Reducing fall risk and knowing what to do when a fall occurs

A fall can affect confidence, mobility, and the ability to live independently. Prevention starts with a safer home, but it also means recognizing personal risks and having a way to get help. I was recently introduced to a great informational page that has collected a lot of the known and less known factors related to fall risk. The link to this page is in the bottom of this post - check it out. In the meantime, here are a few important things to consider:

1. Take a recent fall seriously. A previous fall is one of the strongest indicators of another fall. Even without an injury, it’s worth discussing what happened with a healthcare professional. Balance, vision, footwear, and medications that cause dizziness may all need attention. Exercises suited to your abilities can help maintain strength and balance.

2. Make everyday spaces safer. Remove loose rugs, clear clutter and cords, and improve lighting—particularly along the nighttime route to the bathroom. Install bathroom grab bars and secure stair handrails. Wear supportive footwear with good traction.

3. Have a plan for when a fall happens. An emergency watch or pendant provides a fast and simple way to call for help. Some include automatic fall detection. A home fall sensor can offer another option, particularly for someone who forgets to wear (or charge...) a device. Detection cannot prevent every fall or identify every incident, so choosing the right setup matters.

Easy-Aging helps families select, install, and use technology that fits their needs, with ongoing support.

For more fall risk reduction advice, visit Farah & Farah’s guide to preventing slips and falls for seniors.