Risk Factors
Home Sweet Home
Avoiding A Fall
Left to our own devices
Fall Statistics
100

1 in 4 adults over the age of 65 in the U.S. experiences this each year

What is a fall?

100
Most falls in the home happen in this room

What is the bathroom?

100

Wearing these at all times when walking can prevent slips and falls

What are supportive, non-slip shoes? 

100

If you have a prescription for these, you should wear them and keep them clean

What are glasses?

100

Every year, more than 3 million older adults go here after a fall

What is the emergency department?

200

Not drinking enough water can cause this symptom, which increases the chance of falling.

What is dizziness or lightheadedness?

200

These should be installed next to toilets and in showers to support balance.

What are grab bars?

200

You should avoid doing this while walking, especially when using a cane or walker

What is multi-tasking? (e.g., using your phone, etc.)

200

These assistive devices, when properly fitted, can help you walk more safely

What is a cane or a walker? 

200

Outside of the home, this is the most common place where falls occur in the community.

What are parking lots, sidewalks, and uneven curbs?

300

A fear of this can actually cause someone to become less active and increase their fall risk

What is a fear of falling?

300

This common household item on the floor often causes people to trip.

What are throw rugs?

300

Standing up too fast can make you feel dizzy. Doing this instead can help

What is standing up slowly and pausing before walking?

300

This device, when added to your toilet, can make it easier to get on and off independently and safely. 

What is a raised toilet seat? 

300

This is the most common injury that sends older adults to the hospital after a fall.

What is a hip fracture?

400

Conditions like Parkinson's disease or a stroke can raise your fall risk by affecting this

What is your balance?

400

Adding this to stairways helps improve visibility during nighttime hours.

What is night lighting or motion-sensor lighting?
400

Understanding these, including when to take them, what they help with, and how they make you feel, can help you avoid a fall

What are medications?

400

This wearable device can call for help if you fall

What is a medical alert device (or Life Alert)?

400

According to the CDC, doing these regularly can reduce your risk of falling by up to 35%

What is participating in a balance and strength exercise program? (Tai-Chi, Yoga, OT/PT led exercise programs)

500

This blood pressure issue happens when you move from lying or sitting to standing.

What is a drop in blood pressure when you stand up (orthostatic hypotension)?

500

This type of flooring is best for reducing slips

What is non-slip flooring (e.g., textured tile)? 

500

It is important to have your vision and hearing checked this often to reduce fall risk

What is annually, or immediately if you notice any changes?

500

This voice-activated device can be used to call for help if you fall and can’t reach a phone.

What is a smart speaker or virtual assistant? (Alexa, Siri, etc.)

500

Less than half of older adults do this after they fall, even though it’s very important.

What is tell their doctor?