What to do After an Older Adult Falls?

At the moment, of course, assess for injuries and whether emergency care is needed. Older adults are more likely to have serious injuries from even a small fall because of fragile bones from osteoporosis. They are also more likely to have bleeding in the brain if they hit their head and often take medications that make bleeding more likely. They can be bad, so take it very seriously.

Next, it is important to figure out why the fall happened. That often involves asking specific questions to reveal the cause. 

Some of the most common contributors of falls I see are: balance or gait issues, generalized weakness and deconditioning, vision problems, tripping on something, slipping in the shower or in the bathroom at night, wearing the wrong type of shoes, vertigo, low blood pressure, heart problems, medication side effects, stroke, syncope (passing out), or acute illness. And sometimes there are multiple of these factors going on at the same time! Many of these scenarios require emergency department evaluation. But your primary care provider also needs to be informed in order to work with you to prevent future falls. This may include adjustments to blood pressure medications or referring to physical therapy or an eye exam. 

Falls are traumatic for patients and caregivers. Thinking of a loved one falling is terrible and very emotional. It is only natural for caregivers to try to prevent falls from happening again by restricting independent activities or hovering. Of course, it comes from a place of love and care. But patients sense this shift and rightfully become worried that their independence will be taken from them. 

I like to acknowledge the trauma and explain that I want to help prevent future falls without taking away independence. Making the home safe using equipment is key to achieving this. For example, a fall in the shower does not necessarily mean they require a family member to help them shower from now on. Providing a shower chair or transfer bench, grab bars, and a hand held shower head may be all that’s needed to prevent future falls while maintaining independence and dignity. 

What I always recommend is taking a really hard look at the home and making it as safe as possible. You need to assess each room and the potential safety issues. For the bedroom, adding things like a hand rail at the bed and a urinal or commode next to the bed are often helpful to minimize nighttime trips to the bathroom. But if walking to the bathroom is still something you can safely do, then night lights in hallways and bathrooms are a must since a huge amount of falls happen at night on the way to the bathroom. In the bathroom, a shower chair or tub transfer bench, along with grab bars and non-slip bath mat, are hugely important.  

It’s important to remember that it’s not all about adding more safety equipment in the house. Sometimes removing things is just as important. Removing clutter, opening up walkways, removing area rugs all can instantly make a home much safer as well. 

This can feel like a lot, and it is. A fall is a big deal. But making the right adjustments after a fall can allow your parent or loved one to continue to live a safe and independent life. There is not a lot more important than that.