Key Takeaways
- Falls are common in older adults, but many falls can be prevented.
- Common fall risks include balance problems, muscle weakness, medication side effects, poor vision, and hazards around the home.
- Simple home changes, like improving lighting, adding grab bars, and removing loose rugs, can help lower fall risk.
- Exercise, supportive footwear, vision checks, and medication reviews may help improve safety and mobility.
- A fall risk assessment can help identify warning signs and lower the risk of future falls.
- After a fall, check for injuries first and get medical help when needed.
- Wellcare can help members understand plan benefits, find in-network care, and access support related to fall prevention.
Why Fall Prevention Matters
Falls can happen at any age, but the risk increases as people get older. For older adults, a fall can lead to injuries such as fractures or head injuries. It can also affect confidence, mobility, and independence at home.
Many falls can be prevented with simple home changes and healthy daily habits. Clearing walkways, improving lighting, staying active, and talking with a healthcare provider about balance or medication concerns can all help lower fall risk.
Who Is Most at Risk for Falls?
Fall risk can increase when health changes, mobility concerns, or safety hazards make daily movement harder.
Older adults may be at higher risk if they have:
- Trouble walking or keeping balance
- Muscle weakness
- Vision problems
- Foot pain or poor footwear
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Medications that cause sleepiness or affect balance
- A history of falling
- Home hazards, such as loose rugs, clutter, or poor lighting
Warning Signs of Increased Fall Risk
You or a loved one may have a higher fall risk if daily movement starts to feel less steady. This may look like holding onto furniture while walking, avoiding stairs, feeling dizzy, or worrying about falling.
It is also a good idea to talk with a healthcare provider after any fall, or if standing up from a chair becomes harder than usual.
What Increases Fall Risk in Older Adults?
Falls are often caused by a mix of health changes, medication side effects, and hazards around the home.
Health and Mobility Factors That Increase Fall Risk
Weak muscles, poor balance, decreased flexibility, vision or hearing loss, and trouble walking on stairs or uneven surfaces can all increase fall risk. Health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, low blood pressure, foot problems, vision impairment, or conditions that affect memory or movement can also play a role.
Watch for new weakness, balance problems, or trouble moving safely at home.
Medication Side Effects and Fall Risk
Some medications can increase fall risk by causing dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, or changes in blood pressure. This may include sleep medicines, pain medicines, antidepressants, blood pressure medicines, or over-the-counter medicines.
Do not stop taking a medication without talking to a healthcare provider. A provider or pharmacist can review your medicines, especially if you take more than one, and explain possible side effects that may affect safety or balance.
Home Hazards That Can Increase Fall Risk
Many falls happen during everyday activities, such as getting out of bed at night, walking up stairs, or moving through cluttered spaces. Small hazards around the home can become more dangerous when balance, strength, or vision changes over time.
Common home fall hazards include: (link to room by room list below)
- Loose rugs or floor mats
- Clutter in walkways
- Poor lighting
- Slippery bathroom floors
- Missing handrails
- Uneven steps
- Improper footwear
- Cords across walking paths
- Taking multiple medications
These hazards may seem minor, but simple home changes can make daily movement safer and help reduce fall risk.
Fall Risk Assessment: How to Check If You Are at Risk
A fall risk assessment helps identify things that may increase someone’s chance of falling. It may include questions about past falls, balance, medications, vision, strength, and home safety.
What Is a Fall Risk Assessment?
A fall risk assessment can be done by a healthcare provider during a routine visit or after a fall. The goal is to find risks early and create a plan to reduce them.
A provider may ask questions, watch how you walk, check your strength and balance, review medications, and talk about your home setup.
Three Questions Used in Fall Risk Screening
Providers may start with simple screening questions, such as:
- Have you fallen in the past year?
- Do you feel unsteady when standing or walking?
- Do you worry about falling?
Depending on the answers to these questions, a provider may recommend a more complete fall risk assessment.
Fall Risk Checklist
Use this checklist as a quick way to spot common fall risk factors. If several apply to you or a loved one, it may be a good idea to talk with a healthcare provider about a fall risk assessment.
| Fall Risk Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| A fall in the past year | Past falls can increase the chance of falling again. |
| Balance problems | Can make walking, turning, or using stairs less steady. |
| Certain medications | May cause dizziness, drowsiness, or confusion. |
| Poor vision | Can make it harder to see steps, clutter, or uneven floors. |
| Weak muscles | Can make it harder to stand, walk, or recover from a stumble. |
| Unsafe home setup | Can create trip or slip hazards in everyday spaces. |
What are the 5 P's of Fall Prevention?
These five key areas can help guide older adults, caregivers, and care teams in taking practical steps for safety:
Pain: Tell your healthcare provider if you have pain, discomfort, or soreness. Pain can affect how you move and may make falls more likely.
Potty: Make sure bathroom needs are handled regularly. Having a clear and safe path to the bathroom can help prevent rushing or tripping, especially at night.
Position: Change position slowly when moving from lying down to sitting or from sitting to standing. Ask for help if needed, and use mobility aids as recommended.
Personal Belongings: Keep important items like your phone, glasses, water, or remote within easy reach. This can help prevent risky reaching, stretching, or climbing.
Prevention: Stay aware of your surroundings and address hazards like spills, uneven flooring, or poor lighting. Wearing non-slip shoes and following a regular exercise routine may also support better balance and strength.
When to Talk to a Healthcare Provider
Talk to a healthcare provider if you or a loved one has fallen, feels unsteady, has new dizziness, or is avoiding normal activities because of fear of falling. A provider can check for injuries, review fall risk factors, and recommend ways to help prevent another fall.
Preventing Falls at Home: Simple Changes That Help
Making the home safer is one of the most practical ways to reduce fall risk. Simple changes, like improving lighting, clearing walkways, and reducing slippery surfaces, can help make daily movement safer and more comfortable.
Room-by-Room Fall Prevention Checklist
| Area | Common Hazard | Safer Option |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom | Slippery floors | Add non-slip mats |
| Shower or tub | Nothing to hold onto, slippery floor | Install grab bars, install non-slip grip tape |
| Bedroom | Poor lighting at night | Use night lights |
| Stairs | Missing or loose handrails | Add secure railings |
| Living room | Loose rugs or clutter | Clear walkways |
| Hallways | Cords or low lighting | Move cords and improve lighting |
| Outdoor areas | Uneven pathways or obstacles like garden hoses | Keep paths clear and repair uneven surfaces |
Bathroom Fall Safety: Precautions to Reduce Slips
Bathroom fall prevention starts with non-slip surfaces and grab bars because water and smooth floors make slips more likely. Non-slip mats, grab bars near the toilet and shower, and a shower chair can help make the space safer for someone with balance or mobility concerns.
Keep towels, soap, and other everyday items within easy reach to reduce bending, stretching, or reaching.
Bedroom, Living Room, and Hallway Fall Prevention Tips
Clear walkways can help reduce trips and falls throughout the home. Remove clutter, secure or remove loose rugs, move cords away from walking areas, and use night lights to improve visibility at night.
Keep commonly used items within easy reach to reduce unnecessary climbing, stretching, or rushing.
Stair Safety Tips to Prevent Falls
Stairs can be more dangerous when lighting is poor or handrails are loose or missing. Secure handrails on both sides and good lighting can help improve stability.
If stairs are slippery, non-slip stair treads may help improve traction. Avoid carrying too many items on stairs, and take your time going up or down.
Everyday Habits That Help Reduce Fall Risk
Everyday habits also play an important role in preventing falls. Staying active, wearing supportive shoes, and keeping up with vision care can all help support safer movement and better balance over time.
Exercises That Improve Balance and Strength
Regular physical activity can help older adults improve strength, balance, flexibility, and coordination, which may help lower fall risk. Exercise programs are often recommended for older adults with a higher chance of falling.
Helpful options may include:
- Walking
- Chair exercises
- Gentle stretching
- Balance-focused activities
- Exercise classes designed for older adults
Some people may also benefit from working with a physical therapist. Always check with a healthcare provider before starting a new exercise routine, especially after a fall or injury.
Vision and Footwear Tips to Help Prevent Falls
Regular vision checks can help older adults see hazards more clearly and move around more safely. Supportive shoes with non-slip soles can also help improve stability.
To reduce fall risk:
- Avoid walking in socks, loose slippers, or shoes that do not fit well
- Use canes, walkers, or other mobility aids as directed
- Ask a healthcare provider or physical therapist to make sure mobility aids fit correctly
Can Vitamin D Help Prevent Falls?
Vitamin D is important for bone and muscle health, but it is not a proven fall prevention fix by itself. Some people with low vitamin D may benefit from supplements, but vitamin D alone may not prevent falls.
Talk with a healthcare provider before starting vitamin D or other supplements. They can help decide what is safe and appropriate based on your health needs.
What to Do After a Fall
If an older adult falls, the first step is to stay calm and check for injuries. Do not rush to stand up right away.
When to Get Medical Help After a Fall
Seek medical care right away if a fall causes:
- Head injury
- Severe pain
- Trouble standing or walking
- Loss of consciousness
- New confusion
- Possible fracture
- Chest pain or trouble breathing
You should also contact a healthcare provider after any fall that causes injury or makes you feel less steady than usual. Some injuries, including head injuries or fractures, may not feel serious right away.
Why Follow-Up Care Is Important After a Fall
Even a minor fall can be a sign of balance problems, medication side effects, vision changes, or other health concerns. A healthcare provider can check for injuries, review possible causes, and recommend ways to improve safety and lower the risk of falling again.
What This Means for Your Wellcare Plan
Fall prevention includes home safety, regular checkups, medication reviews, vision care, and follow-up after a fall. Depending on your plan, Wellcare may help connect you with providers who can assess fall risk, discuss mobility or balance concerns, and recommend screenings or next steps.
Many Wellcare Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans are designed to make care more simple, personal, and accessible. Some plans may include benefits beyond Original Medicare, and coverage can vary by plan and location.
Reviewing your plan details and using in-network providers can help you better understand your care options and possible out-of-pocket costs. If you are a caregiver, checking plan benefits can also help you support a loved one’s care at home.
Have Questions About Coverage?
Taking steps to prevent falls can help you or your loved one feel safer and more confident at home. If you have questions about preventive care, provider visits, or your coverage, Wellcare can help you understand your options.
If you are a Wellcare member, contact Wellcare or call Member Services using the number on the back of your Member ID card for help with providers, preventive care, and your plan benefits.
Not yet a member? Wellcare offers Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans that may provide affordable access to doctors, specialists, and benefits that support your whole health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fall Prevention
What are 5 ways to help prevent falls?
Some of the best ways to help prevent falls include improving lighting, removing loose rugs or clutter, staying physically active, wearing supportive shoes, and reviewing medications with a healthcare provider. Simple home changes and healthy daily habits can help reduce fall risk over time.
What is considered a fall risk?
A fall risk is anything that makes someone more likely to fall. Common fall risks include poor balance, muscle weakness, dizziness, vision problems, unsafe stairs, loose rugs, certain medications, or a history of falling.
Why does my loved one keep falling?
Frequent falls can happen for many reasons, including balance problems, muscle weakness, medication side effects, poor vision, health conditions, or hazards around the home. A healthcare provider can help identify possible causes and recommend ways to improve safety.
What is a fall risk assessment?
A fall risk assessment is a review used to identify things that may increase someone’s chance of falling. A healthcare provider may ask about past falls, medications, balance, strength, vision, and home safety to help create a plan to reduce fall risk.
What are the 3 fall risk screening questions?
Some healthcare providers ask these three fall risk screening questions:
- Have you fallen in the past year?
- Do you feel unsteady when standing or walking?
- Do you worry about falling?
Answering yes to any of these questions may mean a more complete fall risk assessment is needed.
How can an older adult get up off the floor after a fall?
If there is no serious injury, an older adult may be able to roll onto their side, move onto their hands and knees, crawl to stable furniture, and slowly stand up with support. If there is severe pain, dizziness, weakness, or possible injury, call for help instead of trying to stand alone.
When should an older adult see a healthcare provider about fall risk?
Talk with a healthcare provider if someone has fallen, feels unsteady, has new dizziness, struggles with balance, or worries about falling. A provider can review medications, check for injuries, and recommend ways to help reduce future falls.
What home changes can help reduce fall risk?
Simple home safety changes can help reduce fall risk. Common examples include adding grab bars, improving lighting, using non-slip mats, clearing clutter from walkways, securing loose rugs, and installing sturdy handrails on stairs.
Small home changes can make everyday movement safer, especially for older adults with balance, mobility, or vision concerns.
What are warning signs of increased fall risk?
Warning signs of increased fall risk can include dizziness, trouble keeping balance, holding onto furniture while walking, avoiding stairs, or feeling worried about falling. Frequent stumbles or difficulty standing up from a chair can also be signs that someone may need a fall risk assessment.
What should you do after a fall if there is no serious injury?
If there is no serious injury, stay calm and check how you feel before trying to stand up. Move slowly, use stable furniture for support, and rest before walking. If there is dizziness, severe pain, weakness, or trouble standing, call for help or seek medical care.
The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, a diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider. Always seek advice from your healthcare professional before starting a new health program or changing your current provider-led treatment recommendations. Do not delay seeking care because of any information you have read on this website.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/falls/about/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/index.html
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/falls-and-falls-prevention/falls-and-fractures-older-adults-causes-and-prevention
https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/
https://www.cms.gov/medical-bill-rights/help/guides/explanation-of-benefits
https://www.cdc.gov/falls/data-research/facts-stats/index.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/fall-prevention/art-20047358
https://www.cdc.gov/falls/communication-resources/index.html
