It starts with a stumble, or maybe a close call that leaves your heart pounding. Falls are among the most serious health risks older adults face, and once someone has had a near-fall or shows warning signs, it’s time to act quickly.
The good news is, families don’t have to wait for an emergency to make changes. There are proactive steps you can take now to prevent senior falls and protect your loved one’s independence, dignity, and health.
At The Kensington Redondo Beach, fall prevention isn’t just a program, it’s a priority built into every aspect of our care. Whether you’re navigating this concern at home or exploring assisted living, here’s how to act fast and smart when falls become a risk.
Why Falls Are So Dangerous for Older Adults
One in four adults over age 65 falls each year, and falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospital admissions among older adults.
A single fall can result in broken bones, head injuries, or a permanent loss of mobility and confidence.
Beyond physical injuries, there are emotional consequences. After a fall or near-miss, many seniors begin to fear walking or moving around, which leads to a more sedentary lifestyle. This inactivity causes muscles to weaken, ironically increasing the risk of another fall.
That’s why immediate action is so important.
1. Assess the Home for Hazards
If your loved one lives at home, start with a full safety audit. Look for:
- Loose rugs or cords
- Dim lighting in hallways and staircases
- Slippery bathroom floors
- Cluttered walkways
- Furniture that is difficult to get in or out of
Even minor environmental hazards can become major risks. Installing grab bars, non-slip mats, brighter bulbs, and stable handrails can go a long way toward preventing falls.
If your loved one struggles with stairs, consider reconfiguring sleeping arrangements to the first floor.
2. Review Medications and Health Conditions
Many falls are caused by dizziness or imbalance due to medication side effects or untreated conditions.
Bring a current list of prescriptions and supplements to a healthcare provider and ask:
- Could any of these drugs cause dizziness or drowsiness?
- Are there interactions we should be aware of?
- Is a medication review by a geriatric pharmacist recommended?
Conditions like low blood pressure, dehydration, arthritis, neuropathy, or vision problems can also contribute to instability. Ensuring routine health checks and proper hydration can reduce risk.
3. Encourage Strength and Balance Exercises
If your loved one is physically able, start a routine focused on building leg strength, balance, and flexibility. Chair yoga, tai chi, walking, and gentle resistance training can all help.
At The Kensington Redondo Beach, our life enrichment programs include movement and fitness classes tailored for all levels. Residents enjoy guided sessions that not only reduce fall risk but boost mood and confidence.
4. Monitor Cognitive and Vision Changes
Cognitive decline, even in its early stages, can affect depth perception, judgment, and spatial awareness. Similarly, vision problems increase the likelihood of missing a step or misjudging distances.
If your loved one has memory loss or Alzheimer’s, they may forget to use mobility aids or lose orientation within their home.
At this stage, simply rearranging the environment may not be enough. Supervision and structured support become vital to safety.
5. Use the Right Mobility Aids Correctly
Whether it’s a cane, walker, or transfer chair, using the right device and using it consistently is critical.
Some older adults resist assistive devices due to pride or denial, while others may forget how to use them properly.
In assisted living settings like The Kensington Redondo Beach, our team ensures each resident has the right equipment, maintains it properly, and provides reminders and assistance as needed.
6. Know When Home Is No Longer the Safest Option
For some families, no amount of modifications can compensate for increasing care needs.
If your loved one lives alone, has already fallen, or requires daily help with walking or personal care, moving to assisted living may be the safest and most cost-effective choice.
Our secure, thoughtfully designed environment at The Kensington Redondo Beach eliminates the most common fall hazards.
From 24/7 supervision to wellness monitoring and assistance with activities of daily living, we provide peace of mind while encouraging independence.
7. Act Quickly, Don’t Wait for a Fall to Happen
If you’ve noticed even one incident of your loved one losing their balance, grabbing furniture for support, or struggling to stand up from a chair, these are warning signs.
Don’t wait for a serious fall to make changes. The sooner you take action, the more likely you are to prevent injury and extend your quality of life.
We encourage families to reach out for guidance before a crisis. Our team can offer insight, assess risk, and help you create a care plan that prioritizes safety and well-being.
Fall Prevention at The Kensington Redondo Beach
Everything about our community is designed to help prevent senior falls and support graceful aging. Here’s how we do it:
- 24/7 support from trained caregivers and licensed nurses
- Well-lit, open floor plans to eliminate visual confusion and clutter
- Therapeutic movement classes to improve strength and mobility
- Personalized care plans that adapt as needs change
- Grab bars, non-slip surfaces, and wide hallways for maximum safety
- Emergency response systems in every suite
We also coordinate with families and physicians to understand each resident’s fall history, health conditions, and concerns, ensuring a truly customized approach.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
Falls are scary. But they’re also preventable.
If you’re concerned about a loved one’s safety at home, don’t wait. Every day without support increases the risk.
At The Kensington Redondo Beach, we offer a compassionate transition into a setting where your loved one can feel empowered, not limited.
Contact The Kensington Redondo Beach today to schedule a tour or speak with a care advisor. We’ll help you take the next step with confidence and care.