Falls are one of the leading causes of injury among older adults, and they can happen in an instant.
For families, especially those with aging parents or loved ones living alone, the fear of a fall is real and ever-present. The good news? You can take immediate action to prevent senior falls before an emergency occurs.
At Kensington Park Senior Living, fall prevention is not just a checklist, it’s a philosophy woven into every aspect of care, from home safety assessments to daily routines designed to reduce risks and build confidence.
If you’re concerned your loved one may be at risk of a fall at home, here’s how to act fast and where to find the support you need.
1. Recognize the Warning Signs
Many falls don’t come out of nowhere. They’re preceded by subtle signs that your loved one’s balance, vision, strength, or memory may be declining. Recognizing these red flags can help you intervene early:
- Difficulty standing from a chair or bed
- Shuffling feet instead of walking normally
- Unsteadiness when navigating stairs or uneven surfaces
- Holding onto walls or furniture while walking
- Recent near-falls or stumbles
- Vision changes or missed steps
- Forgetting to use assistive devices like canes or walkers
If any of these behaviors sound familiar, your loved one may be at immediate risk, and it’s time to take action.
2. Remove Fall Hazards in the Home
Many common items around the house can contribute to dangerous falls. A fast home safety sweep can prevent senior falls before they happen:
- Eliminate throw rugs or secure them with non-slip pads
- Clear walkways of clutter, cords, and low furniture
- Ensure good lighting in hallways, stairs, and bathrooms
- Install grab bars in the bathroom and non-slip mats in the shower
- Adjust furniture height to make sitting and standing easier
- Keep frequently used items within reach to reduce the need for step stools
These adjustments may seem small, but together they create a significantly safer environment for your loved one.
More than one in four adults aged 65 and older fall each year, and many of those falls can be prevented with sensible safety steps. Recognizing risks early and making modifications can go a long way toward keeping your loved one safe.
3. Evaluate Their Medications
Certain medications, including blood pressure medications, sedatives, and antidepressants, can increase fall risk due to dizziness or drowsiness.
Older adults often take multiple prescriptions, and side effects or drug interactions can quietly build up over time.
Schedule a medication review with a doctor or pharmacist to evaluate:
- Side effects that may cause dizziness or confusion
- Interactions between multiple prescriptions
- Whether any medications could be reduced or adjusted
- Timing of medications that affect balance or coordination
At Kensington Park Senior Living, we offer on-site medication management and regular wellness checks to monitor how medications are affecting daily function and safety.
4. Encourage Regular Exercise and Strengthening
Muscle weakness and poor balance are two of the biggest contributors to senior falls, but they’re also treatable. Daily movement, even light activity, can improve strength, coordination, and stability.
Some of the most beneficial exercises to prevent senior falls include:
- Chair yoga or tai chi
- Supervised walking groups
- Light resistance training
- Balance exercises and standing leg lifts
- Stretching routines to increase flexibility
At Kensington Park Senior Living, we offer life enrichment programs tailored to different mobility levels, giving residents the confidence and ability to move more safely.
5. Address Vision and Hearing Loss
Eyesight and hearing play a significant role in fall prevention. Poor vision makes it difficult to see obstacles, and hearing loss can affect spatial awareness or the ability to detect approaching hazards.
Encourage your loved one to:
- Get regular eye exams
- Use up-to-date glasses with the correct prescription
- Install brighter lighting and motion-sensor nightlights
- Wear hearing aids if prescribed, and check batteries regularly
When combined with home safety and wellness strategies, clearer vision and hearing significantly reduce fall risk.
6. Create a Fall Response Plan
Despite every precaution, falls can still happen. When they do, having a clear response plan can minimize the severity of injuries and provide peace of mind.
Your fall response plan should include:
- A wearable medical alert device that connects to emergency services
- A list of emergency contacts is posted visibly
- A phone within reach in commonly used areas
- A plan for how your loved one will call for help if they fall and can’t reach the phone
- Instructions for what to do if they’re alone and fall
Talk through the plan with your loved one so they know what to do in a moment of crisis.
Kensington Park Senior Living offers safety monitoring and 24/7 support, so residents are never alone when an emergency arises.
7. Consider Whether It’s Time for More Support
If your loved one has already experienced a fall, or is showing multiple risk factors, it may be time to consider whether living at home is still safe.
Falls often signal a shift in health needs, and delaying action can lead to hospitalization or long-term injury.
In a senior living environment like Kensington Park Senior Living, fall prevention is built into everyday life.
From secured walking paths and grab bars to personalized wellness plans and accessible suite layouts, everything is designed to support independence without sacrificing safety.
Our community also offers rehabilitation services to help older adults recover strength and mobility after a fall, ensuring they can return to doing what they love, safely.
The Emotional Side of Fall Prevention
While fall prevention strategies are practical, there’s also an emotional layer. Your loved one may resist changes because they feel embarrassed, fear losing independence, or believe “it won’t happen to me.”
Approach the topic with empathy:
- Use “I” statements: “I’ve been worried about your safety lately…”
- Focus on your shared goals: “I want to help you stay independent for as long as possible.”
- Offer choices instead of ultimatums: “Would you prefer grab bars by the toilet or next to the shower first?”
At Kensington Park Senior Living, we understand the emotional nuances of this conversation and work with families to navigate the transition with compassion and partnership.
Let’s Prevent the Next Fall—Together
A fall can change everything, but it doesn’t have to. With fast action and the right support, families can prevent senior falls and help loved ones live safely and confidently.
If you’re concerned about fall risk, Kensington Park Senior Living is here to guide you through your options.
From wellness checks and physical therapy to full-time assisted living or memory care, we tailor our support to each individual’s needs.
Contact Kensington Park Senior Living today to learn more about our fall prevention practices and how we can help your loved one thrive in a safe, supportive environment.