Fall Prevention for Elderly Parents

Updated January 2026 · 12 min read

Falls are the leading cause of injury and injury-related death in people over 65. One in four older adults falls each year. And after a fall, the risk of falling again doubles.

But falls aren't inevitable. Most are preventable with the right modifications, exercises, and awareness.

3 million

Older adults are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries each year. Over 800,000 are hospitalized, often for head injuries or hip fractures.

Why Elderly People Fall

Falls rarely have a single cause. Usually, it's a combination of factors:

Balance Problems

Inner ear issues, nerve damage, muscle weakness, and arthritis all affect balance.

Vision Changes

Cataracts, glaucoma, and general decline in vision affect depth perception and hazard detection.

Medications

Sedatives, blood pressure meds, antidepressants, and taking 4+ medications increase fall risk.

Home Hazards

Clutter, loose rugs, poor lighting, and lack of grab bars cause preventable falls.

Chronic Conditions

Diabetes, Parkinson's, stroke, arthritis, and dementia all increase fall risk.

Foot Problems

Neuropathy, bunions, improper footwear, and neglected foot care affect stability.

Dehydration

Common in elderly, causes dizziness and confusion that leads to falls.

Rushing

Hurrying to the bathroom at night or to answer the phone causes many falls.

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Recommended Fall Prevention Products

Vive Bed Rail for Seniors Provides stability when getting in and out of bed, reducing nighttime fall risk
Moen Grab Bar (16-Inch) Essential bathroom safety aid that supports up to 500 lbs
Motion Sensor Night Lights (6-Pack) Automatically illuminates hallways and bathrooms to prevent nighttime falls
Medical Alert System with Fall Detection Automatic fall detection and 24/7 emergency response for peace of mind

Home Safety Assessment: Room by Room

🚿 Bathroom (Most Dangerous Room)

Install grab bars by toilet and in shower/tub (not towel bars—they won't hold weight)

Use non-slip mats in tub/shower AND on floor outside

Add a shower chair or bath bench

Install a handheld showerhead

Use a raised toilet seat if needed

Keep a nightlight on at all times

Remove locks or install ones that can be opened from outside in emergency

🛏️ Bedroom

Keep a lamp and phone within reach of bed

Use a nightlight between bed and bathroom

Ensure bed is proper height (not too high or low)

Remove throw rugs or secure with non-slip backing

Keep path from bed to bathroom clear

Consider bed rails if they roll or have trouble getting up

🪜 Stairs

Install handrails on BOTH sides

Add bright lighting at top and bottom

Mark edges of steps with contrasting tape

Remove loose carpet or secure it firmly

Never store items on stairs

Consider a stair lift if stairs are becoming difficult

🛋️ Living Areas

Remove or secure all throw rugs

Arrange furniture to create clear walking paths

Keep electrical cords away from walkways

Remove clutter from floors

Ensure chairs have armrests for getting up

Keep commonly used items within easy reach

🍳 Kitchen

Store frequently used items at waist to shoulder height

Use a sturdy step stool with handrail if reaching is necessary

Clean up spills immediately

Use non-slip mats in front of sink and stove

Keep floor clear of pet bowls, trash cans in walkways

🚪 Entrances & Outdoors

Install handrails on both sides of outdoor steps

Ensure outdoor lighting is bright

Repair cracked or uneven walkways

Clear leaves, snow, and ice promptly

Add a bench or chair for putting on shoes

Consider a ramp instead of steps

Medical Interventions

Review Medications

Ask the doctor to review all medications for fall risk. Particularly watch for:

Blood pressure medications (can cause dizziness when standing)
Sedatives and sleep aids
Antidepressants
Antihistamines
Pain medications, especially opioids
Taking 4 or more medications of any kind

Vision Check

Annual eye exams are essential
Update glasses prescription
Address cataracts—surgery is often worth it
Be cautious with bifocals on stairs (can distort depth perception)

Hearing Check

Hearing loss affects balance. Get hearing tested and use hearing aids if prescribed.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency is linked to falls. Many doctors recommend supplementation, especially for those who don't get much sun.

Blood Pressure Management

Orthostatic hypotension (drop in blood pressure when standing) is a major fall cause. Test by checking blood pressure lying down and standing. If it drops significantly, medications may need adjustment.

Exercise for Fall Prevention

Regular exercise is one of the most effective fall prevention strategies. Focus on:

Balance exercises: Tai Chi is particularly effective—studies show it reduces falls by up to 50%
Strength training: Strong legs = better stability
Walking: Maintains mobility and coordination
Flexibility: Stretching helps with range of motion

Ask About Physical Therapy

A physical therapist can assess fall risk and create a personalized exercise program. Medicare covers PT when prescribed by a doctor. It's often covered after a fall, but can also be approved for fall prevention.

Assistive Devices

Don't let pride prevent use of helpful tools:

Cane: Provides stability, especially on uneven surfaces
Walker: More support than a cane; rollators (with wheels) are easier for some
Medical alert system: If they fall and can't get up, they can call for help
Hip protectors: Padded underwear that protects hips from fractures if they do fall

Make Sure Devices Are Used Correctly

An improperly fitted or used walker/cane can actually cause falls. Have a physical therapist assess fit and teach proper technique.

Footwear Matters

Sturdy, well-fitting shoes with non-slip soles
Low heels (less than 1 inch)
Avoid walking in socks or stockings alone—slippery
Avoid floppy slippers—get ones with backs
Consider non-slip socks for inside

What to Do After a Fall

After Any Fall

Even if there's no apparent injury, report the fall to their doctor. Falls can indicate underlying problems, and repeated falls dramatically increase future fall risk.

If They Can't Get Up

Don't panic—take a moment to assess
Check for obvious injuries before moving
If they may have hit their head or have spine/hip pain, call 911
If safe to move, help them onto their side, then hands and knees, then to a chair
Apply ice to any bumps, watch for signs of concussion

When to Call 911

Hit their head
Severe pain anywhere
Can't put weight on a leg
Confusion or loss of consciousness
On blood thinners and hit their head (even without symptoms)

Home Safety Checklist

Get our printable room-by-room home safety checklist to identify and fix fall hazards.

Download Checklist

Related Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 5 main risk factors for falls in elderly?

The main risk factors are: 1) Previous falls—the strongest predictor of future falls, 2) Gait and balance problems, 3) Certain medications, especially sedatives, blood pressure medications, and taking 4+ medications, 4) Vision impairment, and 5) Home hazards like poor lighting, loose rugs, and clutter. Other factors include foot problems, cognitive impairment, and chronic conditions affecting strength and stability.

What percentage of elderly die after a fall?

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death in people 65+. About 20-30% of falls cause moderate-to-severe injuries. Among those hospitalized for hip fracture, 20-30% die within one year. However, most falls don't result in death—prevention and quick response to falls significantly improve outcomes. The goal is preventing falls and having emergency response systems in place.

How can I make my elderly parent's home safer?

Key modifications: install grab bars in bathroom near toilet and shower, add non-slip mats in tub and on floors, improve lighting throughout (especially stairs and hallways), remove throw rugs or secure them with non-slip backing, install handrails on both sides of stairs, remove clutter and cords from walkways, raise toilet seat height, consider a shower chair, and ensure frequently used items are within easy reach.

Does exercise prevent falls in elderly?

Yes, exercise is one of the most effective fall prevention strategies. Balance exercises, strength training (especially legs), and flexibility work reduce fall risk by 23-30%. Tai Chi is particularly effective. Exercise should be appropriate to ability level—a physical therapist can design a safe program. Consistency matters more than intensity—even gentle daily movement helps maintain stability.