Risk for Falls – Estimate your risk

Each year, millions of people suffer serious injuries from falls. It is important to understand your risk for falling. Talk with your health care provider about your risk and what you can do to lower it. There are actions you can take at home to lower your risk.

If you do have a serious fall, it is important to tell your health care provider. Falling once raises your risk for falling again.

How can falls affect me?

Serious injuries from falls are common. These include:

• Broken bones. Most hip fractures are caused by falls.
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI). Falls are the most common cause of TBI.

Fear of falling can also cause you to avoid activities and stay at home. This can make your muscles weaker and actually raise your risk for a fall.

What can increase my risk?

Serious injuries from a fall most often happen to people older than age 65. Children and young adults ages 15–29 are also at higher risk. The more risk factors you have for falling, the higher your risk. Risk factors include:

• Weakness in the lower body.
• Lack (deficiency) of vitamin D.
• Weak bones (osteoporosis).
• Being generally weak or confused due to long-term (chronic) illness.
• Dizziness or balance problems.
• Poor vision.
• Having depression.
• Medicine that causes dizziness or drowsiness. These can include medicines for your blood pressure, heart, anxiety, insomnia, or edema, as well as pain medicines and muscle relaxants.
• Drinking alcohol.
• Foot pain or improper footwear.
• Working at a dangerous job.
• Having had a fall in the past.
• Tripping hazards at home, such as floor clutter or loose rugs, or poor lighting.
• Having pets or clutter in your home.

What actions can I take to lower my risk of falling?

• Maintain physical fitness:
  • Do strength and balance exercises. Consider taking a regular class to build strength and balance. Yoga and tai chi are good options.
  • Have your eyes checked every year and your vision prescription updated as needed.
• Remove all clutter from walkways and stairways, including extension cords.
• Use a cordless phone.
• Do not use throw rugs. Make sure all carpeting is taped or tacked down securely.
• Use good lighting in all rooms. Keep a flashlight near your bed.
• Make sure there is a clear path from your bed to the bathroom. Use night-lights.
• Install grab bars for your tub, shower, and toilet. Use a bath mat in your tub or shower.
• Attach secure railings on both sides of your stairs.
• Repair uneven or broken steps.
• Use a cane or walker as directed by your health care provider.
• Wear nonskid shoes. Do not wear high heels. Do not walk around the house in socks or slippers.
• Avoid walking on icy or slippery surfaces. Walk on the grass instead of on icy or slick sidewalks. Where you can, use ice melt to get rid of ice on walkways.

Questions to ask your health care provider

• Can you help me evaluate my risk for a fall?
• Do any of my medicines make me more likely to fall?
• Should I take a vitamin D supplement?
• What exercises can I do to improve my strength and balance?
• Should I make an appointment to have my vision checked?
• Do I need a bone density test to check for osteoporosis?
• Would it help to use a cane or a walker?

Where to find more information

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, STEADI: cdc.gov
• Community-Based Fall Prevention Programs: cdc.gov
• National Institute on Aging: go4life.nia.nih.gov

Contact a health care provider if:

• You fall at home.
• You are afraid of falling at home.
• You feel weak, drowsy, or dizzy at home.

Summary

• People 65 and older are at high risk for falling. However, older people are not the only ones injured in falls. Children and young adults have a higher-than-normal risk, too.
• Talk with your health care provider about your risks for falling and how to lower those risks.
• Taking certain precautions at home can lower your risk for falling.
• If you fall, always tell your health care provider.