How to Prevent Falls in Older Adults

Falls are one of the most common and serious risks facing older people, but they are not an inevitable part of ageing. With the right support, environment, and planning, falls can be prevented, helping people to stay independent and confident for longer.

At Plan with Care, we work with families and professionals to create detailed, personalised plans that consider every aspect of a person’s wellbeing — physical, emotional, and environmental. Preventing falls isn’t just about avoiding injury; it’s about maintaining quality of life, dignity, and independence.

Why Falls Happen

As we get older, changes in balance, strength, eyesight, and medication can all increase the risk of falling. Common causes include:

• Muscle weakness or reduced mobility

• Poor lighting or cluttered spaces

• Slippery floors or loose rugs

• Footwear that doesn’t fit properly

• Side effects of medication (such as dizziness or drowsiness)

• Low blood pressure or dehydration

A single fall can cause a significant loss of confidence, sometimes leading to reduced activity, isolation, or a fear of falling again which can lead to a reduced quality of life and the likelihood of further falls.

Steps to Reduce the Risk

Preventing falls is most effective when approached holistically, looking at the whole person and their environment. Here are some practical ways to help:

1. Review medication and health conditions - Ask a GP or pharmacist to review medications regularly. Certain combinations can cause dizziness or affect balance. Managing vision, hearing, and blood pressure are equally important.

2. Encourage movement and strength-building - Regular, gentle activity such as walking, Tai Chi, or balance exercises can make a huge difference. We can recommend exercises to build strength safely and gradually.

3. Make the home safer - Simple adjustments can have a big impact:

• Ensure good lighting in hallways and bathrooms

• Remove clutter and secure loose rugs

• Fit grab rails and non-slip mats in bathrooms

• Keep frequently used items within easy reach

4. Make stairs safer - Stairs can pose one of the greatest fall risks, especially if they are steep, narrow, or poorly lit. Some helpful adjustments include:

• Installing sturdy handrails on both sides of the staircase

• Ensuring there is bright, even lighting from top to bottom

• Adding non-slip treads or brightly coloured edging to improve visibility

• Keeping stairs clear of clutter and trip hazards

• Considering a stairlift or downstairs living arrangement if stairs become difficult or unsafe

5. Choose supportive footwear - Shoes should fit well, support the ankle, and have non-slip soles. Avoid slippers that are too loose or shoes with high heels.

6. Support confidence and wellbeing - After a fall, people often feel anxious or lose confidence in moving about. Compassionate, relationship-centred support can help someone regain trust in their own body and environment.

How Plan with Care Can Help

At Plan with Care, we take a joined-up approach to falls prevention. Our Wellbeing Consultants will assess risk, suggest adaptations for the home, and support ongoing wellbeing. We look beyond safety alone. Our focus is on helping people live with purpose and confidence, not restriction. For some, that might mean building strength to walk to the garden again; for others, it’s about feeling safe enough to move around the home independently.

With thoughtful support and practical adjustments, it’s possible to create safer, more confident daily living for older people. If you’d like to discuss how we can help reduce the risk of falls and improve wellbeing for someone you support, please get in touch with us at: info@planwithcare.co.uk