In a home safety assessment for a stroke survivor with left-sided weakness, which change reduces fall risk?

• A. Remove scatter rugs and keep walkways clear
• B. Install decorative lighting in every room
• C. Keep cords and clutter along pathways
• D. Use walkers without brakes

Answer: (A)

Reducing fall risk for someone after a stroke with left-sided weakness hinges on removing environmental hazards that can cause trips and imbalance. Scatter rugs are a common tripping hazard; they can bunch, slip, or curl under a foot, which is especially dangerous when one side is weaker. Removing them and keeping walkways clear creates a flat, unobstructed path, helping the person move more safely and confidently with or without a mobility aid. While good lighting matters for visibility, it doesn't directly eliminate trips like loose rugs do. Cords and clutter along pathways add hazards, and using a walker without brakes removes a key safety feature that helps control movement, increasing the chance of a fall. So the change that most effectively reduces fall risk is removing scatter rugs and keeping walkways clear.