Many fall hazards are hiding in plain sight at home, AAOS advises during Falls Prevention Awareness Week

Orthopaedic experts highlight overlooked household hazards and practical steps to help prevent serious fall-related injuries.

ROSEMONT, Ill., Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Most older adults know to watch for icy sidewalks and uneven pavement, but some of the biggest fall risks may be found inside the home. During Falls Prevention Awareness Week, Sept. 21-25, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) is encouraging older adults and their families to take a closer look at overlooked hazards such as loose rugs, poorly lit hallways and hard-to-reach household items that can contribute to serious injuries.

Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among adults 65 and older, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). More than 14 million, or 1 in 4, older adults report falling each year. And while falls are preventable, the age-adjusted fall death rate among older adults increased 21% between 2018 and 2024.

"A fall can happen in a split second, but the injury that comes from it can have a much longer impact," said orthopaedic trauma surgeon Michael F. Githens, MD, FAAOS. "We see older adults with broken wrists, hip fractures and other serious injuries from falls that happen while they're simply going about their day at home. That's why prevention is so important."

Take a room-by-room look at fall risks

Making a home safer doesn't require a major renovation. Start with the rooms and pathways you use every day and look for small changes that can reduce the chance of falling:

• Bedroom and nighttime pathways: Keep floors free of clutter and make clothes and shoes easy to reach. Use nightlights to illuminate the path between the bedroom and bathroom, particularly for middle-of-the-night trips.
• Bathroom: Secure loose rugs with slip-resistant backing and consider installing grab bars on shower walls. Keep the room well-lit, including using a nightlight.
• Stairs and hallways: Remove boxes, cords and other clutter from walkways. Install handrails on both sides of the stairs and make sure halls and stairways are adequately lit.
• Kitchen: Store dishes, cooking equipment and other frequently used items within easy reach rather than climbing or stretching to retrieve them. Clean up liquids, grease, and food spills immediately.
• Living spaces: Arrange furniture to maintain clear walking paths between rooms, and secure loose area rugs with double-sided carpet tape or slip-resistant backing.
• Entryways and outdoor paths: Keep the route between the front door, driveway and mailbox well-lit and free of debris and other tripping hazards.

Families can play an important role in fall prevention, too. Look for hazards that an older loved one may have grown accustomed to or may not recognize as a risk, from a loose rug to children's toys left in a walkway.

Fall prevention extends beyond the home environment. AAOS also encourages older adults to talk with their physicians about medications that may cause fatigue, dizziness or confusion; have regular vision and physical examinations; wear properly fitting shoes with nonskid soles; and participate, when appropriate, in activities that improve strength, balance and coordination.

"Preventing falls isn't about being afraid to move; it's about making it easier to keep moving," Dr. Githens said. "Small changes at home, combined with strength and balance activities, can help older adults stay confident, active and independent. Families can help by looking for risks together before a fall happens."

For more information on reducing fall risks and making your home safer, visit OrthoInfo.org.

About AAOS

With more than 40,000 members, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons is the world's largest medical association of musculoskeletal specialists. AAOS is the trusted leader in advancing musculoskeletal health. It provides the highest-quality, most comprehensive education to help orthopaedic surgeons and allied health professionals at every career level best treat patients in their daily practices. AAOS is the source for information on bone and joint conditions, treatments and related musculoskeletal health care issues, and it leads the health care discussion on advancing quality.

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SOURCE American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons