Falls are one of the biggest safety risks for older adults, whether they live at home, in independent living communities, or in assisted living facilities. According to the CDC, 1 in 4 adults aged 65+ falls each year, leading to over 3 million emergency room visits annually. More alarming, falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths in older adults, with hip fractures and head injuries being the most common serious consequences.

In long-term care (LTC) settings, the problem is even more pronounced: up to 75% of residents in assisted living or nursing homes experience a fall each year, often resulting in loss of mobility, independence, or confidence.

The good news? Most falls can be prevented with the right combination of planning, environmental modifications, and mobility support. Here are eight essential strategies for reducing fall risks, plus how Hudson Pharmacy & Surgical can help support your efforts.

1. Conduct Regular Fall Risk Assessments

Not all residents or individuals face the same fall risks, which is why routine risk assessments are key. Factors that increase fall risk include:

  • Muscle weakness
  • Medication side effects (such as dizziness or low blood pressure)
  • Chronic conditions like diabetes, arthritis, or Parkinson’s
  • Vision problems
  • Poor balance or previous falls

Facilities and caregivers should implement standardized fall risk assessments, such as:

  • The Morse Fall Scale
  • Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test

By identifying high-risk individuals early, you can create personalized fall prevention plans to reduce accidents before they happen.

How Hudson Helps: Hudson supports senior care teams by providing mobility aids and fall prevention solutions tailored to each resident’s mobility and balance level.

2. Create a Safe Environment

Many falls occur due to environmental hazards, especially in high-traffic areas. Simple modifications can significantly reduce fall risks, including:

  • Removing clutter, loose rugs, and cords
  • Installing handrails in hallways and bathrooms
  • Ensuring stairways and common areas are well-lit
  • Adding non-slip mats and grab bars in bathrooms

Facilities that regularly audit resident rooms and common areas for hazards see fewer fall-related incidents.

How Hudson Helps: Hudson Pharmacy & Surgical provides a full range of fall prevention products, including grab bars, security poles, and raised toilet seats for both homes and care facilities.

3. Promote Proper Footwear and Diabetic Foot Care

Foot health is often overlooked in fall prevention, but it plays a major role in maintaining balance and mobility. People with diabetes are especially vulnerable to foot-related complications due to:

  • Nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy)
  • Poor circulation
  • Increased risk of foot ulcers and deformities

Wearing diabetic shoes is one of the most effective ways to support foot health and reduce fall risk. Diabetic and therapeutic shoes help by:

  • Reducing pressure points and foot pain
  • Providing better arch support for stability
  • Preventing ulcers, blisters, and foot injuries
  • Offering slip-resistant soles to prevent slipping

How Hudson Helps: We offer Medicare-covered diabetic and therapeutic shoes, including custom fittings to help residents stay safe and comfortable.

4. Review Medications Regularly

Some medications commonly prescribed to seniors can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or low blood pressure, making falls more likely. Medications to monitor include:

  • Blood pressure medications
  • Sedatives or sleep aids
  • Pain medications (opioids or muscle relaxants)
  • Diuretics (which can cause dehydration and weakness)

Care teams should work with pharmacists to routinely review prescriptions and adjust dosages when needed.

How Hudson Helps: Our LTC pharmacy services include medication management and simplified packaging (bubble packs) to help staff administer doses safely and efficiently.

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5. Encourage Strength and Balance Exercises

Muscle weakness is the #1 predictor of fall risk. Strength training and balance exercises improve mobility, stability, and overall confidence.

Recommended activities include:

  • Tai Chi or chair yoga for balance
  • Seated or resistance band exercises for leg strength
  • Walking programs to improve endurance
  • Light stretching routines

Even 15 minutes of movement per day can prevent falls and improve mobility.

How Hudson Helps: We offer walking aids, rollators, and exercise support tools to help seniors move safely.

6. Use Assistive Devices and Monitoring Tools

Assistive technology can offer both support and peace of mind for caregivers and residents. Useful mobility aids include:

  • Canes and walkers for balance support
  • Bed and chair alarms to alert caregivers if a resident tries to stand unassisted
  • Transfer aids for safer movement in and out of beds or chairs
  • Fall mats to cushion unexpected slips

These devices reduce the need for constant supervision and allow residents to move about with more independence.

How Hudson Helps: We supply reliable, high-quality assistive equipment for both personal and facility use. Take a look at some of what we offer on our website.

7. Address the Emotional Impact of Falls

Did you know that even falls without injury can cause fear and anxiety? Many seniors who have fallen become afraid to move, which leads to:

  • Muscle weakness from inactivity
  • Social withdrawal and isolation
  • Increased risk of future falls

Care teams should encourage light movement, reassure residents, and provide supportive interventions to help rebuild confidence.

How Hudson Helps: Our mobility solutions help seniors regain their independence while staying safe.

8. Involve Residents and Families in Fall Prevention Plans

Preventing falls isn’t just the responsibility of staff—residents and their families should be actively involved.

Tips for caregivers and families:

  • Encourage regular foot checks and proper footwear
  • Provide home modifications (like grab bars)
  • Ensure medications are reviewed regularly
  • Have honest conversations about mobility concerns

By keeping residents engaged, fall prevention becomes a team effort, ensuring better health outcomes and improved quality of life.

How Hudson Helps: We offer personalized solutions for residents, families, and facilities to create a safer environment.

Hudson Pharmacy & Surgical: Your Fall Prevention Partner

Fall prevention is a team effort—and Hudson Pharmacy & Surgical is here to help. We proudly support independent and assisted living communities with:

  • Diabetic and therapeutic footwear for better stability
  • Fall prevention products like grab bars, non-slip mats, and handrails
  • LTC pharmacy services to optimize medication management
  • Mobility aids and assistive equipment for safer movement

By combining expert care with quality equipment, we help facilities reduce fall risk and improve quality of life for their residents.

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Partner with Hudson Pharmacy & Surgical to create a safer environment for your residents and patients.