that might be overlooked in daily life.

Look around your home (or your loved one’s home) and ask:

• Are floors clutter-free?

• Are rugs secured or slipping?

• Is lighting bright enough in hallways and bathrooms?

• Are stairs clear and easy to climb?

• Are pathways wide and unobstructed?

Maxona Care caregivers are trained to spot potential fall risks and make practical recommendations during every visit — from rearranging furniture to ensuring high-traffic areas are safe and well-lit.

2. Improve Lighting Throughout the Home

Poor lighting is one of the top causes of household falls.
To prevent this:

• Add bright LED bulbs in hallways, bathrooms, and bedrooms.

• Install nightlights for safe movement after dark.

• Ensure light switches are easily reachable from doorways and beds.

• Consider motion-sensor lighting in high-risk areas like stairs or entryways.

A well-lit home builds confidence and helps seniors move safely — day or night.

3. Eliminate Common Tripping Hazards

Even small items can create major risks.
Do a simple walk-through and:

• Remove loose rugs or use non-slip backing.

• Keep floors and pathways clear of cords, shoes, and clutter.

• Rearrange furniture for easy movement with mobility aids.

• Make sure pet toys, low furniture, or uneven thresholds aren’t in the way.

If mobility or vision challenges make it hard to maintain clutter-free spaces, Maxona Care offers light housekeeping and home organization assistance to help maintain a safe, accessible environment.

4. Add Grab Bars and Handrails Where Needed

Falls often happen in bathrooms or on stairs — areas that require stability.
Simple installations can make a big difference:

• Grab bars near toilets and inside showers

• Non-slip mats in tubs or on wet floors

• Handrails on both sides of stairways

• Sturdy chairs with armrests for sitting or standing safely

If you’re unsure where to install safety features, Maxona Care can refer families to local home modification specialists or aging-in-place contractors right here in Iowa.

5. Focus on Footwear and Mobility Aids

Shoes and mobility devices play a major role in fall prevention.
Encourage your loved one to:

• Wear non-slip, supportive shoes (avoid loose slippers or socks)

• Have canes and walkers fitted by a professional

• Replace worn rubber tips or grips regularly

• Use mobility aids consistently — not just “when they feel weak”

Maxona Care caregivers can remind clients to use mobility devices correctly and provide steady physical support during daily routines.

6. Keep Frequently Used Items Within Reach

Reaching too high or bending too low can lead to imbalance.
Reorganize shelves and cabinets so that essentials — dishes, medications, clothing — are at waist or shoulder height.

Our caregivers assist with home organization and safe storage, ensuring seniors don’t strain or climb to get what they need.

7. Encourage Gentle Exercise and Balance Training

Strength, flexibility, and balance decline naturally with age — but exercise can help.
Activities like:

• Chair yoga

• Tai chi

• Walking or stretching routines

• Light resistance training

These build confidence, coordination, and muscle strength.

Maxona Care caregivers can encourage safe movement, accompany seniors on short walks, or remind them to do approved exercises recommended by their doctor or physical therapist.

8. Manage Medications Carefully

Certain medications — especially those for blood pressure, sleep, or anxiety — can cause dizziness or balance issues.
Always review prescriptions with a doctor or pharmacist and watch for side effects like fatigue or confusion.

Our caregivers provide gentle medication reminders and help monitor how new medications affect daily comfort and alertness.

9. Schedule Regular Vision and Hearing Checks

Changes in vision or hearing can increase fall risk, especially when navigating stairs or uneven surfaces.
Encourage seniors to:

• Have annual eye exams

• Update glasses or contact prescriptions as needed

• Consider hearing aids if balance issues arise

Better perception means better confidence and fewer accidents.

10. Have a Fall Plan in Place

Even with precautions, falls can happen — and preparation can reduce panic and harm.

• Keep phones or emergency devices within easy reach.

• Program ICE (In Case of Emergency) contacts into phones.

• Teach seniors how to safely get up or call for help after a fall.

• Consider wearable alert systems for added security.

At Maxona Care, caregivers are trained to respond calmly and appropriately to any fall-related emergencies — and to keep families updated right away.

How Maxona Care Supports Fall Prevention in the Home

Fall prevention isn’t just about equipment — it’s about awareness, confidence, and consistent support.

Our caregivers help seniors stay safe by:

• Assisting with mobility and transfers

• Keeping walkways clear and well-organized

• Encouraging safe habits and proper use of assistive devices

• Observing for changes in balance, fatigue, or coordination

• Offering companionship and reassurance, which helps reduce anxiety about moving

We believe independence and safety go hand in hand — and our role is to make both possible.

Client Story: “Mom Feels Safe at Home Again”

“After my mother fell in her kitchen, she became afraid to move around alone. Maxona Care helped rearrange her home, installed grab bars, and sent a caregiver who walks with her every morning. Mom is confident again — and I know she’s safe.”
— Karen L., Waterloo, IA

Local Resources for Fall Prevention in Iowa

Families in Black Hawk County can access additional fall-prevention resources and community support through:

• Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging (NEI3A) – Safety assessments and wellness programs

• UnityPoint Health – Waterloo – Balance and mobility clinics

• Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) – Home safety resources for seniors

• Black Hawk County Public Health – Community education on fall risk and prevention

Maxona Care works closely with these organizations to ensure families receive the best information, tools, and care possible.

Conclusion: Safe Homes, Confident Seniors

A few small changes can make a big impact on your loved one’s comfort and safety.
With the right plan — and the right care partner — you can help your aging family member live independently without fear of falling.

At Maxona Care, we’re proud to support Iowa families in creating safe, happy homes for their loved ones.
Together, we can build an environment where seniors don’t just stay safe — they thrive.

📞 Contact Maxona Care today for a free home safety consultation or in-home support assessment.
Proudly serving Waterloo, Cedar Falls, Hudson, Evansdale, and all of Black Hawk County.

🌐 Visit www.maxonacare.com
Maxona Care — Compassionate Care in Action, Right at Home.