As we welcome fall—with its cooler days, changing leaves, and familiar routines, the season gives us an opportunity to talk about another kind of fall. It may not be an easy subject to bring up, but a caring conversation now can help someone feel safer and more confident at home.
In addition to countless clients’ anecdotes, the numbers underscore why we need to talk about this more:
- In a CDC analysis of a 2020 national survey, an estimated 14 million adults age 65 and older—more than one in four—reported at least one fall in the previous 12 months.
- About 37% of older adults who fell reported an injury that required medical treatment or limited activity for at least one day.
- In2021, 38,742 adults age 65 and older died from unintentional falls in the United States.
Those numbers are sobering. The encouraging part is that falls are not an inevitable part of aging, and there are meaningful ways to reduce the risk.
At Nursing Liaisons, we have seen how a fall can affect more than someone’s physical health. A person may become afraid to walk outside, visit friends, or do everyday things they once enjoyed. We want to help people stay active and confident, while recognizing when they need a little more support.
What can help?
- Keep moving in ways that build strength and balance. A Tai Chi class can be a gentle, social way to practice steady movement and shifting weight. Balance classes and exercises recommended by a physical therapist are other options. Ask a healthcare provider which activities are right for you, especially if you have recently fallen or feel unsteady.
- Speak up about dizziness or a near fall. These are worth discussing before an injury occurs. A healthcare professional can review medications and look for other factors that may be affecting balance.
- Make everyday paths safer. Check the lighting between the bed and bathroom, clear clutter from walkways, and check for rugs or uneven steps that could cause a trip.
We pay particular attention when someone comes home from the hospital. They may be weaker than expected or need to adjust to new medications and routines. The CDC notes that older adults are more likely to fall in the first month after a hospital stay than those who have not been hospitalized.
Our registered nurses can help patients and families notice changes, talk through concerns, and plan for the support someone needs at home. A gentle question is a good place to start: “Do you feel steady? Is there anything at home you’re worried about doing on your own?”
If someone has fallen and hit their head, contact their doctor right away, especially if they take blood thinners.
This October, let’s make fall prevention a conversation rooted in care, dignity, and the wish to help the people we love stay independent.
Contact us to discuss balance and strengthening plans that can support your specific fall prevention goals.
We are here for you!
Lisa and Ellie
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