A single fall can change an older adult's life overnight, turning an independent parent into someone facing surgery, rehab, or a move they didn't want. It's one of the quietest big risks in caregiving, and also one of the most preventable. A few changes to the home and a conversation with the doctor can dramatically lower the odds.
This guide explains why falls matter so much, what raises the risk, the proven ways to prevent them, and a room-by-room checklist for making a parent's home safer.
Why Falls Matter So Much
Falls are not a normal, harmless part of aging. According to the CDC, falls are the leading cause of injury and injury death among adults 65 and older, and more than one out of four older people falls each year. Most falls don't cause serious harm, but the ones that do can be life-altering: falls can lead to hip fractures, head injuries (they are the most common cause of traumatic brain injury in older adults), and loss of independence. The CDC reports roughly 3 million emergency-department visits among older adults for falls each year.
The encouraging flip side is that falls are largely preventable, and the steps below are the ones the CDC and the National Institute on Aging actually recommend.
What Raises the Risk
The CDC and NIA point to a handful of main risk factors:
- Muscle weakness and problems with balance and gait.
- Certain medications, and taking several medicines, that can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or confusion.
- Vision problems.
- Foot problems and unsafe footwear, such as backless shoes or high heels.
- Hazards in the home.
Most of these can be reduced, and the last one is fully within a family's control.
Four Things That Prevent Falls
The CDC's STEADI program (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries) and NIA recommend four moves:
- Ask the doctor to evaluate fall risk and to review medicines for any that may cause dizziness or sleepiness; a pharmacist can help with the medication review too.
- Have vision checked at least once a year.
- Do exercises that strengthen the legs and improve balance, such as Tai Chi.
- Make the home safer, using the checklist below.
Want help arranging a fall-risk assessment or a home-safety evaluation for a parent? Ask Brevy and we'll point you to the right local resources.
Make the Home Safer, Room by Room
These are the specific home modifications the NIA and CDC recommend:
- Floors: remove or secure throw and area rugs (fix carpets firmly to the floor), and clear clutter and other tripping hazards.
- Lighting: improve lighting throughout the home, especially at the top and bottom of stairs, and add night lights in hallways and bathrooms.
- Bathroom: install grab bars next to the toilet and inside and outside the tub or shower, put non-slip mats or strips where surfaces get wet, and consider a raised toilet seat with handrails or a shower chair.
- Stairs: put secure handrails on both sides.
- Reach and footwear: keep frequently used items within easy reach, and wear sturdy, non-slip shoes.
- A way to call for help: keep a well-charged phone or a medical alert system within reach in case of a fall.
You don't have to do it all at once. The bathroom and the stairs are usually where the most dangerous falls happen, so start there.
Beyond Falls: Other Home Safety Basics
While you're making the home safer, NIA recommends a few other essentials for aging in place:
- Install and regularly test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Set the water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to help prevent burns from scalding tap water.
- Post a list of emergency phone numbers and the person's address near the phones.
Where to Get Help
- A doctor or physical therapist can assess fall risk and recommend assistive devices, and a physical or occupational therapist can teach safe use of those devices and recommend home-safety changes.
- Call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116, or visit eldercare.acl.gov, to reach your Area Agency on Aging, which can connect you to local services, including home-modification help in some areas.
Free Resources Worth Saving
- CDC STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries), cdc.gov/falls, the CDC's older-adult fall-prevention program
- National Institute on Aging, Preventing Falls at Home, nia.nih.gov, room-by-room guidance
- Eldercare Locator, 1-800-677-1116, connects you to your local Area Agency on Aging
FAQ
How common are falls in older adults?
Very common, and serious. The CDC reports that more than one out of four older people falls each year, and that falls are the leading cause of injury and injury death among adults 65 and older. They cause roughly 3 million emergency-department visits a year and can lead to hip fractures, head injuries, and loss of independence.
What are the most important changes to prevent falls at home?
Start with the bathroom and stairs: grab bars next to the toilet and in the tub or shower, non-slip mats where surfaces get wet, and secure handrails on both sides of stairs. Then remove or secure throw rugs, clear clutter, improve lighting with night lights, keep everyday items within reach, and wear sturdy non-slip shoes.
Besides home changes, what else helps prevent falls?
The CDC and NIA recommend asking the doctor to evaluate fall risk and review medications for any that cause dizziness or drowsiness, having vision checked at least yearly, and doing exercises that build leg strength and balance, such as Tai Chi.
Who can do a home safety assessment?
A physical or occupational therapist can recommend home-safety changes and teach safe use of assistive devices, and a doctor or physical therapist can assess fall risk. Your local Area Agency on Aging, reachable through the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116, can connect you to resources, including home-modification help in some areas.
Learn More
- When an Aging Parent Refuses Help: How to Talk About It and What to Watch For
- How to Hire In-Home Help for an Aging Parent: Agencies, Aides, and the Tax Part
- Long-Distance Caregiving: How to Help an Aging Parent From Far Away
- Advance Directives and Health Care Power of Attorney: What Every Family Needs Before a Crisis
A safer home is one of the highest-impact things a family can do, and it doesn't have to happen all at once. If you want help prioritizing the changes that matter most for your parent, start with Brevy. We'll stay with you for as long as it takes.
Find personalized help making a parent's home safer at brevy.com.
The information on Brevy.com is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional legal, financial, or medical advice. Rules vary by state and program and change frequently. Always verify with the relevant agency or a qualified professional. Brevy is not a law firm, financial advisor, or healthcare provider.