Preventing Falls in Older Adults

Among people 65 years and older, falls are the leading cause of injury deaths and the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma. Each year in the United States, nearly one third of older adults experience a fall.

Ways to prevent falls:

Exercise helps older adults become stronger and feel better.

Make the home safer
• Remove items from stairs and floors
• Remove small throw rugs
• Place items used often within easy reach
• Install grab bars next to the toilet and in the tub or shower.
• Place non-stick mats in the bathtub and on shower floors.
• Improve the lighting in the home.
• Install handrails and lights on all staircases.
• Be sure the older adult wears shoes that give good support and have thin, non-slip soles.

Review all medicines with their health care provider .

Vision checks ensure that eyeglasses are correct and there are no conditions that limit vision.

Learn the signs and symptoms of traumatic brain injury.