CareHelper UK
How to make a home safer after a fall
A calm, practical guide for family carers thinking about home safety after someone has fallen, with signposting to professional support when needed.
A fall can be frightening. After urgent needs have been dealt with, it can help to look gently at what happened and what might reduce future risk.
Check whether medical advice is needed
If someone may have injured their head, back, neck or hip, or cannot get up after a fall, call 999. If they may be injured, in pain or unwell, use NHS 111. Speak to a GP about a fall or concerns about balance or mobility.
Look at where the fall happened
Notice lighting, flooring, footwear, clutter, wet surfaces, steps, and whether the person was rushing or carrying something.
Clear the main routes
Focus first on routes between bed, toilet, kitchen, living area, and the front door. Remove obstacles and make sure frequently used items are easy to reach.
Think about timing and routines
Falls may happen at certain times, such as night-time, after medicines, during washing, or when getting up quickly. Write down any patterns to discuss with a professional.
Ask about professional support
Depending on the situation, a GP, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, pharmacist, or local council service may be able to suggest safer next steps. Check your local council or official services for local support.
Practical checklist
Things you may want to prepare
- Check whether the fall needs emergency, urgent or GP advice.
- Note where and when the fall happened and what may have contributed.
- Clear key walking routes and improve lighting where possible.
- Check wet floors, loose rugs, cables and frequently used items.
- Prepare questions about professional or local support if needed.
When to get official help
Use this guide as general information only. These situations may need current guidance from an official service or a qualified professional.
- Call 999 if someone may have a serious injury, cannot get up safely or is in immediate danger.
- Use NHS 111, a GP or another appropriate health professional for non-emergency concerns after a fall.
- Ask the local council or relevant service about home safety support if falls or mobility concerns continue.
Helpful next step
A manageable action to take today
After any urgent care is addressed, record what happened and review one important route through the home for obvious hazards.
Use the home safety checklistRelated tools
Use a practical tool when it helps you turn this guide into a manageable next step.
Related guides
Keep reading around the same caring task, or return to the full guides library.
FAQs
What should I do before changing the home after a fall?
Make sure urgent health needs are addressed first. Then note where the fall happened, what was nearby and whether lighting, footwear, clutter or timing may have contributed.
Should I remove every possible risk?
No home can be risk-free. Focus on the most-used routes and obvious hazards, and seek professional input for serious or repeated concerns.
Why write down details of the fall?
Specific details can help a GP, pharmacist, physiotherapist or local service understand possible patterns and next steps.
Helpful resources
These pages may help with planning, official support routes or practical next steps.
- Trusted UK resourcesFind official and charity support links for carers in the UK.
- Recommended care suppliesReview common organisation and home-safety items to consider.
- Printable care templatesPreview planning sheets for appointments, medicines and everyday care.
This guide is general information only. It is not medical, legal, financial, or benefits advice. For official guidance, contact NHS, GOV.UK, your GP, your local council, or emergency services when appropriate.