Home accidents are a major cause of injuries and can result in death. Older people, whose bones are often less dense and more brittle, are especially vulnerable to serious injuries from home accidents. A simple fall that results in a broken bone can become a serious, disabling injury that limits a person's independence. As we age, our sense of sight, touch, hearing, and smell tend to decline. Our physical abilities are reduced, and certain tasks such as stretching, lifting, and bending become more difficult. In addition, we also experience a slowing of judgment and reaction time. As a result, we cannot respond as quickly as when we were younger. These normal changes in perception, physical abilities, and judgment make us more prone to accidents. Simple precautions and adjustments can help ensure a safe, accident-free home.

Use the lists in this section to evaluate your home. Make note of those items or behaviors that you already have. If there are some you do not have, your home may not be as safe as it could be. But by making a few improvements, you can make your home a safer and more comfortable place to live. While the suggestions in this section are for older people, they do apply to all age groups.