Preventing Falls at Home: A Guide for Seniors in Omaha and Surrounding Areas

Preventing Falls at Home: A Guide for Seniors in Omaha and Surrounding Areas

Why Fall Prevention Matters for Omaha Seniors

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury among seniors. In fact, according to the CDC, 1 in 4 older adults falls each year—and the risks increase with age. For seniors living in Omaha, Bellevue, Papillion, and surrounding Nebraska communities, fall prevention is not just about safety—it’s about independence, confidence, and quality of life.

At XTRAKARE, we specialize in helping older adults stay safe at home through personalized in-home care services, including fall risk assessments and safety planning.

Understanding Fall Risks: Common Causes for Seniors

While anyone can slip and fall, seniors face unique challenges that increase their risk. Some of the most common contributors to falls include:

  • Poor balance or muscle weakness

  • Vision or hearing loss

  • Medications causing dizziness

  • Tripping hazards (like loose rugs or clutter)

  • Chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, or stroke recovery

  • Lack of grab bars, railings, or proper lighting in the home

Many of these risks can be addressed with a combination of home modifications, preventative care, and professional support.

Omaha Home Safety Tips for Fall Prevention

Whether your loved one lives in a house, apartment, or assisted living setting, these safety tips can drastically reduce the risk of falling:

1. Make the Home Fall-Proof

  • Install grab bars in bathrooms, especially near toilets and showers.

  • Use non-slip mats in tubs and on tile floors.

  • Remove throw rugs or secure them with non-skid backing.

  • Clear walkways of cords, shoes, and clutter.

  • Add night lights to bedrooms, bathrooms, and hallways.

2. Ensure Proper Lighting

  • Replace dim bulbs with brighter, energy-efficient LEDs.

  • Consider motion-activated lights for nighttime trips to the bathroom.

3. Encourage the Use of Assistive Devices

  • Provide walkers or canes as needed.

  • Use reacher tools for picking up items without bending.

  • Ensure shoes have good grip and fit well.

4. Review Medications

  • Some prescriptions can cause drowsiness or light-headedness.

  • Have a caregiver or nurse review medications with a doctor or pharmacist.

How In-Home Care Helps Prevent Falls

At XTRAKARE, we understand that each senior has unique mobility needs. Our trained caregivers in Omaha and nearby areas like Ralston, La Vista, and Council Bluffs provide:

  • Supervised mobility assistance

  • Personal care support (bathing, dressing, toileting)

  • Medication reminders to avoid missed or double doses

  • Meal prep and hydration monitoring

  • Home safety checks and fall risk assessments

Caregivers can also help seniors stay physically active with safe exercise routines to improve balance and strength—two major factors in reducing falls.

Recognizing When a Loved One May Be at Risk

Some early signs that a senior may be at higher risk of falling include:

  • Difficulty standing up from a chair or bed

  • Holding onto furniture while walking

  • Shuffling feet or having an unsteady gait

  • Recent unexplained bruises or minor falls

  • Fear of walking alone

If you notice these warning signs, it may be time to seek help. Preventing a fall is always better than treating a fall-related injury.

Local Resources in Omaha for Fall Prevention

If you're looking for community help, here are some valuable resources in the Omaha area:

  • Nebraska Department on Aging – Fall prevention workshops and wellness classes.

  • Aging Partners of Eastern Nebraska – Home safety checks and mobility aid referrals.

  • CHI Health & Methodist Hospital Systems – Physical therapy and fall recovery support.

  • Senior Centers in Bellevue, Papillion, and Millard – Offer senior fitness and balance classes.

Why Omaha Families Choose XTRAKARE

Families across Omaha and surrounding areas trust XTRAKARE because we prioritize safety, dignity, and personalized care. Our caregivers are trained to spot hazards before they become emergencies, and we work closely with families to adapt care plans as needs change.

We serve:

  • Omaha

  • Bellevue

  • Papillion

  • La Vista

  • Ralston

  • Elkhorn

  • Council Bluffs

  • And nearby towns throughout Douglas and Sarpy Counties

Free Fall Prevention Checklist

Need a quick way to assess your loved one’s home?

👉 [Download Our Free Fall Prevention Home Checklist] to evaluate every room of your home and reduce risks today.

Let’s Keep Your Loved One Safe at Home

Fall prevention doesn’t have to be complicated—but it does require attention and care. Whether your family is just starting to look for support or ready to bring in help today, XTRAKARE is here for you.

🟩 Call us at 531-325-7170 or Schedule a Free Home Safety Consultation
🟩 Care that’s local. Trusted. Personalized.

XTRAKARE | In-Home Senior Care Services in Omaha and Surrounding Areas
Keeping your loved ones safe, one step at a time.

Back to blog