Falls are a leading health concern among older adults, often resulting in serious injuries and long-term complications. A simple slip on a slick floor can lead to broken bones, reduced mobility, or even permanent disability. That’s why it’s important for caregivers to understand the causes of falls and how to prevent them.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four adults aged 65 and older falls each year—yet fewer than half report the incident to their doctor. A single fall significantly increases the likelihood of falling again.
The CDC also notes that one in 10 of these falls leads to an injury severe enough to limit daily activities for at least one day. Each year, over three million older adults visit emergency rooms for fall-related injuries, and one million are hospitalized as a result.
Data from the National Institute on Aging highlights that over 95% of hip fractures in older adults are caused by falls. Even more concerning, seniors who have experienced one fall are twice as likely to fall again—making fall prevention an urgent priority.
What conditions cause falls in seniors?
Several factors increase the risk of falls among the elderly. Walking difficulties and balance issues are some of the leading causes, often compounded by lower body weakness. Vitamin D deficiency is another key contributor, as insufficient levels of this nutrient can make seniors more prone to falls.
Vision problems can also play a significant role, causing older adults to miss obstacles in their path. Poorly fitting shoes and foot pain further increase the risk. Additionally, home hazards like loose rugs, clutter, or broken steps can lead to accidental falls.
Medication is another critical factor. Many seniors take multiple prescriptions daily, with side effects that can impair balance and coordination. Antidepressants and sedatives, in particular, may cause confusion, while even over-the-counter medications can affect steadiness and increase the likelihood of falls.
In most cases, more than one condition is responsible for the fall. The greater the number of conditions present in the senior’s home environment, the higher their risk for falling. Conducting in-home fall risk assessments is therefore important to eliminating fall hazards. You can learn more about in-home care services that include fall prevention.
What can caregivers do to prevent falls?
1. Incorporate Exercise
Schedule exercise into the senior’s day. Walking and other weight-bearing exercises slow bone loss from osteoporosis, making the older person’s bones less likely to break in the event of a fall. Gentle exercises, like yoga, tai chi, and Pilates, are ideal for seniors, while strength training improves muscle strength.
2. Schedule Hearing and Vison Tests
Take the elderly individual for a vision and hearing test at least once a year. Even minor changes in vision and hearing are associated with an increased risk of falls. If the senior is prescribed new eyeglasses or contact lenses, give them time to adjust to the eyewear.
3. Modify the Home
Per the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a large majority (79.2%) of emergency room visits due to older adult falls are caused by falls at home. About 20.8% of falls occur outside of the home. It’s critical that caregivers fall-proof the senior’s home to prevent accidents.
Install secure handrails on both sides of the stairs to give seniors balance. Ample lighting should light the older adult’s way at both the top and bottom of the stairs. Motion-sensor lights are good investments, as they prevent the elderly from fumbling with light switches.
Mount grab bars in the bathroom near the toilet, shower, and place non-skid mats on floors that get slippery. Plug in nightlights in the hall so the senior can see when finding their way to the bathroom at night. Alternatively, use a nightlight that turns on automatically in the dark.
Remove electrical cords from walking paths to prevent stumbles and arrange furniture so they do not obstruct the older person’s way. Choose sofas and chairs that allow the elderly to sit down and get up easily. Always keep a list of emergency phone numbers near the phone.
4. Visit the Doctor
If the senior complains of dizziness or confusion upon taking medications, caregivers should take them to the doctor for possible drug adjustments. Seniors should tell their physician if they’ve fallen, as it can alert the doctor to new medical problems or issues with medications that can be remedied.
5. Offer an Assistive Device
Caregivers can significantly improve a senior’s balance by providing them with a cane or walker. However, it’s crucial that the older adult learn how to use them correctly to prevent falls. The assistive device should be the right size for the senior. The wheels on a walker should roll smoothly.
Home Care and Fall Prevention from A Place At Home-Weston
Preventing falls in the elderly is a task for not only family members but professional caregivers. Senior care from A Place At Home-Weston focuses on maintaining the physical, emotional, and social health of the elderly—and our fall prevention services are key to ensuring their safety.
Caregivers identify fall hazards in the home during fall risk assessments. We remove clutter and other trip hazards to improve safety. We are also trained to provide mobility support, like helping the senior safely transfer from a bed to a chair. We instruct on the correct use of canes and walkers.
During hygiene tasks, like bathing and toileting, our caregivers provide stand-by assistance. We establish daily routines so the senior knows what to expect and feels greater stability. Our caregivers encourage exercise to help care recipients improve their balance and stay flexible and strong.
Preventing falls at home starts with compassionate senior care from A Place At Home, in Weston, Florida. Our fall prevention services are included in our home care plans. Schedule a visit to your home and we’ll customize a care plan to support the needs of the senior in your life. Call (954) 335-9284
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any quick ways to tell if my senior parent is at risk of falling?
Yes. If your loved one struggles to rise from a chair without using their hands, cannot stand on one leg for more than five seconds, or walks with noticeable unsteadiness, they may be at higher risk. Our caregivers at A Place At Home – Weston conduct fall risk screenings during initial visits to help identify and address these signs early on.
How does medication increase fall risk—and how can we manage it?
Some medications—especially those used for sleep, anxiety, or blood pressure—can cause dizziness or delayed reactions. Seniors who take four or more prescriptions daily face a significantly higher fall risk. We partner with families to monitor these effects closely and help coordinate with healthcare providers if adjustments are needed.
Are walkers and canes truly effective in preventing falls?
Absolutely—but only if they’re the right size and used properly. A poorly fitted device can do more harm than good. Our team ensures seniors not only receive the appropriate assistive equipment but are also coached on how to use it safely during daily routines. We even help evaluate the home layout to ensure its walker-friendly.