5 Steps to Prevent Falls
We encourage you to explore this tool fully, but if you only have a minute, here are five things all older adults and caregivers can do to help prevent falls and fall injuries.
- Talk openly with your healthcare provider about fall risks and prevention. A provider can help you identify and manage factors than can increase your risk of falls, such as certain chronic conditions or medications. Tell a provider right away if you fall, worry about falling, or feel unsteady.
- Exercise to improve your balance and strength. Exercises that improve balance and make your legs stronger (like Tai Chi) lower your chances of falling.
- Check your eyes. Have a vision screening with a healthcare provider once a year and update glasses or lenses as needed.
- Check your feet. Have a healthcare provider check your feet once a year. Discuss proper footwear and ask whether seeing a foot specialist is advised.
- Make your home safer. Remove things you can trip over (like papers, books, clothes, and shoes) from stairs and places where you walk. Have grab bars in the bathroom and handrails on all staircases. Improve the lighting in your home.
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