Making the Outside Safe: Why a Fall-Free Yard Matters for Aging in Place at Home

When we think about making a home safe for aging parents or loved ones, our attention often turns to grab bars in the bathroom or non-slip flooring in the kitchen. But what about the front steps, the garden path, or that cracked driveway?

For many older adults, the risk of falling outside the home can be just as dangerous — and far too often overlooked.

Falls are the number one cause of injury-related ER visits for adults over 65, and many of these falls happen just a few steps from the front door. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 37 million falls occur among older adults each year, and outdoor falls account for nearly half of these incidents in mobile, active seniors. The consequences can be life-altering, including head injuries, broken hips, or an abrupt move into a long-term care facility.

Nature Heals — But Only If It's Safe

Spending time outdoors can improve mood, reduce stress, and support physical health — all crucial to aging well. A safe outdoor environment allows older adults to remain engaged with their surroundings, tend to gardens, sit in the sun, or simply enjoy a breeze on the porch.

“Older adults who spend time outdoors tend to report fewer symptoms of depression and better sleep patterns,” said Dr. Natalie Sachs-Ericsson, professor of psychology at Florida State University, in a recent interview published by the American Psychological Association.

Even short exposure to natural light and greenery can have a measurable effect on mental and physical well-being.

Unfortunately, many seniors stay indoors — not because they want to, but because it doesn’t feel safe to step outside.

What Makes a Yard Dangerous?

Here are some of the most common outdoor hazards for older adults:

• Uneven walkways and cracked concrete
• Loose railings or steps without handrails
• Poor outdoor lighting
• Slippery leaves or moss on shaded patios
• High thresholds at doorways
• Garden tools, hoses, or clutter left in pathways

A minor trip in the yard can lead to major consequences. Even healthy, independent older adults are vulnerable. A fall can trigger a rapid health decline, hospital stay, and the need for long-term care services — sometimes permanently.

Many families focus on fall-proofing the bathroom but forget about the porch.” — Dr. Cathy Alessi, a geriatrician with UCLA Health. “The outdoor environment should be part of any serious aging-in-place strategy.

Outdoor Safety Upgrades That Make a Difference

Outdoor surfaces should minimize this risk by using materials designed for traction and stability. Creating a safe exterior doesn’t mean sacrificing curb appeal. Many improvements are simple, affordable, and enhance both beauty and safety.

Consider:

• Installing sturdy railings on steps and ramps
• Replacing cracked walkways with smooth, non-slip surfaces
• Adding motion-sensor lighting for walkways and entrances
• Using raised garden beds for safer access to plants
• Creating shaded seating areas with stable chairs and slip-resistant mats
• Keeping hoses, tools, and decorations off walkways

For seniors living with dementia, secure fencing and gates with alarms can prevent wandering while still allowing for safe time outdoors.

The Role of Caregivers: Take the Outdoors Seriously

If you're helping care for a parent or older loved one, don’t underestimate the value of outdoor time. A stroll in the backyard or sitting outside with a cup of tea can provide emotional relief for both the caregiver and the care recipient.

Professional caregivers can also play a role. Many home care agencies offer companion services that include safe outdoor walks and gardening activities. You can find qualified caregivers near you using the LTC News Caregiver Directory, which lists vetted agencies and caregivers across the U.S.

Caregivers and long-term care facilities can claim a free listing on the LTC News Caregiver Directory and/or upgrade the listing to enhance visibility and highlight your staff and services through the LTC News Directory Business Portal.  

If your loved one has a Long-Term Care Insurance policy, it can help cover the cost of these services — even if care is provided at home. A qualified LTC policy provides benefits for both custodial care and support with daily living activities, including walking supervision, bathing, dressing, and more.

However, LTC Insurance can only be purchased before someone has a need for extended care because of medical udnerwriting. Add an LTC policy to your retirement plan, ideally well before you retire. Seek a qualified LTC Insurance specialist to provide you with accurate quotes from all the top-rated insurance companies that offer long-term care solutions.

Support Aging in Place — Inside and Out

Aging in place is about more than ramps and shower chairs. It’s about preserving a sense of identity, freedom, and connection to the world. Being outdoors, safely and regularly, is essential to that.

Your support can make all the difference. Whether you're an adult child helping your parent remain in their home or a caregiver advocating for better safety practices, don’t stop at the front door. The path to a better quality of life might just start in the garden.

Quick Checklist: Outdoor Safety for Aging in Place

• Repair or replace cracked walkways and steps
• Add handrails, ramps, or threshold bridges
• Install motion-sensor lights
• Create shaded, stable seating areas
• Secure gates or fencing for those with dementia
• Keep outdoor areas free of clutter and tripping hazards
• Schedule regular maintenance and safety checks

Online Resources

• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) – “Older Adult Safety” –  Covers essential home safety advice such as proper lighting, installing handrails, fall reduction, smoke and CO alarms, and fire prevention—easy, actionable steps for caregivers and older adults themselves

• Rebuilding Together – “Safe at Home” Program – A national nonprofit that provides no-cost home modifications like grab bar installations, lighting enhancements, ramps, raised toilets, and more—especially for low-income older adults aiming to age in place.
• Fall Prevention Center of Excellence (FPCE) – Jointly operated by USC and CSU Fullerton, this center provides research-based educational materials, community initiatives, and fall prevention tools focused on environmental modifications for older adults.