September is Fall Prevention Month: Preventing Falls Starts with One Simple Step - Talking About Risk

By Alexis Toney

A fall can happen in an instant, but its effects can last much longer. For many patients, especially older adults, a fall can mean more than a bruise or a sore knee. It can lead to a broken bone, a head injury, a hospital stay, loss of independence, and a fear of doing the everyday things that keep us healthy and connected.

According to the CDC, more than one in four adults aged 65 and older fall each year, leading to severe injuries and injury-related deaths.

The good news is that falls are not an inevitable part of aging. They are common, but they are also often preventable. Health care providers want patients and families to know that fall prevention begins before someone loses balance. It starts with awareness, honest conversations, and small changes that make daily life safer.

Talk to your doctor or health care provider about your risk. Patients do not always mention a fall unless they are seriously hurt, but even a stumble, near fall or new feeling of unsteadiness is worth discussing. Tell your provider if you have fallen in the past year, if you worry about falling or if you feel less steady when walking, standing up or getting in and out of a chair.

Medications are another key part of the conversation. Some prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines can cause dizziness, sleepiness, or changes in blood pressure. Taking several medications can also increase the chance of side effects. Bring an up-to-date list of everything you take, including vitamins and supplements, to your appointments. Your doctor or pharmacist can help determine whether any medicine may affect your balance.

Strength and balance matter. Staying active helps keep the muscles in your legs and core strong, which supports safer movement. Walking, chair exercises, tai chi or physical therapy-guided balance exercises can make a meaningful difference. If you are unsure what is safe for you, ask your provider before starting. The right plan should match your health, mobility, and comfort level.

Vision and hearing also play a role in preventing falls. Have your eyes checked regularly and keep your glasses prescription current. If you use bifocals or progressive lenses, be extra careful on stairs and uneven surfaces, where depth perception can be affected. Hearing changes can also influence awareness of your surroundings, so talk with your provider if you notice changes.

At home, look for simple hazards that are easy to overlook. Remove clutter, secure or remove throw rugs, and keep electrical cords out of walking paths. Use night lights in bedrooms, bathrooms, and hallways. Make sure stairs have sturdy handrails and that rooms are well lit. In the bathroom, consider grab bars near the toilet and inside and outside the shower or tub, along with nonskid mats on wet surfaces.

Footwear can make a big difference. Choose shoes that fit well and have low heels and nonskid soles. Avoid walking in socks on smooth floors and be cautious with loose slippers or backless shoes that can slide off easily.

Patients should also take their time when changing positions. If you feel lightheaded when standing, pause before walking. Sit at the edge of the bed for a moment before getting up. Stand slowly, make sure you feel steady and use a cane, walker, or handrail if one has been recommended. Asking for help is a smart safety choice.

For families and caregivers, the best support often begins with listening. Encourage loved ones to share concerns without embarrassment. Walk through the home together and look for hazards. Offer to accompany them to appointments, especially if medications, mobility or recent falls need to be discussed.

Fall prevention is not about limiting life. It is about protecting the independence, confidence, and quality of life that patients value most. With the right conversations and a few practical changes, many falls can be prevented. If you have fallen, feel unsteady or are worried about falling, do not wait. Talk to your health care provider about a referral for a physical therapy evaluation to assess fall risk and to discuss and develop a specific plan for you to prevent falls in the future and keep you healthy and independent longer.

Physical therapists play a vital role in educating patients about fall risks and prevention strategies, which can significantly reduce the likelihood of falls and improve quality of life.

Contact Wilson Medical Center Outpatient Rehabilitation Services at 252-399-8147.

Alexis Toney holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and is a physical therapist at Wilson Medical Center.

A version of this article appeared in The Wilson Times on August 28, 2026.