Preventing Falls at Home in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Falls are a major cause of injury for older adults in Grand Rapids and across Michigan. With our icy winters, wet springs, and changing seasons, it’s especially important for older adults in West Michigan to make their homes as safe as possible.

How Common Are Falls in Older Adults?

Across Michigan and the U.S., falls are the leading cause of injury-related emergency visits and hospitalizations for adults age 65 and older. National data show that about 1 in 3 adults over 65 will fall at least once each year, and women are more likely than men to be hospitalized after a fall.

In Grand Rapids and Kent County, emergency departments at Spectrum Health (Corewell Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health regularly see older adults with:

  • Hip and wrist fractures
  • Head injuries
  • Shoulder dislocations
  • Chest and rib injuries
  • Sprains, bruises, and skin tears

Many falls do not cause serious injury, but they can lead to:

  • Fear of falling
  • Loss of confidence
  • Avoiding activities and social events
  • Loss of independence

The good news: most falls can be prevented with the right steps at home and regular medical care.

Why Older Adults in Grand Rapids Are at Higher Risk of Falls

As we age, normal changes in the body can increase fall risk:

  • Poor or changing eyesight
  • Slower reaction time
  • Balance problems
  • Cognitive changes (memory or thinking issues)
  • Numbness or reduced sensation in the feet and legs
  • Weaker muscles and stiffer joints

Health Conditions and Medications

Certain health issues and treatments can make falls more likely:

  • New or worsening medical conditions
  • Side effects from medicines (especially if you take 5 or more)
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Low blood pressure when standing
  • Incontinence (rushing to the bathroom)
  • Foot pain or deformities
  • Low vitamin D or calcium, which weakens bones

Michigan Weather and Outdoor Hazards

Living in Grand Rapids brings specific fall risks:

  • Ice and snow on driveways, sidewalks, and steps
  • Wet leaves in the fall
  • Moss, lichen, and algae on shaded walkways
  • Glare from sun on snow, water, or wet pavement

Home Hazards

Common home dangers include:

  • Loose rugs and mats
  • Cluttered walkways and dark hallways
  • Uneven or slippery floors
  • Poor lighting, especially at night
  • Unstable chairs or beds
  • No grab bars in the bathroom
  • Stairs without railings

Step 1: Talk to Your Doctor in Grand Rapids

If you:

  • Feel unsteady
  • Have had a recent fall (even without injury)
  • Feel dizzy or lightheaded

schedule an appointment with your primary care provider at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health, or your local clinic.

Ask about:

  • A fall risk assessment
  • Reviewing your medications (including over-the-counter and supplements)
  • Managing chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or low blood pressure
  • Dizziness, incontinence, or balance problems
  • Bone health (calcium and vitamin D levels)

Many Grand Rapids health systems offer falls and balance clinics or physical therapy programs specifically for older adults.

Step 2: Improve Safety Inside Your Grand Rapids Home

Improve Lighting

Good lighting is essential, especially in winter when days are shorter.

  • Make sure halls, stairways, and entrances are well lit
  • Add night-lights between the bedroom and bathroom
  • Use plug-in night-lights in the bathroom and near any internal steps
  • Consider motion-sensor lights for hallways and stairways
  • Use energy-efficient bulbs (12 watts or higher equivalent CFL/LED)

Reduce glare during the day by using sheer blinds or curtains on bright windows and glass doors.

Remove Clutter and Trip Hazards

  • Keep walkways, hallways, and stairs clear of clutter
  • Move cords, cables, and small furniture out of walking paths
  • Store frequently used items within easy reach (waist to shoulder height)
  • Repair or replace carpets with worn areas, holes, or loose threads

Make Rugs and Floors Safer

  • Remove loose rugs if possible
  • If you keep rugs, secure them with non-slip backing or adhesive strips
  • Use non-slip mats in the bathroom and kitchen
  • Avoid highly polished or waxed floors
  • Wipe up spills immediately

Safer Furniture and Layout

  • Use sturdy chairs with arms to help you sit and stand
  • Make sure beds are the right height to get in and out easily
  • Avoid furniture with sharp corners in high-traffic areas
  • Arrange furniture to create wide, clear walking paths

Bathroom Safety

Bathrooms are a common place for falls, especially in colder weather when floors may be chilly and slippery.

  • Install grab bars near the toilet and inside and outside the shower or tub
    • Do not use towel rails as grab bars—they are not strong enough
  • Use non-slip mats or treatments on tiles and in the tub or shower
  • Consider a shower chair or bench and a hand-held showerhead
  • Make sure the bathroom is well lit, including at night

Stairs and Steps

  • Install handrails on both sides of indoor stairs if possible
  • Make sure steps are well lit
  • Use contrasting tape or paint on the edge of steps to make them easier to see

Step 3: Improve Safety Outside Your Grand Rapids Home

Outdoor safety is critical in West Michigan, especially in winter and during rainy seasons.

Keep Paths and Entrances Safe

  • Clear away garden tools, hoses, and clutter from walkways
  • Sweep paths regularly to remove leaves and debris
  • Remove moss, lichen, and algae that make paths slippery when wet
  • Repair broken, uneven, or cracked paths, patios, and steps
  • Add non-slip treads to outdoor steps

If sidewalks near your home are cracked or hazardous, you can report them to the City of Grand Rapids or your local township.

Lighting and Visibility

  • Make sure outside steps and entrances are well lit
  • Install motion-sensor lights at doors and along main paths
  • Mark the leading edge of outside steps with bright or white paint

Winter and Weather Precautions

  • Use salt, sand, or ice-melt products on driveways and walkways
  • Ask family, neighbors, or a snow-removal service for help clearing snow and ice
  • Wear sunglasses and a brimmed hat to reduce sun glare from snow or wet surfaces

Avoid High-Risk Activities

  • Avoid using ladders; ask for help with tasks like:
    • Reaching high shelves
    • Cleaning gutters
    • Changing light bulbs
  • If you must reach something overhead, use a stable step stool with a handrail and have someone nearby to assist.

Step 4: Choose Safe Clothing and Footwear

What to Wear at Home

  • Avoid long clothing that drags on the floor (such as long robes or pants)
  • Do not walk around in just socks or loose slippers
  • Choose shoes that:
    • Fit well and are comfortable
    • Are wide enough in the toe area
    • Have low or no heels
    • Have slip-resistant soles

Protective Gear

If you are at high risk for falls or have fragile bones, ask your doctor about:

  • Hip protectors
  • Limb protectors to reduce the risk of fractures and skin tears

Step 5: Stay Active and Build Strength in Grand Rapids

Research shows that exercise at any age helps reduce the risk of falls by improving:

  • Strength
  • Balance
  • Flexibility
  • Coordination

Types of Helpful Exercise

  • Balance and strength exercises
  • Tai chi
  • Home exercise programs designed by a physical therapist
  • Gentle group exercise classes for older adults

In Grand Rapids, check with:

  • Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health for senior fitness and balance programs
  • Local senior centers and community centers for walking groups or low-impact classes
  • Local gyms that offer programs tailored for older adults

Always check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program.

A physiotherapist or physical therapist can design a personalized exercise plan to match your health, fitness level, and goals.

Step 6: Look After Your Overall Health

Routine Health Checks

Stay up to date with:

  • Annual physical exams
  • Blood pressure checks
  • Vision and hearing tests
  • Medication reviews
  • Bone health assessments (including vitamin D and calcium levels)

Vision and Foot Care

  • Have your eyes tested regularly and update your glasses as needed
  • See a podiatrist (foot specialist) if you have foot pain, deformities, or difficulty finding comfortable shoes

Nutrition and Hydration

  • Eat a balanced diet with enough protein, calcium, and vitamin D
  • Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day (dehydration can cause dizziness and confusion)

Medication Management

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about:

  • Side effects that may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or confusion
  • Interactions between multiple medications
  • Whether any medicines can be reduced or changed

Step 7: Plan for Emergencies at Home

Fire and Safety Equipment

  • Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and test them regularly
  • Keep a fire extinguisher or fire blanket in an easy-to-reach location
  • Have an emergency plan and let family or caregivers know where safety items are stored

Personal Alarms and Phones

Consider:

  • A personal emergency response system (medical alert device)
  • Keeping a phone where you can reach it from the floor (for example, on a low table or in a pocket)
  • Checking in regularly with family, friends, or neighbors

What to Do If You Fall at Home

If You Can Get Up by Yourself

  1. Stay calm and don’t rush.

    • Lie still for a few moments and take slow breaths.

  2. Check for pain or injury.

    • If you feel severe pain in your hip, back, head, or chest, or if you cannot move a limb, do not try to get up. Call 911.

  3. If you feel able to get up:

    • Roll onto your side
    • Roll onto your stomach
    • Get into a crawling position on your hands and knees
    • Crawl to a sturdy piece of furniture (such as a couch or heavy chair)
    • Place your hands on the furniture and bring one foot flat on the floor
    • Push up with your arms and your strongest leg until you are standing or sitting on the furniture
    • Sit and rest before you move again

  4. Call your doctor as soon as possible to:

    • Check for injuries
    • Review whether there was a medical cause for the fall

If You Cannot Get Up

  1. Try to get help:

    • Use your personal alarm if you have one
    • Call 911 if you can reach a phone
    • Bang on the floor, wall, or a nearby object (like a walking stick) to attract attention

  2. Stay warm and comfortable:

    • If possible, move or crawl onto a rug or carpeted area
    • Use clothing, towels, or blankets to keep warm

  3. Do not try to stand if it is too painful or you feel very weak.

    • Stay as comfortable as you can until help arrives

  4. After any fall, even if you feel fine, see your doctor to check for injuries and review your fall risk.

Local Resources for Fall Prevention in Grand Rapids

If you live in Grand Rapids or Kent County, you can find help through:

  • Primary Care Providers and Clinics

    • Spectrum Health (Corewell Health)
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health
    • Mercy Health

  • Kent County Health Department & Grand Rapids Public Health

    • Information on senior health, fall prevention, and community programs

  • Local Physical Therapy and Balance Clinics

    • Ask your doctor for a referral to a falls and balance program

  • Senior and Community Centers

    • Many offer walking groups, exercise classes, and fall-prevention workshops

In an emergency, always call 911.

Key Points for Preventing Falls at Home in Grand Rapids

  • Falls are common but not inevitable—most can be prevented.
  • Older adults in Grand Rapids face added risks from ice, snow, and wet weather, making home safety especially important.
  • Improving lighting, removing trip hazards, and using non-slip surfaces inside and outside your home can significantly reduce fall risk.
  • Exercise, good nutrition, and managing medications help keep muscles strong and balance steady.
  • Consider hip or limb protectors if you are at high risk of falls.
  • If you fall, don’t ignore it—see your doctor to check for injuries and underlying causes.

By working with your Grand Rapids healthcare team and making simple changes at home, you can stay safer, more confident, and more independent as you age.