Housing

Falls prevention: Where home, health, and relationships meet

Rebuilding Together Minnesota, offers a range of home safety and modification services to help prevent falls and injuries at home

Fraser Breon
Updated: October 13, 2026 - 1:02 pm
Rebuilding Together Minnesota worker / Photo provided by RTMN

Each September, as summer turns to fall, the National Council on Aging (NCOA) leads Falls Prevention Awareness Week. This year’s observance ran September 21–25. Health and housing professionals across the country use the week to raise awareness of common risk factors for falls and the best ways to prevent injuries.

Whether you’re thinking about your own healthy aging or worried about a family member, it helps to know that falls are common, serious, and costly. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries for adults 65 and older, and more than one in four older adults falls each year. Older adults’ falls lead to about 4.5 million emergency room visits annually. Common injuries include broken bones, such as wrist, arm, ankle, and hip fractures, as well as head and brain injuries.

Even the fear of falling can cause harm. Many older adults who are afraid of falling cut back on everyday activities, which leaves them weaker and more likely to fall. The good news is that many falls can be prevented. So what can we do to help our older friends, family members, and neighbors live more safely? The recommendations center on three areas: home maintenance, health management, and relationships. At Rebuilding Together Minnesota, we offer a range of home safety and modification services to help prevent falls and injuries at home.

Fixing exterior lighting / Photo by RTMN

Home maintenance

Falls most often happen on poorly lit or hazardous walkways, getting in and out of the bath or shower, and going up and down stairs. Tripping hazards like broken or uneven steps, raised thresholds between rooms, and clutter all increase the chance of a fall. As we age and lose some strength and balance, everyday tasks like climbing stairs and bathing get harder, especially when water and slippery surfaces are involved.

Through Rebuilding Together Minnesota’s Safe at Home Program, eligible clients can receive:

  • New motion-sensor lights around exterior stairs and doorways, plus new light bulbs inside the home as needed
  • Floor threshold replacements to remove tripping hazards between rooms
  • Anti-slip treads on stairs and in high-traffic areas
  • Grab bars, handrails, and shower chairs for safer bathrooms and stairways
  • In some cases, full tub-to-shower conversions

All of these services aim to prevent falls by making the home safer while helping older adults stay independent as they age in place. Safe at Home also provides ramps and fire safety equipment, including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and fire blankets.

Health management

Poor balance, reduced strength, and vision problems are common health-related causes of falls. That’s why older adults are encouraged to take part in programs that build balance, strength, and flexibility. A physical therapy routine through your doctor or a class at a local gym or community center can both help prevent falls. Keeping eyeglass prescriptions and hearing aids up to date helps too.

Medications are another key factor, since many affect balance, energy, blood pressure, and more. Even some over-the-counter medicines can make you less steady on your feet. Talk regularly with your doctor about how your medications affect your day-to-day life, and take them as prescribed. Be honest, ask questions, and take notes as needed.

Relationships

As more adults choose to age in place, staying connected to one’s community matters more than ever. Beyond regular contact with doctors and exercise groups, having friends or family who can help with errands, offer care, or simply stop by to check in can make all the difference. Social connection supports both mental and physical wellness for older adults and helps ensure they have the support they need.

Apply Now

If you or someone you know could benefit from home modifications to help prevent falls, reach out to Rebuilding Together Minnesota. Our application window is now open and runs through December 31, 2026. Visit our Resource Page for more services that support safe, healthy living for older adults, people with disabilities, families, and veterans. Learn more at www.rtmn.org or call (651) 776-4273.

Fraser Breon is the Marketing Coordinator at Rebuilding Together Minnesota.