Fall Prevention for Older Adults: How to Reduce Fall Risk at Home

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 like fractures or head injuries, and may also affect confidence and independence.

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 can 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 Causes Falls in Older Adults?

Falls are often caused by health changes, medication side effects, and hazards around the home.

Health Conditions and Mobility Problems That Increase Fall Risk

Weak muscles, poor balance, decreased flexibility, vision and 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 weaknesses, 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 medications.

Do not stop taking medication without talking to a healthcare provider. A provider or pharmacist can review your medications, 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:

• Loose rugs or floor mats
• Clutter in walkways
• Poor lighting
• Slippery bathroom floors
• Missing handrails
• Uneven steps
• Improper footwear
• Cords across walking paths
• Polypharmacy, or the use of multiple medications at home

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 types of 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.

Whatare the 5 P's of Fall Prevention?

These five key areas guide the care team, family caregivers, and individuals in taking practical steps for safety:

Pain: Let your healthcare provider know if you have pain, discomfort, or soreness. Pain can affect how you move, making falls more likely.

Potty: Make sure bathroom needs are met regularly. Having a clear and safe path to the bathroom can help avoid rushing or tripping, especially at night.

Position: Change your position slowly when moving from lying to sitting or sitting to standing. Ask for help if needed, and always use mobility aids as recommended.

Personal Belongings: Keep important items like your call button, phone, glasses, or water within easy reach. This can prevent reaching or stretching, which could cause a fall.

Prevention: Stay alert to your surroundings and report any hazards like spills, uneven flooring, or poor lighting. Using non-slip footwear and following a regular exercise routine can 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

Bathroom Fall Safety: Precautions to Reduce Slips

Bathroom fall prevention starts with non-slip surfaces and grab bars because water and smooth surfaces 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 recommended for older adults at increased risk 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, 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 check that 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. 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 elderly person falls, the first step is to stay calm and check for injuries. Do not rush them to stand up.

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 Ambetter Health Plan

Fall prevention includes home safety, regular checkups, medication reviews, vision care, and follow-up after a fall. Depending on your plan, Ambetter Health may help connect you with providers who can assess fall risk, discuss mobility or balance concerns, and recommend screenings or next steps.

Coverage and benefits can vary by plan and location. Reviewing your plan details and using in-network providers can help you understand your care options and possible out-of-pocket costs.

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, Ambetter Health can help you understand your options.

Contact Ambetter Health or call Member Services using the number on the back of your Member ID Card for help with providers, preventive care, and your coverage.

Not yet a member? Our licensed agents are ready to help you find the right plan. Call 855-680-3270 (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET, to explore your health insurance options.

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