Did you know that falls are the leading cause of serious injury among older adults? It's a part of life we often don't think about until there is a fall. 

Preventing falls is possible. It is also essential for staying safe at home. It is also critical for health and helps maintain emotional well-being and quality of life.

Partnering with a professional in-home care provider, such as Visiting Angels, can be the important step towards reducing fall risks for older individuals living at home. At Visiting Angels, we prioritize helping families learn what will help their loved ones remain safe. Precautionary steps help avoid hospitalizations due to preventable accidents.

Our Safe and Steady Fall Prevention Program is designed to address the unique challenges independent seniors face. Through our program, caregivers receive specialized training to create personalized strategies that minimize the risk of falls. Creating a care plan involves considering each individual's health conditions, mobility level, and home environment.

By helping with a senior's mobility and ensuring a safe living space, our dedicated caregivers help seniors stay at home, where they are most comfortable, while maintaining confidence and dignity.

The Importance of Fall Prevention for Older Adults

Fall prevention is critical because the consequences of falling can extend far beyond any physical injury. A single incident may result in a loss of confidence, reduced mobility, and sometimes a permanent change to one’s lifestyle.

Aging adults face an increased risk of falling due to a variety of factors, some of which are listed here:

• Muscle strength loss
• Reduced balance and coordination
• Limited mobility
• Vision or hearing loss
• Joint stiffness and/or chronic pain
• Cognitive impairment and decline
• Side effects from multiple medications
  

Falls can lead to severe injuries, such as hip fractures, which often require lengthy recovery periods and may result in a long-term loss of independence.

Families can help reduce these risks by remaining attentive to their loved one’s health and making necessary adjustments to their home environment. The CDC has many online resources to assist in fall assessment. One test, the Timed Up and Go test is a simple tool families can use to assess fall risk.

How to Start the Safe and Steady Fall Prevention Program?

When you contact Visiting Angels, one of our care coordinators will meet with and work with you and your loved one to create a customized care plan and recommend a caregiver suited to your needs. 

Our caregivers offer not only expert support but also peace of mind, ensuring your loved one receives safe and compassionate assistance every day.

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FAQs About Fall Prevention

What Are Signs Indicating My Loved One Is at Risk of Falling?
Watch for signs such as unexplained bruises, difficulty standing or sitting or other mobility difficulties, reliance on furniture to maintain balance, or noticeable changes in walking patterns. 

How can home care help prevent falls?
Visiting Angels caregivers provide a range of services aimed at reducing fall risks. For example, with companion care, we help your loved one maintain a safe, tidy home and help with day-to-day tasks such as light housekeeping, laundry, and errands. 

What can families do to reduce fall hazards at home? 
Many falls occur at home due to avoidable hazards. Our caregivers can help identify risks such as:

• Recently added mobility devices
• Absence of grab bars in key areas
• Loose rugs or uneven flooring
• Cluttered walkways
• Medication changes or recent illnesses

If your loved one’s health increases their fall risk, personal care services can help with activities such as dressing, bathing, and mobility. Fall prevention is key in several other Visiting Angels programs, including:

• Alzheimer's care
• Dementia care
• Post-hospital home care

How Can Families Reduce the Risk of Falls at Home?
Most dangerous falls occur in or around the home. Visiting Angels can help you identify risk factors, such as:

• Getting a new mobility device
• Lack of grab bars in the bathroom
• Loose rugs or flooring
• Obstacles in the pathway
• Recent illness or medication changes

What does Visiting Angels provide at a home care consultation? 

At your initial consultation, you will be given safety advice that may include information about the following:

• Suggestions that include design changes to reduce fall risk at home
• Environmental risk factors that are potentially increasing fall risk
• Lifestyle changes to improve your senior’s balance
• Precautions you can take at home

What Are Some Exercises Seniors Can Do To Improve Balance And Strength?

Gentle activities such as walking, tai chi, and yoga can enhance coordination and flexibility. Strength training with resistance bands or light weights also helps build muscle support and improve overall stability. Our caregivers are ready to help with these exercises to ensure they are performed safely and suited to each senior’s ability level.