Remove loose rugs and clutter from walkways, install grab bars in the bathroom, ensure stairways and entries are well-lit, wear supportive non-slip footwear indoors, and have a clear, tested plan for winter ice and snow removal on the exterior steps and walkway.
More detail
Falls are one of the most common reasons an older adult ends up hospitalized, and in Milwaukee that risk has a real seasonal spike each winter when ice forms on steps and sidewalks a senior might normally navigate easily the rest of the year. Beyond the physical checklist, ask whether the senior has a way to call for help if they do fall and can't get up -- a medical alert device, a phone kept within reach at all times, or a check-in arrangement with a neighbor or family member on a regular schedule. If falls are already happening with any frequency, that's usually a sign it's time for a broader conversation about whether aging in place is still the safest option, not just a sign to add another grab bar.
