Around a third of people over 65, and about half of people over 80, fall at least once a year. Most falls have more than one cause, so prevention works best on several fronts: a falls check and medicines review with the GP, strength and balance exercise, a sight test, a safer home with good lighting and rails, and help at the riskiest times, such as getting up at night.
Key facts
- About 1 in 3 people over 65 and 1 in 2 over 80 fall each year (NICE).
- About 210,000 emergency hospital admissions for falls in people over 65 in England in 2022/23.
- Strength and balance exercise is one of the most effective ways to prevent falls.
- Some medicines raise the risk; ask for a review.
- Call 999 if someone may have hurt their head, neck, back or hip, or cannot get up.
Health checks that lower the risk
- Falls assessment with the GP, especially after a fall: balance, walking, blood pressure lying and standing.
- Medicines review: some medicines for sleep, mood or blood pressure can make dizziness or unsteadiness more likely.
- Sight test, even if they already wear glasses, and take care with varifocals on stairs.
- Feet and footwear: well-fitting shoes or slippers with a back and a grip sole.
- Strength and balance exercise: ask the GP about a local falls prevention class or a physiotherapist.
Room-by-room home checklist
| Room | Check |
|---|---|
| Hall and stairs | Rails on both sides, good lighting with switches at top and bottom, nothing left on the stairs |
| Living room | No loose rugs or trailing cables, a chair of the right height with arms, a clear route to the door |
| Bedroom | A light within reach of the bed, a night light on the way to the toilet, the bed at a height that makes standing easy |
| Bathroom | Grab rails, a non-slip mat, a shower seat or bath board, a raised toilet seat if needed |
| Kitchen | Everyday items between waist and shoulder height, spills wiped at once, no step stools |
| Outside | Even paths, a light by the door, a rail by the steps |
An occupational therapist from the council can check the home and recommend equipment, and small aids are often free. Our home preparation checklist covers more.
What to do after a fall
- Stay calm and check for pain or injury before moving.
- If not hurt: roll onto the side, get onto hands and knees, crawl to a sturdy chair and stand up slowly, then rest.
- If unable to get up: call for help, use a phone or personal alarm, keep warm and keep gently moving arms and legs.
- Call 999 if someone may have injured their head, neck, back or hip, or cannot get up.
- Tell the GP about every fall, even if there was no injury.
Conditions that raise the risk
Falls are more likely with conditions that affect movement, balance, memory or blood pressure, such as Parkinson's, stroke, dementia and arthritis. Plans for those conditions should always include falls prevention.
How support at home helps
Many falls happen at predictable moments: getting out of bed, getting to the toilet at night, bathing, or rushing to answer the door. Having someone there at those times, plus help to stay active, makes a real difference. A live-in carer lives in the home, helps with personal care and moving safely, encourages the exercises set by therapists and keeps the home safe. No one can promise there will never be a fall, but help is there quickly if one happens. Live-in carers need a night's sleep, so if someone needs regular help at night that is planned separately.
Pinnacle provides live-in care in Chester and Cheshire West, and elsewhere in England after an assessment. Contact us for a free, no-obligation assessment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common cause of falls in older people?
There is usually more than one: weaker muscles and balance, some medicines, low blood pressure on standing, poor eyesight, foot problems, conditions such as Parkinson's, stroke or dementia, and hazards at home such as rugs, clutter and poor lighting.
What should I do if my parent falls?
Stay calm and check for pain or injury. If they are not hurt, help them roll onto their side, get onto hands and knees and stand up slowly using a sturdy chair. If they may have hurt their head, neck, back or hip, or cannot get up, call 999 and keep them warm while you wait.
Should someone see a GP after a fall?
Yes, even if they seem fine. NICE recommends a fuller falls assessment for people who have fallen and are frail, were injured, could not get up, lost consciousness or have fallen more than once.
Can live-in care prevent falls?
No one can promise there will be no falls. Having someone there at the riskiest times, such as getting up, bathing and night-time toilet trips, encouraging exercise and keeping the home safe, lowers the risk, and means help is there quickly if a fall happens.
Is a personal alarm worth having?
For someone who lives alone, a personal alarm or a fall detector means help can be called even if they cannot reach the phone. Many councils and charities run alarm services.
Sources
- NICE: New guideline will help cut falls and related hospital admissions for older and at-risk people (2025)
- nidirect: Falls (what to do after a fall)
- Parkinson's UK: Parkinson's, a guide for home care workers
This guide is general information about care in England. It is not financial, legal or medical advice. Figures were checked on 25 October 2026 and can change.