Elderly parent keeps falling? What to do next

Short answer: tell their doctor about every fall, even ones without an injury, and keep a simple fall log (date, time, where, what they were doing, and what happened after). The CDC suggests asking the doctor to evaluate fall risk, asking the doctor or pharmacist to review all medicines, getting eyes checked yearly, and making the home safer with fewer trip hazards, grab bars, stair railings and better lighting. If your parent is hurt or can't get up, call 911.

One fall is frightening. Repeated falls are a signal that something needs attention, and the people who can find out what are your parent's doctors. Your job is to make sure they hear about every fall, with the details they need.

This page is about organizing information and getting the right people involved, not medical advice. Only your parent's doctor can assess why they're falling. If your parent is injured, hit their head, or can't get up, call 911.

Right after a fall

• If they're hurt, hit their head, or can't get up, call 911.
• If they seem fine, still tell their doctor about the fall, and do it soon.
• Write down what happened while it's fresh, using the fall log below.

Keep a simple fall log

Doctors can do more with details than with "she's been falling a lot." For each fall or near-fall, write down:

• Date and time.
• Where it happened: which room, stairs, bathroom, outside.
• What they were doing: getting up, walking at night, turning, reaching.
• What they said happened: tripped, felt dizzy, legs gave way, don't remember.
• Injuries, and whether they got up on their own.
• Anything recently changed, such as a new or changed medication, an illness, or new shoes or glasses.

What to bring to the doctor

Bring the fall log and a current medication list with every prescription, over-the-counter medicine and supplement copied exactly from the labels. The CDC suggests these conversations with the doctor or pharmacist:

• Ask the doctor to evaluate their risk of falling and what specific steps fit your parent.
• Ask the doctor or pharmacist to review all their medicines, prescription and over-the-counter, for any that might make them dizzy or sleepy.
• Ask about strength and balance exercises that would be suitable for them.
• Have their eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year.

Write down what the doctor says, including any changes, so the whole family follows the same plan.

Make the home safer

The CDC's home-safety basics:

• Get rid of things they could trip over: clutter, cords and loose items on the floor.
• Add grab bars inside and outside the tub or shower and next to the toilet.
• Put railings on both sides of stairs.
• Add more or brighter light, especially on stairs and the path to the bathroom at night.

Make sure someone would know

For a parent who lives alone, plan how a fall would be noticed: regular check-in calls at set times, a neighbor who checks in, or a medical alert device worn on the body. Ask their doctor or your local Area Agency on Aging (find it at eldercare.acl.gov or 1-800-677-1116) about options in their area.

When falls keep happening

Repeated falls are often the moment families start talking about more help at home or a move. These may help: 10 signs your elderly parent needs help and how to talk to elderly parents about accepting help. Start with the free medication list below; it's the first thing a doctor will ask for.