Fall Risk Interventions

Falls and fractures are not a normal part of aging. Many falls can be prevented by addressing your fall risk factors. 

Assessment and Treatment of Health and Physical Conditions

A thorough evaluation can find out your risks. Treatment can lower them. For example, 

• Managing heart problems can improve your function and reduce risk of fainting
• Keeping nerves, joints and feet healthy and less painful helps with balance. 
• Getting new glasses or hearing aids may help you see and hear around you better.
• Treating eye problems, like cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration  can help prevent falls. 
• People with long-lasting illnesses, like dementia, depression, anxiety, or arthritis need treatment to reduce fall risks.
• People with osteoporosis or osteopenia (bone loss) need enough vitamin D and calcium to avoid further bone loss, or medications to help strengthen bones. 

Exercise

Exercise can improve a person’s balance and strength. This helps to prevent falls. Your healthcare professional may recommend working with a physical therapist or participating in a special exercise program.

Research shows that the following three types of activities are effective for older people at risk of falling:

1. Balance and coordination exercises 
2. Resistance and weight training to increase strength
3. Cardiovascular, endurance, and fitness training 

A combination of these three types of activities is the most effective at reducing fall risk. Some exercise combines these types of activities. Balance and coordination exercise, such as Tai Chi, has been studied and offers the most benefit in reducing fall risk. 

All exercise programs need to progress. As a person becomes more secure and strong, the exercises need to change so a person remains challenged and continue to improve.

Use of Assistive Devices and Other Aids

Sometimes a person needs aids to help them with walking, balance, completing daily activities (bathing and dressing) or reaching for things. A physical or occupational therapist can figure out what is best for someone’s needs and provide training in the use of all types of aids. 

Among the most common aids are:

• Canes and walkers
• Reachers (to pick up items without bending over)
• Shower benches and raised toilet seats in the bathroom

Medication Changes

Some types of medications can increase the risks of falls and fractures.  A healthcare professional needs to review all of a person’s medicines and reduce them as much as possible.

You are at an increased risk of a fall if:

• You take four or more prescription medications
• You have recently changed the number of medications you take
• You have recently changed the dosage

Never stop taking medications, or reduce your dose, unless you have discussed with your healthcare provider.

Environment Hazards

An occupational therapist or other qualified person can evaluate your home’s safety or you can use a simple home safety checklist. Improvements that can help reduce fall risk include:

• Using good lighting, such as night lights and lamps in dim areas 
• Removing loose carpeting and other floor clutter to decrease tripping 
• Assessing furniture such as bed height, low or soft chairs and chairs with wheels
• Adding grab bars,  and non-slip bathmats in bathrooms 
• Adding railings on stairs and in corridors.
• Using good fitting footwear in and out of the home, that has a back and a sole. 

Education and Goals

Education is a key part of any fall prevention plan. Knowing the causes and your own specific risk factors can help prevent a fall. Talking to your healthcare team about your health goals and what matters to you is also important to a fall prevention plan.

You can find additional resources on the CDC's STEADI Older Adult Fall Prevention site.

Last Updated July 2024