Here are top 5 reasons why seniors fall and tips for families on how to address.

1. Top 5 reasons seniors fall and tips for
families on how to address

2. 1. Medication (over medicated, new/changed medication). Not taking
their medication (ex. High Blood Pressure)
Remind loved one to take their medication. Pill reminder boxes. Ask their
doctor or pharmacist to review their medicines—both prescription and
over-the counter—to identify medicines that may cause side effects or
interactions such as dizziness or drowsiness.

3. Person is weak, tired or ill.
Companionship. Help especially with getting out of bed to go to bathroom
or walking around a room. Prevent dehydration. Dehydration can make it
easier to lose your balance.
2.

4. Person is not physically fit
Many people who fall, even if they are not injured, develop a fear of falling.
This fear may cause them to limit their activities, which leads to reduced
mobility and loss of physical fitness, and in turn increases their actual risk
of falling.
3.

5. Home Safety (or lack thereof)
Make their homes safer by reducing tripping hazards, adding grab bars
inside and outside the tub or shower and next to the toilet, adding railings
on both sides of stairways and improving the lighting in their homes.
4.

6. Symptom of Chronic Conditions
Understand the disease processes and help their loved ones adhere to the
discharge plan, get to Dr. appointments, know red flag alerts, medication
reminders.
5.

7. Resources:
Great assessment tools: Common Screening and Assessment Tools
Data: Falls Among Older Adults: An Overview
Cost data: Cost of Fall Injuries in Older Persons in the United States, 2005

8. Find Quality Care Now
Locate a BrightStar Near You!
Find a location in Canada
Find a location in the US