According to the National Council on Aging, one in four older Americans fall each year, and every 11 seconds an older adult is seen in an emergency room for a fall-related injury. 

That means it is likely that many of us know a family member or friend who has fallen, and we know the toll it takes, physically and emotionally.  

“First of all, it’s scary,” said Mary Duran, CEO and owner of Cella Bella’s Senior Services & Hospice based in Austin, TX. “One minute you’re walking down your stairs or stepping up on to the curb, and then next thing you know you’re lying on the ground. If you’re very lucky, you’re just embarrassed and upset, but chances are you may have hurt yourself.”  

Broken hips, fractures, and head injuries are the most common injuries for fall victims who are 65 or older. 

“But, increased fear and anxiety are other consequences, which also have physical ramifications,” Duran says. “Fear often leads to less activity, which leads to losing strength and balance. Anxiety about getting hurt again can lead to increased isolation, which leads to loneliness and depression.”  

It can also become a dangerous cycle. Statistics show that if a person has fallen in the past 12 months, they are likely to fall again.  

“At Cella Bella’s, we often work with families that are dealing with recovery from a fall. We see first-hand how it can change the trajectory of aging in place. We also know that it’s not inevitable,” Duran says. “There are things family and friends can be aware of and things they can to prevent falls. We can talk you through them.” 

Awareness + Action to Prevent Falls 

Duran urges family and friends to take note of any emerging issues with unsteadiness, a change in gait, complaints about numb feet, using hands to push up from a chair, or needing to hold onto furniture to navigate a room.  

“These are signs of losing balance and increased weakness in the legs,” Duran explains. “It’s time to do two things: schedule a visit with the person’s primary care physician and schedule a vision appointment.” 

The physician should discuss three things if they believe the patient is a fall risk. 

1. What may be causing changes to strength and balance 

1. Chronic conditions that may be contributing to fall risk, like arthritis, Parkinson’s, or a previous 

1. A review of medications, especially those that may cause fatigue or lightheadedness 

“Leaving that appointment with recommendations will be important,” Duran says. “For example, seated yoga, gentle Tai Chi, and walking regularly are excellent ways to regain strength, balance and confidence. The doctor may also make the case for using a cane or a walker, putting a shower chair in the bath, and installing grab bars in the home, especially in the bathroom.” 

“These are not signs of weakness,” she added. “These are tools that are affordable, easy to acquire and install, and are often covered by Medicare.”  

The doctor may also change or adjust medications that have side effects that increase fall risk. 

“If this happens, make sure the medication is working,” Duran says. “If dizziness and fatigue don’t improve, make another appointment.”  

A vision check is important because less light reaches the retina as eyes age. As a result, its harder to see contrasting edges, such as between the last step and the floor, and things in shadow. The ophthalmologist or optometrist may be able to adjust the vision prescription accordingly and they may also recommend putting brighter lighting into the home. 

In addition, Cella Bella’s Senior Services can also provide services that help seniors prevent falls in their homes and in their lives. 

From offering free in-home assessments (to ID potential fall hazards, lighting issues, etc.), home and personal care services (including medication management), transportation, and simple companionship, the Cella Bella’s Senior Services team works to ensure seniors can remain safe and independent within their homes.