At Maucare, we believe true care begins at home. But for many of our elderly loved ones, home can quietly become a place of hidden dangers. Slips, trips, and falls are some of the most common causes of injury for older adults in the UK. And while many families assume a fall is “just one of those things,” the consequences can be life-altering—or even life-threatening.

The Reality of Falls at Home

According to Age UK, one in three people over 65 will fall at least once a year. For those aged over 80, that risk rises to one in two. Falls can lead to broken bones, hospitalisation, and a significant loss of confidence. But what’s less often discussed is the emotional toll—on the person who falls and the family around them.

At MauCare, we’ve supported countless families after a loved one’s fall. It’s a turning point that often leads to big questions: “Is it still safe for Mum to live on her own?” “Should we consider a care home?” These are difficult decisions. But the truth is, many falls can be prevented—and with the right support, many older adults can remain safe and happy in the homes they love.

Why Falls Happen: Common Risk Factors

Understanding why falls happen is the first step to preventing them. Here are some of the most common causes:

• Poor lighting: Dim corridors and stairwells are a major hazard.

• Loose carpets and rugs: Even a small fold can cause a trip.

• Cluttered walkways: Bags, shoes, or furniture can become obstacles.

• Poor footwear: Slippers without grip or shoes that don’t fit properly increase risk.

• Medication side effects: Dizziness, drowsiness, and balance issues can be triggered by certain drugs.

• Lack of physical activity: Weakened muscles and poor balance make falls more likely.

• Unassessed mobility needs: Walking frames, sticks, or grab rails may be needed but not yet in place.

At MauCare, we often start our care with a thorough risk assessment in the home. This isn't just a checklist. It's a conversation—with the client and their family—about what feels safe, what doesn’t, and what can be done better.

Our Approach at MauCare

Our ethos is "For You, With You". This means we don’t just tick boxes—we listen. We walk through your loved one’s home and daily routine, looking at everything from the height of the bed to how they reach their favourite mug in the cupboard.

We also believe in education. Many families don’t know that they can request an Occupational Therapy (OT) assessment through their GP or local council. They don’t know that grab rails can be installed for free in some cases. And they often don’t know the early signs of mobility decline until a fall has already happened.

That’s where we come in—not just as carers, but as guides. We take that pressure off families and work alongside them to find the right solutions.

Practical Tips for Fall Prevention

Here are some tried-and-tested fall prevention strategies we recommend and use in the homes of our clients:

1. Declutter Thoroughly

Remove anything that creates a trip hazard. That includes:

• Cables across walkways
• Low furniture or footstools
• Loose rugs (or secure them properly with anti-slip pads)

2. Improve Lighting

Ensure there’s adequate lighting in every room, especially:

• Hallways
• Staircases
• The bathroom (consider night lights)

3. Secure the Bathroom

The bathroom is one of the most dangerous places for falls. We suggest:

• Grab rails near the toilet and in the shower
• Non-slip mats in the bath and on the floor
• A raised toilet seat if needed

4. Review Footwear

Ensure shoes and slippers:

• Fit snugly
• Have a non-slip sole
• Are not worn out or loose

5. Keep Frequently Used Items Accessible

Avoid the need to climb or stretch by placing:

• Kettles, mugs, medication, and food at waist height
• A reacher or grabber tool nearby

6. Monitor Medication

Ask the GP or pharmacist for a medication review to reduce:

• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Dehydration risks

7. Encourage Movement

Even gentle activity helps:

• Improve balance
• Strengthen muscles
• Maintain confidence

At MauCare, we often provide companionship calls that include walking in the garden, light seated exercises, or gentle stretches that keep clients active and engaged.

When a Fall Does Happen

Even with the best prevention, falls can still happen. What matters is how we respond.

When one of our clients experiences a fall, we follow clear procedures. We:

• Check for injuries and call emergency services if needed
• Notify family members immediately
• Record the incident in detail for transparency
• Review the care plan and home environment to prevent future risks

But we also take care of the emotional aftermath. Many elderly people lose confidence after a fall and may withdraw or become afraid of moving around their home. We work patiently to rebuild that confidence—because independence isn’t just physical. It’s psychological, too.

Living Safely at Home: Not Just Possible, but Preferred

Many care providers focus on care homes as the ultimate solution. At MauCare, we believe that, where possible, home is best. It’s where memories live. Where routine comforts reside. Where identity feels most intact.

Through services ranging from 30-minute check-ins to 24-hour live-in care and even supported living, we tailor each package to suit the real needs—not just the budget—of our clients and we continually adapt. As needs change, so does the support. We don’t box people into rigid categories. We meet them where they are.

One of our clients, an 89-year-old man living alone, was initially told by hospital staff he needed residential care. His daughter promised him he’d stay at home. She came to us in tears, unsure how to make that happen. With a carefully introduced package of live-in care, he stayed in his home—and he didn’t just survive, he thrived. What was expected to be a week of life turned into a full year of laughter, routine, and love.

Final Thoughts from Shweta

When I founded MauCare, I wanted to build a care company that felt like a family looking after other people’s families. And a big part of that is making sure people can stay safely in the homes they love.

Fall prevention isn’t about wrapping people in cotton wool. It’s about giving them the tools and support to stay confident, mobile, and independent for as long as possible. It’s about honesty, planning, and compassion. And above all, it’s about doing care the right way—from the heart.

If you’re worried about someone in your life—if they’ve become more unsteady, if they’ve had a near miss, or if you’re just not sure what the safest option is—reach out. We’re not here to sell. We’re here to help. Because no one should feel alone in these decisions.