How to Lower Your Risk of Falling: Tips for Older Adults

Falls are one of the most common, and preventable, causes of injury among older adults. According to the CDC, 1 in 4 Americans aged 65+ falls each year, leading to over 3 million ER visits and nearly 1 million hospitalizations.

These falls can result in:

• Broken bones or fractures
• Head injuries and concussions
• Loss of mobility
• Fear of falling again
• Decreased independence

But there’s good news: many falls are preventable, and you can take steps to lower your risk at home and in the community.

5 Ways to Reduce Your Fall Risk

These tips from the team at ThedaCare At Home are practical, proven, and designed to help you live more safely and confidently every day.

1. Strengthen Your Muscles and Improve Balance

As we age, muscle tone, reflexes, and coordination naturally decline. This makes it harder to catch yourself when you trip, or to avoid the fall entirely. Regular movement and exercise can help:

Recommended activities:

• Tai chi and balance classes
• Chair yoga or stretching routines
• Low-impact walking
• Calf raises, chair squats, and heel-to-toe walks at home

Benefits of exercise:

• Builds leg and core strength
• Improves posture and balance
• Increases confidence when walking

Helpful tools from ThedaCare At Home:

• Canes, walkers and rollators for extra stability while exercising
• In-home safety accessories like grab bars and rails

Find Home Safety Aids Near You

Related: Top 5 Ways to Fall-Proof Your Home This Fall

2. Use Mobility Aids When Needed

Don’t wait for a fall to start using a cane, walker, or rollator. Mobility aids provide physical support, reduce pressure on joints, and help you feel more confident while walking, especially on uneven surfaces or in busy environments.

Options available through ThedaCare At Home:

• Walkers and Rollators:
  • Folding walkers for compact storage
  • Rollators with seats, hand brakes, and storage
  • Lightweight and bariatric options available
  • Stylish models with modern features

View Walkers & Rollators

• Mobility Scooters and Power Chairs:
  • Great for outdoor independence and longer outings
  • Portable travel scooters
  • Mid-size and heavy-duty options
  • Models from trusted brands like Golden Technologies

Browse Scooters & Power Chairs

• Stair Lifts:
  • Safe and easy access to second floors or basement levels
  • Reduces risk of falling on stairs

Explore Stair Lifts

3. Modify Your Home for Safety

Your home should support your mobility—not challenge it. Small changes can make a big difference in everyday safety.

Top home safety tips:

• Add grab bars in bathrooms and near stairs
• Use non-slip mats in showers and bathtubs
• Improve lighting in hallways, stairwells, and entrances
• Raise toilet seats and replace low chairs with lift chairs
• Clear walkways of cords, rugs, and clutter

Helpful products from ThedaCare At Home:

• Lift Chairs: Assist with standing up safely
• Raised toilet seats and bathroom safety rails
• Night lights and motion-activated lighting
• Daily living aids like reachers, bed handles, and anti-slip mats

4. Monitor Your Health Conditions

Certain chronic health issues can increase your fall risk by affecting your balance, strength, or awareness. These include diabetes, arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, heart disease, and vision or hearing loss.

What you can do:

• Schedule regular vision and hearing exams
• Review medications that cause drowsiness or dizziness
• Track blood pressure and blood sugar closely
• Stay hydrated and maintain good nutrition
• Use assistive devices like hearing aids or glasses as prescribed

Talk to your provider about any new symptoms, changes in balance, or side effects from medication.

5. Wear Proper Footwear

Your shoes play a bigger role in safety than you may realize. Loose, slippery, or unstable footwear can lead to falls indoors or out.

Choose footwear that:

• Has non-slip soles
• Offers ankle support and a snug fit
• Is flat or low-heeled
• Avoids slick or worn-out soles

For indoor use:

• Wear non-skid socks or slippers with grip soles
• Avoid walking in just socks on tile or wood floors

Stay Steady, Stay Independent

Fall prevention isn’t just about avoiding injuries; it’s about maintaining your independence and quality of life. Whether you’re supporting your own safety or caring for a loved one, ThedaCare At Home offers the tools and guidance to help you stay confident and mobile.

Need help choosing the right product? We’re happy to help—just give us a call at 1-800-984-5554, or stop into one of our retail store locations.

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