Preventing Falls in Older Adults: Things Families Can Do Together
Falls are a common problem for older adults and can affect their ability to live independently. The good news is that many falls can be prevented in advance. Family members can help by learning more about risks, paying attention to medications, and planning activities together with the older adult.
Machine translation of our Chinese article, without human translation review. Suggestions concerning China remain specific to China.
Chinese fact summaries and suggestions for China (not a full translation)
Original: Fall Prevention Resources | Older Adult Fall Prevention | CDC · Original language: en
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Facts from the sources
Falls threaten older adults' health and may reduce their ability to remain independent. View source
Available resources can help reduce the chance of falls or help loved ones prevent falls. View source
The MyMobility program can help older adults or their loved ones stay safe, active, and independent. View source
Certain medications may increase fall risk, and one can learn how to reduce this risk. View source
Choosing activities can create a customized fall prevention plan that meets individual needs. View source
Falls among older adults are common and costly, but they can be prevented. View source
For older people and families
A fall for an older adult is not just a tumble; it can also affect their ability to walk and do things, so it should be taken seriously.
If the older adult is taking medication, at the next prescription or follow-up visit, ask the doctor whether these medications may cause dizziness or affect balance.
Don't suddenly ask the older adult to do more activities. First see how long they can usually walk and stand, then discuss gradually.
You can do simple exercises with the older adult, such as lifting legs while holding onto a table, or sit-to-stand practice, and someone should be nearby to watch.
Tidy up the floors at home, put away cords, secure floor mats, and reduce things that can cause tripping.
When the older adult is reluctant to trouble others, encourage them more; after a fall is even more troublesome, and early prevention brings more peace of mind.
See what care and community teams can do
Drawing on the idea of overseas "personalized fall prevention plans," assess each older adult's mobility, medication use, and home environment, then develop an actionable plan.
Institutions or communities can organize medication risk screenings, invite pharmacists or doctors to participate, and help older adults identify medications that may affect balance, but the specific judgment must be made by professionals.
Conduct a physical assessment before starting activities to avoid arranging unsuitable movements; older adults at high risk of falls should be referred to medical or rehabilitation facilities.
Overseas resources (such as the MyMobility program) are for reference only; to implement them in China they must be localized, not directly copied, and should be combined with local medical and community conditions.
Establish a fall risk file for each older adult, recording medications, activity levels, and previous fall history; conduct regular follow-ups and adjust the plan as circumstances change.
Train caregivers to identify fall risks, learn how to safely assist and accompany older adults in activities, and not force older adults to complete movements.
What needs local assessment
This fact sheet is based on U.S. resources and is for general reference only; it should not be regarded as current policy or medical advice in China. The physical conditions of older adults vary greatly; the effects of medications, mobility, and fall risk must be assessed on site by doctors, rehabilitation therapists, or professional evaluators. Home modifications involve load-bearing, slip resistance, dimensions, and other factors; be sure to have professionals verify before construction. Source of facts: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Source: CDC). The original materials are available free of charge on the CDC website. This website and the China-localized recommendations do not represent endorsement by CDC, HHS, or the U.S. government; no images or logos from those sources have been reproduced.
Sources
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Was this article helpful?
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