10 Strategies to Prevent Falls in Senior Adults

Falls in senior adults are common so much that 1 in 4 adults over the age of 65 fall every year. The effect of the falls depends on how it happened, the impact region, and previous health conditions of the individual. While it is common, it is also avoidable.  

In recognition of Fall Prevention Month, our Physical Therapists have put together a list of 10 things you can do to prevent falling at home. These are simple strategies and changes you can make to help you feel safer and your family be less worried. Read on to learn what to do if you fall and how to avoid complications.  

Risks of Falling in Older Adults

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the leading cause of injury-related ER visits in older adults. So, it is understandable that fear of falling is high among people 65 or older.

It is important to prevent falls because it can lead to:

• Injuries

• Chronic pain

• Loss of independence

• Reduced mobility

• Increased risk of future falls

• Loss of confidence

• Isolation

• Burden on caregivers/family

• Slower recovery of preexisting conditions

• Hospitalization

• Reduced quality of life

Common Reasons of Falling in Senior Adults

There are many reasons why falls happen, so it’s important to understand them and use the right strategies to prevent them. For every individual, there are different causes that can range from functional to environmental hazards. Some common reasons that can increase the chances of falling are:

Age related changes

As a person gets older, there are functional issues that arise and are the most common reason for falls in seniors. Aging slows down cognitive and physical functions which means it can lead to slower reaction time to sudden movements.

Delayed response to environment:

Similarly, difficulty doing daily tasks like walking, climbing stairs, bathing, or dressing can cause imbalance and put seniors at higher risk of injury. Cognitive issues or delays can cause problems with concentration and making decisions that can cause falls that might seem avoidable.

Vision problems:

With age, vision change is inevitable which is why often individuals miss out on a stair or a bump or any small object on which they can trip. Because of poor vision, they might not notice liquid on the floor, which can lead to slips and falls.

Balance changes:

As people age, muscle weakness, inner ear problems, poor posture, or neuropathy can disrupt this system, making it harder to stay steady. Even small changes in balance can lead to unsteadiness, increasing the risk of slips, trips, and falls during everyday activities.

Medication side effects

If you have started a new medication and you do not know how it affects your body yet, it can be risky. A lot of times medications can cause dizziness or drowsiness which can lead to falling if you don’t response fast enough.

Environmental hazards

On top of the age-related changes, the environment without safety modifications can put older adults at risk, most common causes are:

• Uneven surfaces

• Slippery floors

• Poor lighting

• Pets

• Lack of safety modifications

How to Avoid Falls in Seniors? 

The best way to prevent falls is by making the environment safer and reducing risk. Other causes, like aging or side effects from medicine, are not always in our control.  

Potential hazards at home are easy to ignore, which is why it is important to identify the problem areas. Below are easy modifications to make at home that can make it safer and prevent falls.   

1. Clear clutter and cords from walking areas 

• Clutter can build up fast, especially in the home of an older adult who has trouble moving around.

• To stay safe, keep floors clear of things that can cause falls, like extra furniture, loose cords, or rugs without nonslip backing. 

2. Add appropriate lighting 

• Improve the lighting in your home by adding bright, glare-free lights in bathrooms, hallways, and staircases.

• Use rocker switches, which are easier to turn on and off, and place nightlights in hallways, stairways, and bathrooms to make moving around at night safer.   

3. Install handrails on both sides of the stairs 

• Put strong handrails on both sides of the stairs to give extra support. Having rails close by makes it easier for older adults to keep their balance and lowers the risk of falling. 

• The bathroom is a common place for falls, so add grab bars near the toilet, tub, and shower.

• If you feel unsteady, use a shower chair or transfer bench. 

• You can also carry portable grab bars if you are travelling and you are not sure if they might have grab bars or not.  

4. Remove or secure throw rugs 

• Throw and smaller rugs can lead cause tripping if not secured. If it has been a risk and has caused you to trip a few times, the best idea is to remove it.

• Most times, securing it with a rug or friction tape can keep you safe too. Learn how to stop rugs from slipping and avoid mishaps.  

5. Personal Safety Measures  

Simple lifestyle changes can often prevent falls at home.

• Wearing shoes or slippers with nonslip soles,

• getting regular eye exams,

• and managing health problems like vertigo or arthritis can make a big difference.

• It’s also smart to review your medicines with your doctor or pharmacist to avoid side effects. 

6. Use non-slip mats in bathrooms    

• Bathrooms are high risk areas for slips and falls so an essential change that is useful for any age group are non-slip mats.

• Put permanent nonslip strips in bathtubs and showers for better grip on handrails or grab bars you have installed for extra safety. 

7. Keep frequently used items within easy reach 

Bending, stretching, or climbing on stools to grab everyday items can easily lead to a loss of balance.

• To reduce this risk, store frequently used objects on shelves that are at waist or shoulder height where they’re easy to access.

• Organizing your home in this way not only makes daily routines safer but also more convenient and less physically stressful. 

8. Be Prepared  

• Make a list of emergency contacts, like family, caregivers, or neighbors, and keep it somewhere easy to find.

• Consider signing up for a medical alert or emergency response system.

• Talk with your doctor, caregivers, family, and friends about what to do if you fall.

• Be sure to plan the steps for getting help and discuss if a panic pendant might be a good option. 

9. Professional Resources and Assistance  

• Ask an occupational therapist or home safety specialist to check your home for safety risks.

• You can also meet with a social worker or search online for local groups that offer fall prevention workshops.

• Attending these workshops with your caregivers, family, or friends can teach everyone safe lifting techniques and help lower the risk of injuries. 

If you are in the Greater Rochester region, BURD Physical Therapy is organizing a 4 session Fall Prevention Clinic. Find more details below

10. Stay Active, Stay Strong 

Regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to prevent falls. Exercises such as walking, gentle stretching, yoga, tai chi, or balance training help improve muscle strength, coordination, and flexibility. Stronger muscles make it easier to support your body and recover quickly if you trip or stumble.  

What To Do If You Fall

☑ Stay calm – Don’t rush to move.

☑ Check for injuries – Look for pain, visible injuries, or trouble breathing.

☑ Check how you feel – Make sure you are aware if it hurts and inform your loved ones of the pain

☑ Call for help if serious – Head injury, heavy bleeding, or severe pain? Call 911 immediately.

☑ If no major injuries – Roll onto your side, then onto hands and knees.

☑ Use a sturdy support – Hold a chair or furniture to stand slowly.

☑ Inform your caregiver and doctor – Even if injuries aren’t obvious, complications can appear later.

Fall prevention Workshop in Rochester, NY

BURD Physical Therapy is organizing Fall Prevention Clinics where our therapists will teach you how to:

• To build balance, prevent falls, and move with confidence.

• Easy tips to keep you safe and moving.

• Guided exercise focused on balance, strength, and stability

Date: Every Wednesday of September 2025

Time: 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM

Location: 650 Whitney Rd, W Ste J, Fairport, NY 14450

Cost: $80 for all 4 sessions

Call on +1 (585) 300 - 4333 to register or for questions

Falls happen often among older adults, but the good news is they can usually be prevented. Building strength and balance, along with making simple changes at home, can make life safer and help you stay independent. By taking a few steps, you can create a safer home and enjoy your golden years with confidence.