Preventing falls at home: start with everyday steps together
From clearing walkways and improving lighting to preparing questions for a medical appointment, draw on US CDC fall-prevention information and discuss what support suits your health and home.
Machine translation of our Chinese article, without human translation review. Suggestions concerning China remain specific to China.
Chinese fact summaries and suggestions for China (not a full translation)
Original: Preventing Falls and Hip Fractures | Older Adult Fall Prevention | CDC · Original language: en
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Facts from the sources
The US CDC states that hip fractures are among the serious injuries caused by falls. View source
Many people can no longer live independently after a hip fracture. View source
The webpage recommends asking a doctor or healthcare provider about a falls risk assessment and specific prevention measures. View source
The webpage recommends asking a doctor or pharmacist to review medicines for those that might cause dizziness or drowsiness, including prescription and non-prescription medicines. View source
The webpage recommends asking a doctor or healthcare provider about taking vitamin D supplements. View source
The webpage recommends screening for osteoporosis and receiving treatment when needed. View source
The webpage recommends exercises that improve leg strength and balance, and gives tai chi as a good example. View source
The webpage recommends having an eye examination by an eye doctor at least once a year and updating glasses when needed. View source
The webpage notes that bifocal or progressive lenses can sometimes affect depth perception, and suggests considering advice on single-vision distance glasses for outdoor activities. It does not require everyone to change glasses. View source
The webpage recommends removing items that could cause trips. View source
The webpage lists grab rails in the bathroom and near the toilet, and handrails on both sides of stairs, as measures to prevent falls at home. View source
The webpage recommends ensuring adequate lighting at home by adding or improving lights. View source
For older people and families
Look at your usual routes through the home together with your family. Remove clutter that could cause trips and keep the routes clear.
Check whether you can see clearly in corridors, the bathroom and similar places. Have electrical and lighting installation work carried out by professionals.
Before adding grab rails or stair handrails, ask a professional to assess the walls, location and installation method on site. Do not carry out the work yourself based on pictures.
If you are concerned about falls, write down your difficulties and ask a doctor about risk assessment and prevention methods suited to you.
Bring a list of all your medicines, including non-prescription products, to your appointment for a doctor or pharmacist to review. Do not stop or change medicines or start supplements on your own.
Add questions about exercise, osteoporosis screening and vision checks to your appointment checklist. Professionals should determine the frequency and plan for your individual circumstances.
If bifocal or progressive lenses make walking unclear or difficult to adjust to, consult an eye-care or optical fitting professional. Do not change your lens plan on your own.
See what care and community teams can do
During home visits, first record the older person’s preferences, walking habits and specific difficulties. Distinguish environmental issues from matters requiring medical assessment.
Prepare a checklist of needs relating to walkways, lighting and grab rails. Construction plans must meet current Chinese requirements and follow an on-site assessment. Do not infer dimensions or load capacity from AI images.
Agree referral arrangements with local healthcare providers. Appropriate professionals should assess medication, vision, osteoporosis and exercise suitability.
Explain to families where the overseas guidance applies. Suggestions for China are compiled by this site; do not directly adopt US statistics, examination frequencies or service systems.
What needs local assessment
This content is based on a US CDC webpage published on January 27, 2026. Its data mainly concern the United States and do not fully represent mainland China. Consult a licensed doctor or pharmacist in mainland China about all medical suggestions, including medication changes, vitamin D supplements, osteoporosis screening and eye examinations. For home adaptations such as slip-resistant surfaces or grab rails, professional organisations must assess the site and design load capacities, slip-resistance grades and dimensions. This content does not provide construction specifications. It is for general information and cannot replace professional diagnosis or treatment. Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The original materials are freely available on the CDC website. This site and its suggestions for China are not endorsed by the CDC, HHS or the US government. Their images and logos have not been reproduced.
Sources
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Was this article helpful?
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