Falls can happen to anyone, at any age. But as we get older, a fall can have more serious consequences, including broken bones, head injuries, loss of confidence, and reduced independence.

Falls Prevention Week is an opportunity for all of us to think about how we can make our homes, communities, and daily routines safer. The good news is that many falls can be prevented with a few simple changes.

Why Falls Prevention Matters

Falls are one of the most common causes of injury, particularly among older adults. However, falls aren't simply an inevitable part of aging. Paying attention to balance, medications, vision, footwear, and the environment around us can help reduce risk. Falls prevention isn't just about protecting older adults, either. Children, athletes, people recovering from illness or injury, and anyone navigating an unfamiliar or hazardous environment can experience a fall.

6 Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Falling

1. Keep your home well lit: Good lighting can make it easier to see obstacles and changes in flooring. Keep hallways, stairways, and bathrooms well lit, and consider using night-lights in areas you may visit after dark.

2. Clear pathways and reduce tripping hazards: Secure loose rugs, keep electrical cords out of walkways, and remove clutter from stairs and frequently used paths. Handrails on stairs and grab bars in bathrooms can also provide valuable support.

3. Stay active and work on balance: Regular physical activity can help maintain strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance. Walking, strength exercises, and balance-focused exercises can be beneficial. If you're unsure which activities are appropriate for you, talk with your healthcare provider or a physical therapist before starting a new exercise program.

4. Review your medications: Some medications—or combinations of medications—can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or changes in blood pressure that may increase the risk of falling. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist to review your medications periodically. Never stop taking a prescribed medication without first talking with your healthcare professional.

5. Have your vision and hearing checked: Changes in vision and hearing can affect your awareness of your surroundings and your balance. Regular eye and hearing examinations can help identify problems that may contribute to falls. Make sure your glasses or contact lenses are appropriate for your needs and that you use them as recommended.

6. Choose supportive footwear: Choose well-fitting footwear with good support and nonslip soles. Be cautious with slippers, socks on smooth floors, or shoes that are worn out or don't fit properly.

For Adult Caregivers: Help Make Falls Prevention a Team Effort

If you're caring for an aging parent, spouse, relative, or another adult, you can play an important role in helping prevent falls. Start by having an open conversation about safety. Some people may be reluctant to acknowledge that they're having difficulty with balance or mobility because they worry about losing their independence. Approach the conversation with respect and focus on supporting independence rather than restricting it.

Here are a few ways caregivers can help:

• Look for changes in mobility: Pay attention to new difficulty getting up from a chair, climbing stairs, walking, or maintaining balance.

• Check the home environment: Walk through the home together and look for loose rugs, clutter, poor lighting, or other potential hazards.

• Encourage regular activity: Support safe opportunities for walking, strengthening, and balance exercises as recommended by a healthcare professional.

• Keep track of medications: Help organize medications when needed and make sure the healthcare team knows about all prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements being taken.

• Encourage routine healthcare visits: Vision, hearing, medication, and mobility concerns can all be discussed with a healthcare provider.

• Have a plan for emergencies: Make sure family members and caregivers know what to do if a fall occurs, particularly if the person lives alone.

• Respect independence: Whenever possible, involve the person you're caring for in decisions about changes to their routine or home. The goal is to help them remain active and independent as safely as possible.

• Encourage a healthcare assessment when needed: If someone has fallen, seems increasingly unsteady, or has developed a fear of falling, encourage them to talk with their healthcare provider. These can be important signs that an assessment may be helpful.

Know When to Talk With Your Healthcare Provider

If you have fallen recently, feel unsteady when walking, or are worried about falling, don't wait for an injury to occur before asking for help. Your healthcare provider can help identify potential risk factors and may recommend an assessment of your medications, vision, strength, balance, or walking. Depending on your needs, physical therapy or other services may also help improve mobility and confidence.

Community Resources for Falls Prevention

Community Balance Screening Program (FHP Rehabilitation Services)

Free to anyone age 55+ | Call (907) 458-5670 to register

Fairbanks Senior Center ( call to confirm if sign-up is needed: 907-452-1735)

Mondays 9am-10:15am Strong People

Mondays 2pm-3pm Chair Yoga

Mondays 3:45pm-5pm OLLI – Tai Chi

Tuesdays 10:45am-11:15am FNSB Parks & Rec Exercise Class

Tuesdays 2pm-3:15pm OLLI-Taoist Tai Chi

Thursdays 9am-10:15am Strong People

Thursdays 3:45pm-5pm OLLI Vinyasa Yoga

Other Upcoming events at Fbx Senior Center:

Wed, Sept 23 1pm-2pm: Dr. Gowtham, FHP Senior Care Clinic health discussion

Friday, October 2^nd 8am-11am: AK Health Fair event at Fairbanks Senior Center 

Programs:

Helping Hands Home Modifications Program

Call for services or to volunteer: 907-452-1735

North Pole Santa’s Senior Center

call: 907-488-4663

Mondays and Fridays 10am Strong Seniors Exercise

Mondays and Fridays 11:15am FNSB Parks & Recreation Exercise

 FNSB Parks & Recreation – Senior Program

call: 907-459-1136

Daily Exercise classes, group events, transportation

Register on the website or call

Falls Prevention Starts With Small Steps

Preventing falls doesn't have to mean making major changes all at once. Start by looking at your surroundings, your daily habits, and anything that may be affecting your balance or mobility. This Falls Prevention Week, take a few minutes to identify one or two changes that could make you—or someone you care about—safer. A safer environment, regular activity, and conversations with your healthcare team can all play a role in preventing falls and helping people stay active and independent.

This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. If you have concerns about your risk of falling, speak with your healthcare provider.