Elderly Fall Prevention and Causes

Small Changes, Big Payoffs

While anyone can accidentally fall, but according to the experts, aging can increase the risk of falling and the severity of resulting injuries. “The risk of falling — and fall-related problems — rises with age,” explains the National Institute on Aging. “More than one in four people age 65 years or older fall each year.” For the elderly, falls can be deadly. “Falls among adults 65 and older caused over 38,000 deaths in 2021, making it the leading cause of injury death for that group,” notes the Centers for Disease Control. 

How to Assist a Patient or Loved One with a Fall

If someone you are caring for begins to feel dizzy, let them sit down on a chair to avoid falling. If they start to fall from a standing position, control the fall and lower the patient to the floor. Do not stop or catch the patient. The head is the most critical part of the body, so make an effort to protect it. 

If they have already fallen, assess their injuries. Check if they are feeling dizzy or weak. Check their breathing, pulse, and blood pressure. If the person is unconscious, does not have a pulse, or does not breathe, call a hospital, and start CPR. Stay with them until professional help arrives.

Remember to remain positive. When a stumble happens, treat it as data, not failure. Ask, “What made this risky?” Wet floor? Low light? Pet underfoot? Adjust the environment based on the lesson. Keep a phone or wearable alert within reach, and consider a lighted path for nighttime.

What can happen when an elderly person falls? 

Although most falls result in slight injuries such as sprains and bruises, some elderly falls can become more serious. These severities include broken hip, pelvis and arm bones, damage to organs such as the kidney or liver or head injuries. On occasion, elderly people who live at home can remain on the floor for long periods of time without being able to signal for help. This can lead to dehydration, hypothermia, pneumonia or other medical problems. And many elderly patients have trouble walking after a fall or recovering mentally. Even more serious falls can result in death in cases where serious head injuries can cause bleeding around the brain. For these reasons it is important to understand why and how elderly people fall and what you can do to prevent this from happening to your loved ones.

Common causes of elderly falls

To understand how to prevent falls in the elderly, we must first look at some of the reasons why falls occur in the first place. 

Medication Side Effects

Oftentimes, prescribed or non-prescribed medication come with side effects like dizziness or drowsiness. Other medicines may deprive patients of proper sleep — leaving them fatigued during the day. Side effects like these make seniors more prone to falling. Seniors and their caregivers should consult with their doctors prior to taking any medication which may make them more prone to falling, in order to fully understand the side effects and potential risks.

Poor Vision 

As eyesight can deteriorate with age, along with it comes the increased risk to trip over things. While a number of the elderly do not have contact lenses, a good number of those who have them have the wrong ones. They should get their eyesight and contact lenses checked once in a while to ensure they are the correct ones. It is also highly recommended for those with poor vision to use a cane or walker to aid them. However, improper use of those devices can also lead to a fall. Individuals must be properly trained on how to use their walking equipment.

Illness

Some types of illnesses like Arthritis and Alzheimer’s may also make an elderly person weak and cause them to lose their balance and cognitive ability. This can lead to regular falls. The treatment given to some of these illnesses could lead to pain which also increases the rate of falling for seniors. Consult with your doctor about precautions you can take to reduce the risks of falls within specific illnesses.

Preventing Falls in the Elderly

But despite the risks, falls aren’t inevitable. Most of these causes are preventable with practical changes that preserve independence. Follow these simple steps to help reduce the risk of falls for your loved one living at home. 

Pay attention to the in-betweens.

Sometimes it’s not certain areas themselves that pose a risk, but the transition from one to another. Start by mapping the riskiest transitions: getting out of bed, walking to the bathroom at night, stepping over thresholds, and using stairs. Improve lighting first—add nightlights along the route to the bathroom and keep a small flashlight by the bed. Replace dim bulbs with brighter, warm LEDs to reduce glare. Encourage a “pause before you rise” routine—sit at the edge of the bed, take three slow breaths, and stand up gradually to prevent dizziness (orthostatic hypotension).

Make sure the coast is clear.

Remove clutter from hallways, secure or remove throw rugs, coil and tape down cords, and keep frequently used items at waist height to avoid stepstools. In the bathroom, install grab bars (not towel bars) near the toilet and in the shower, add a non-slip mat, and consider a shower chair or handheld showerhead for stability.

Start from the ground up.

Choose closed-heel, non-skid shoes that fit well; slippers without structure are tripping hazards. Shoes with rubber soles and a good grip are highly recommended for elderly fall prevention. Slick-soled shoes, slippers which easily come off and laces which easily come undone are not recommended. Shoes should also be comfortable and fit perfectly to reduce imbalance and pain. If a falling risk is high, seniors and caregivers can research “best slippers for elderly to prevent falls” or consult with their doctor for footwear recommendations. 

Stay on the move.

Maintain regular activity—not to push limits, but to maintain strength and balance. Chair exercises, gentle tai chi videos, or short hallway walks build confidence. Hydration prevents low blood pressure and confusion that can lead to falls. For those using mobility aids, ensure the cane or walker is correctly sized and that the person has been shown how to use it (turns and doorways are common trouble spots).

Manage their meds.

Evaluate medications with a clinician or pharmacist, especially sedatives, sleep aids, and drugs that cause dizziness. Ensuring medication is taken properly and safely, without mixing with alcohol or other intoxicants can prevent issues with balance resulting in falls. Vision checks matter too—dirty lenses or outdated prescriptions increase risk.

What to do when Elderly Keep Falling

There are a lot of factors which increase the chances of elderly falls. The first priority when a loved one falls is seeking treatment. The second priority is understanding why the person fell and preventing another one by treating disorders which can cause falls or eliminating some of the causes. 

Fall prevention is dignity in action: small tweaks that protect autonomy, reduce injuries, and keep home feeling like home. While there are some factors which can be easily fixed in the home, other ways to prevent falls will require proper supervision and assistance from a caregiver. Are you caring for a loved one at home? You could be eligible for financial and caregiving support. Contact Mass Care Link to find out how to get help.