A Practical Guide to Preventing Falls

Each year, more than 14 million adults aged 65 and older experience a fall in the United States, according to CDC statistics. Approximately 21% of older adults who fall each year end up in the emergency department. Around 7 % of falls among older adults result in hospitalization. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) face a significantly elevated risk of falls compared to the general population. According to 2024 data curated by the UMASS Medical School’s Center for Developmental Disabilities Evaluation and Research, approximately 30% of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) experience a fall each year. Of these incidents, 15% result in serious injury, and about two-thirds of individuals who fall will experience multiple falls.

Empowering individuals with developmental disabilities to stay safe from falls is not only important, it’s absolutely within reach with the right support and strategies. By making their surroundings safer, checking medications, encouraging movement, and using helpful tools like grab bars or walkers, we can lower the risk.

Safety Tips

Here are some important safety tips to help reduce the risk of falls:

Home Safety

Ensure adequate lighting throughout the home.

Remove tripping hazards such as clutter, loose rugs, and unsecured cords.

Install grab bars in key areas and handrails along stairways.

Secure carpets to prevent slipping.

Bathroom Safety

Use non-slip mats inside and outside the shower or tub.

Provide a shower chair for stability during bathing.

Install raised toilet seats to make sitting and standing easier.

Outdoor Safety

Be cautious on wet, icy, or uneven surfaces.

Use ramps and curb cutouts for easier mobility.

Other Considerations

Because the risk of falling is not only limited to a person’s surrounding, there are other factors that can be considered. Besides making the environment safe, take the time to address the following as well.

Medication Review

Consult with a doctor or pharmacist to review medications for side effects that may increase fall risk (e.g., dizziness, drowsiness).

Exercise and Balance

Engage in regular physical activity, such as Tai Chi or other exercises, to improve strength and balance.

Assistive Devices

Of course utilize assistive devices like walkers, canes, or grabbers as needed.

Vision Checks

Ensure regular eye exams and updated prescriptions to help identify and avoid hazards.

Footwear

Wear properly fitting, non-slip shoes.

Mobility Concerns

When a decline in mobility is observed, it’s a good idea to consult with a physical therapist early so the person can stay active and independent. Below are some common examples of mobility issues that may signal the need for physical therapy or further support:

• Difficulty walking or unsteady gait. This could be shuffling feet, limping, or frequent stumbling.
• Trouble standing up from a chair or bed. Does the person need assistance or use arms excessively to push up?
• Frequent falls or near-falls. Notice whether a person is losing balance while walking or turning.
• Slow or limited movement. This could mean the person is taking longer to move from one place to another or avoiding movement altogether.
• Pain during movement. Consider if the person has joint or muscle pain that limits walking, standing, or climbing stairs.
• Reduced strength or endurance. Does the person fatigue after short walks or have difficulty carrying light objects.
• Difficulty with stairs or uneven surfaces. Watch if a person has hesitation or fear when navigating steps or curbs.
• Fear of falling can lead individuals to avoid everyday activities which increases their risk of falling due to reduced physical activity and muscle strength.
• Changes in posture or alignment. Notice if a person is leaning to one side, has stooped posture, or drags a leg.

Next Steps

So what happens next? Above all, make sure everyone is involved in care including support staff, nurses, doctors, and therapists. Through proactive assessment, environmental modifications, education, and continuous monitoring, we can significantly reduce the risk of falls and promote a safer, more supportive care environment.

For more information or to schedule Fall Prevention training for self-advocates or staff please contact our office at 724-283-0990. Contact the Training Coordinator, Denise Quinn at dquinn@MilestonePA.org.

Reference: UMASS Medical School’s Center for Developmental Disabilities Evaluation and Research https://shriver.umassmed.edu/programs/cdder/