{"id":10040,"date":"2018-04-30T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2018-04-30T05:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lifeline.philips.com\/resources\/blog\/2014\/04\/how-to-help-a-senior-overcome-a-fear-of-falling.html"},"modified":"2025-09-30T16:49:20","modified_gmt":"2025-09-30T20:49:20","slug":"how-to-help-a-senior-overcome-a-fear-of-falling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lifeline.com\/blog\/how-to-help-a-senior-overcome-a-fear-of-falling\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Overcome Fear of Falling"},"content":{"rendered":"

According to the National Institutes of Health<\/a>, more than 1.6 million older adults in the US go to the emergency room for fall-related injuries each year. Many of them never return to their own homes again, instead moving to assisted living communities or nursing homes because of injuries they sustained in the fall, their fear of falling, or their family\u2019s fear that they may fall again.<\/p>\n

The fear of falling is one of the most significant factors that increase the risk of a fall, and this fear is particularly prevalent in those who have fallen previously. Because the fear of falling is such a significant factor in older adults\u2019 fall risk, addressing it directly with both the senior and his caretakers offers the best opportunity for preventing or reducing falls. Discussion about the fear of falling should be coupled with education about other factors that could increase the risk of falling, including decreased visual acuity, weakening muscles, unsafe home settings, medications, and other risks related to the normal aging process. Here are some ways to reduce fears and fall risks among seniors who still live at home<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Understand the Value of Confidence<\/h2>\n

Gaining confidence is one of the best ways to reduce fear of any kind. One way older adults with a fear of falling can increase their confidence is to work at improving their strength and balance. There are exercise classes and programs specifically designed to improve balance and increase strength. Many of these classes include a free assessment at the beginning and end of the class to help each person understand her individual risk and demonstrate how much the exercises can help reduce that risk. Local Area Agencies on Aging can direct seniors to classes in their area. Some of the classes will also address the best way to prevent falls, how to land more safely if a fall does occur, and how to safely get up from a fall. For seniors who are unable to travel to classes, there are programs available in video or DVD format like Fall Stop\u2026Move Strong<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Establish a Safe Home Environment<\/h2>\n

Other interventions that can help reduce the risk of falling<\/a> include having family or caretakers assess the senior\u2019s home safety and make any necessary adjustments to the home. The Administration on Aging<\/a> offers a number of tips on making the home safer for older adults, some of which are detailed below.<\/p>\n

Remove Throw Rugs<\/h3>\n

This may be a tough one for caretakers of a senior who takes pride in how she\u2019s decorated her home. When the rugs have been a part of the decor for many years, it can take some savvy negotiating to help the senior understand that the increased safety removing the rug provides is well worth the change in aesthetics. If she\u2019s insistent that the rug is necessary, the family can try to find one that is heavy enough to stay down on its own or one with a rubber backing that will not be as likely to fold up when it\u2019s walked on. Two-sided tape can also help secure the edges of a rug, but make sure that the rug is secured on all edges.<\/p>\n

Mark Steps With Bright Tape<\/h3>\n

Even if someone has lived in his home for decades, reduced visual acuity or burned-out or hard-to-reach lights can make it harder to see where one step begins and another ends. While it might not be aesthetically appealing, a strip of bright-colored tape on the edge of each step can help a senior safely navigate stairs and allow him to remain safe and independent in his home.<\/p>\n

Tighten Loose Carpets<\/h3>\n

All it can take is just one little bump in the carpet to trigger a fall, even for someone who is stable on his feet. Most of us can recover when we\u2019re strong, but with slower reflexes and weaker bones and muscles, the impact of catching a foot on a wrinkle in the carpet can be devastating for a senior. Talk to the family about hiring a carpet professional to stretch and secure wall-to-wall carpeting that has shifted over the years. This can be a minimal investment compared to the cost of hospitalization.<\/p>\n

Install Handrails on Stairs and Steps<\/h3>\n

Stairs in particular can pose a fall risk or be an area that increases a senior\u2019s fear of falling. Caretakers should make sure existing stair railings are tightly secured and accessible, and install new ones where they are needed.<\/p>\n

Improve Lighting<\/h3>\n

Discuss the option of adding or replacing lights in dimly lit stairwells and hallways with the seniors and family. If outdoor space is frequently accessed during the evening or early morning hours (perhaps when letting a pet out), they should also consider installing motion-sensor lighting so that any potential barriers are clearly visible.<\/p>\n

Install Grab Bars<\/h3>\n

An important change that families can make is to install grab bars<\/a> in slippery areas such as the shower and bathroom. Encourage the senior to use them instead of towel racks or shower doors for support as she gets in and out of the tub or shower. Other adaptations include a shower bench and a hand-held shower to reduce standing time in the shower. Frequently used items can also be relocated to lower shelves and cabinets so that ladders and step stools are not necessary.<\/p>\n

There are also other things to consider when discussing how to minimize fall risk with seniors and their families. Here are some tips you can offer them:<\/p>\n