Common fall risks & How you can help

Risk #1: Environmental

The Risks:

• Slippery floors (e.g., in bathrooms or kitchens)

• Uneven surfaces (e.g., rugs, thresholds, stairs without handrails)

• Clutter (e.g., furniture, cords, or other objects that can be tripped over)

• Poor lighting (dark hallways, dimly lit stairs)

• Wet or icy outdoor conditions (sidewalks, steps)

What caregivers can do to help:

• Conduct a home safety check at the beginning of each visit: remove tripping hazards, replace lightbulbs (if out), declutter walking lanes, install grab bars

• When in a potentially dangerous area, offer assistance: stand on the senior's weak(er) side and offer an arm for support

Risk #2: Physical and Medical Risks

The Risks:

• Medications that cause dizziness or drowsiness (e.g., sedatives, blood pressure medications)

• Chronic health conditions like arthritis, vision impairment, and neurological disorders (e.g., Parkinson’s disease, stroke)

• Cognitive issues (such as dementia)

What caregivers can do to help:

• Help your senior enroll in a falls-prevention course: There are a number of programs which have been shown to reduce the risk to falling. "Matter of Balance" is one that combines classroom + balance training + strength training to help the senior reduce their risk of falling. These programs are offered in various community centers around Illinois.

• Help the senior follow their medical care plan: Schedule doctor visits, monitor medications, and manage chronic conditions.

• Promote physical engagement: Encourage appropriate physical activity (too much or too hard can also be bad) such as walks or stretches. Ensure physical therapy sessions are attended

Risk #3: Behavioral Risks

The Risks:

• Not using assistive devices (e.g., walking canes or walkers) when they are needed.  For those with dementia, assistive devices may increase the risk of falling.

• Ignoring pain (e.g., walking through pain may affect posture and balance)

• Sudden movements (like standing up too quickly, which can cause dizziness)

What caregivers can do to help:

• Be attentive: We should always be attentive to our seniors – but our guard should especially be up when they are getting up / down or walking around

• Encourage use of assistive devices: Try to first understand why your senior refuses to use their assistive equipment (e.g., pride, forgets / dementia, inconvenience). Depending on their reasoning, you may have to negotiate, distract (put the walker in front of the car first before helping them out and chatting with them), praise or draw firm boundaries

• For those with dementia - talk to your doctor about their recommended approach to fall prevention

What to do when a senior falls?