Slip and fall prevention
Sit down while dressing
Have the older person dress on a stable chair instead of balancing on one leg or walking while adjusting clothes.
Last reviewed: 2026-09-12
Why it matters
Putting on trousers, socks, or shoes shifts body weight; sitting reduces loss of balance and falls.
Wrong action
Having the person lift one foot while standing or lean on movable furniture.
Correct action
Use a stable chair in good light and complete each dressing step while seated.
What to do
- Place a stable chair on a dry, clutter-free floor.
- Ensure both feet are supported before dressing.
- Put on secure non-slip footwear before standing slowly.
If something happens
If balance is lost, help the person sit back. After a fall or injury, do not pull them up quickly; follow the care plan and call 999 if serious.
Sources and review
- Department of Health, Elderly Health Service — Management of Spasticity and Contracture in Elderly - Occupational Therapy
Last reviewed: 2026-09-12
This page provides general home-safety information and does not replace medical, legal, electrical, or other professional advice.