Uncovering Hidden Safety Risks at Home: 5 Things People Often Miss
- Bec Atiifale
- Mar 3
- 4 min read
Most of us feel safest in our own homes — and for good reason. It’s familiar, comfortable and filled with the routines that shape daily life. But after working in the community for many years now, I’ve learned that even the most well-kept home can have hidden hazards, especially for older adults or anyone living with reduced mobility, balance issues or chronic health conditions.
Here are five common risks that are often overlooked, and simple ways an Occupational Therapist can help make home a safer, more comfortable place to live.
1. The “Almost-Handrail” That Isn’t a Handrail
Towel rails, doorframes, chair backs and even the edge of a vanity often get used for support, even though they’re not designed to take body weight. This is number 1 because I see it so, so often.
Why it’s risky:
Towel rails especially will loosen over time and may fail completely if sudden weight is applied, increasing falls risk. Similarly, relying on door frames, vanity edges and chair backs does not allow for a secure power grip. This results in poor stability if you were to lose your balance and begin to fall.
What can help:
A properly installed grab rail that sits at the right height and angle makes daily tasks like stepping into the shower or getting on and off the toilet much safer. An OT will make sure it’s positioned at a functional height for your needs, to reach your goals.
2. Poor Lighting (Especially at Night)
Many people learn their home layout so well that they forget how dark certain spaces get, especially hallways, bathrooms and entrances.
Why it’s risky:
Reduced vision, rushing to the toilet at night, or changes in depth perception can make dim areas a serious falls hazard.
What can help:
Soft night lights, sensor lighting, smart lighting or brighter globes in frequently used rooms can significantly reduce the risk. These are small fixes that make a big difference.
3. The “Safe” Shower Setup That Isn’t Safe at All
Floor mats that slide, shower chairs without rubber feet, or cluttered shelves can be an accident waiting to happen.
Why it’s risky:
The bathroom is the most common place for falls. Wet surfaces and tight spaces increase the chance of slipping or losing balance.
What can help:
A stable shower chair with rubber feet, slip-resistant flooring, lowered hand held shower hose, correctly placed grab rails and a clear, clutter-free layout. Many people don’t realise how much safer they feel once the right setup is in place.
4. Step Heights That Don’t Meet You Where You Are
A single step at an entryway, into the shower or a small lip at a doorway doesn’t seem like much, until your muscle strength, joint range of movement and balance begin to change over time. Increased pain will further reduce your functional abilities to safely manage the step.
Why it’s risky:
Even a 100–150 mm step can be difficult to judge or lift over, especially when carrying groceries or walking with a frame.
What can help:
A small ramp, handrail, or an alternative entry point might be all that’s needed. Access Matters Occupational Therapy can assess the safest ways to access the spaces within your home and recommend practical solutions that support long-term safety and independence.
5. Furniture Layout That Doesn’t Allow Easy Movement
We arrange our homes for style and comfort, but not necessarily with safe mobility in mind. It’s helpful to understand that as your needs change, the layout of your home may need to change too.
Why it’s risky:
Narrow hallways, kinked rugs, loose cords or a coffee table covered with souvenirs, photos of the grandkids and the latest magazines, can suddenly become obstacles.
What can help:
Simple repositioning, replacing or securing rugs, and decluttering can reduce effort and make moving around the home easier and safer. Sometimes the smallest changes have the greatest impact.
Why These Small Risks Matter
Let’s start with some more recent statistics:
43% of all injury hospitalisations in 2023-2024, were a result of falls.
Females had a higher rate of falls hospitalisation (784.8 per 100,000 population)
6,698 deaths in 2022-2023 were a result of a fall related injury
Males had a higher rate of falls death (20.4 deaths per 100,000 population).
People aged 85 and over were most likely to be injured by falls.
Falls on a level surface from slipping, tripping and stumbling caused the most hospitalisations in 2023–2024 (233.5 per 100,000).
Many falls can be prevented with the right setup. The goal of Occupational Therapy is to keep people living safely, independently and confidently in the place they call home.
If You’re Not Sure Where to Start
A home safety assessment can give you clear, personalised recommendations based on your health, mobility and goals. Whether it’s a simple change or something more involved, Access Matters Occupational Therapy works with you to find practical solutions that fit your lifestyle.
If you’d like support to make your home safer and easier to live in, feel free to reach out to Access Matters Occupational Therapy - I’d love to help.
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