Fall Prevention for Older Adults

Falls are one of the leading causes of unintentional home injuries yearly, affecting millions of individuals over 65. Every year, one out of five older individuals falls, which causes injuries and results in over 3 million older people being treated in emergency departments for these fall-related injuries. Nearly 20% of Arizonans are over the age of 60 years old and are at a higher chance of falling than their younger peers.

These are some simple things you can do to keep yourself from falling or provide tips to family and friends:

Talk to a healthcare professional:

• Ask your doctor or healthcare provider to evaluate your fall risk and talk with them about specific things you can do.
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your medicines to see if any might make you dizzy or sleepy. This should include prescription medicines and over-the-counter medicines.

Make your home safer:

• Get rid of objects that could be potential trip hazards.
• Add grab bars inside and outside of a tub or shower and beside the toilet.
• Make sure the home is well-lit by adding more or brighter light bulbs.
• Keep items used often in cabinets that can be easily accessed without using a step stool.
• Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors.

Take the National Council on Aging’s (NCOA) Falls Free Check-Up quiz to assess your fall risk, followed by personal recommendations to prevent future falls.