What To Do When Parents Keep Falling

By Jennifer Footit-Tank RN, quality care coordinator at Network Health
10/31/2024

Whether you have a parent who admits to falling or you have witnessed them falling yourself, take the fall seriously. Falling is not a natural part of aging. It is usually an indication that something is not right with the health of the person, the environment your parent is living in or both.

Watching you parent’s health decline is scary and creates an urgency to do all that can be done to ensure they stay safe and fall free. Your desire to change your parent or their home for safety reasons can also cause frustration if your efforts are met with resistance. The most successful way to navigate this delicate situation is to find a way to talk about needed changes while still respecting your parents desire for autonomy and independence.

Know the Cause of the Fall

Look at what caused the fall to have more productive conversation on how to prevent recurrence. Consider some of the following causes.

• Clutter, tripping hazards, poor lightening or no railing on a stairway
• Not using a walker, cane or wearing non-slip shoes or socks
• Poor balance related to muscle weakness, osteoporosis or poor posture
• Hearing loss or impaired vision
• Taking medication incorrectly or not at all
• Shuffling when walking or increased weakness
• Poor nutrition, dehydration or alcohol consumption

Take the Falls Free CheckUp quiz by The National Council on Aging

Acknowledge the Emotional Stress of the Fall

Fear of another fall is common and can be debilitating. Once a senior has experienced a fall, it doubles the chance for another one. Some seniors will begin to be less active and sit more, making them weaker or stop leaving their home causing social isolation. Talking about their fear and making them feel heard can help with open conversation on how to avoid the fall from taking over their life.

Encourage Follow Up With Your Parent’s Medical Provider

If your parent does not have a history of falls and there is no obvious environmental remedy needed, then it is important to look at a medical cause. If possible, attend the appointment with your parent taking a team approach. Treatment options may include the following.

• Changing a medication that has the side effect of dizziness or fatigue
• Sessions with physical or occupational therapy
• Vision exam with updated lenses or hearing aids for hearing loss
• Review of bone density to reduce the risk of fracture related to osteoporosis
• Setting up easier access to nutritious meals, snacks and fluids
• Interventions to improve choices about alcohol or drugs
• Resources for home safety improvement

You and your parent’s medical provider may come up with the perfect solution to help minimize falls, but you may be met with resistance. Try to understand the motivation for the behavior. Listen to what your parent is saying and not saying. Is it the fear of being “forced” out their home, the cost of bringing in support help or services or anxiety around change?

Avoid Power Struggles

Try not to get into ultimatums or nagging. It may take several conversations to get your concerns discussed. Persistence on your part not to let the subject drop is important but remember they are still your parents, and they will resent having the roles reversed. Instead ask questions and involve them in the conversation and decisions that need to be made.

Bring in Reinforcements

Some parents respond better if the same information comes from another source. Consider a family meeting that includes close friends, neighbors as well as family. Make sure to include the parent on the meeting plan versus an intervention type model. Use the teamwork theme.

Point Out Consequences

Calmly discuss the possible outcomes for their behavior in a non-punitive tone. Try saying “I want you to remain independent, but I don’t want to see you have to stay in a nursing home because you fell and broke your hip.” Sometimes pointing out the consequences of their choices may be enough to get their buy in for making safety changes.

Talk to an Expert

Bring in a professional elderly specialist who is trained in home safety assessment and lifestyle change recommendations. Suggestions from an outside professional may be perceived by the senior as advice instead of criticism. A great resource is your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC).

Helping a parent to age in place, at home can be frustrating and worrisome. With open, honest communication and teamwork, making the necessary safety changes can help improve their health and eliminate unnecessary risks.