Arizona’s Family: How to Fall-Proof a Home for Aging Parents, With Tips From The Perfect Companion’s Leigh Harris
On Arizona’s Family, Leigh Harris, senior caregiving expert at The Perfect Companion, explained how families can fall-proof a home and spot the early warning signs of fall risk in an aging loved one. For Phoenix-area families looking for in-home senior care and fall prevention support for aging parents, her message was clear: act before a fall happens, because one fall can become a crisis that takes a loved one out of the home they want to stay in.
Harris told the show host that the bathroom is where most falls happen in the home. She recommended grab bars both inside and outside the shower, along with a shower chair. She also suggested keeping a basic walker in front of the toilet. Blood pressure can drop when someone stands up after sitting for a long time, so holding on for a moment gives the body a chance to catch up before walking.
She also walked viewers through mobility aids that make getting around safer. Rollators come with brakes and a seat for resting. Three-wheeled rollers are lighter, also have brakes, and fold easily into a car.
Harris said families should watch for shuffling, scuffing feet, or a loved one holding onto walls and furniture to move from room to room. She called these big red flags and encouraged families to ask about close calls before a fall occurs. “We want them to stay in their house as long as possible,” Harris said.
Harris worked as a news anchor at CBS 5 before she became a certified nursing assistant. She made the change after caring for her own parents, when others came into their home to help her family.
The Perfect Companion was founded by former geriatric psychotherapist Jon Siegel. It applies 30 years of clinical insight to a proprietary assessment and matching process that pairs caregivers with clients on both skill and personality. Whether assisting with daily routines, providing meaningful conversation, or supporting wellness, the company combines Ritz-Carlton hospitality with clinical precision, providing preventive and personalized care that supports independence and reduces family burdens before a crisis occurs.
