5 Actionable Tips to Avoid Falls

Falls are not only frustrating and inconvenient, they can result in bruises, breaks, and pain. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than one in four Americans aged 65 and older fall each year. But many falls are avoidable. At Village on the Park Plano, we empower residents to Live Life Well by creating an environment that is both beautiful and safe.

“Our mission is to stay one step ahead—anticipating needs and delivering unwavering support so our residents can thrive with confidence and peace of mind,” said Lesa Scott, RN, BS, CDP, CADDCT, Senior Vice President of Clinical Operations at The Aspenwood Company. “Proactive fall reduction isn’t just a protocol—it’s part of our culture of care. From energizing fitness programs to innovative technology, every detail in our communities is intentionally designed to promote safety, enhance stability, and support the overall well-being of our residents.”

5 Actionable Tips to Reduce Fall Risk

These practical tips for reducing falls can be easily implemented to your lifestyle:

1. Ensure Your Environment is Safe and Clear to Reduce Fall Risk: 

Simple home modifications can make a significant difference. Ensure living spaces are well-lit, remove tripping hazards like loose rugs and clutter, install grab bars in bathrooms, and make sure frequently used items are within easy reach.

2. Stay Active and Build Strength to Improve Stability: 

Gentle exercises focused on strength and balance can reduce your fall risk. These exercises from the National Council on Aging help to significantly improve stability and coordination. 

3. Get Quality Sleep to Promote Health:

A poor night’s sleep can impair attention and balance, increasing fall risk. Establishing a consistent sleep routine and ensuring the bedroom is dark, quiet, and comfortable can improve sleep quality and, in turn, reduce the likelihood of a fall.

4. Review Your Medications to Avoid Dizziness: 

20% of adults over 55 are taking four or more medications. Some medications or combinations can cause side effects like dizziness or drowsiness, which can increase fall risk. It’s important to have a regular conversation with your doctor or pharmacist to review all medications, including over-the-counter drugs. 

5. Promote Overall Wellness to Lower Fall Risk: 

Underlying health conditions can contribute to falls. Regular check-ups for vision, hearing, and managing chronic conditions are important for personal wellness.

Checking for Fall Safety in Senior Living

When considering a senior living community, it’s important to look for an environment that not only supports these general fall reduction tips, but also provides advanced solutions for safety and well-being. Communities that invest in innovative technology and comprehensive care teams can offer a significantly enhanced approach to fall reduction. Here’s how such communities can amplify each fall reduction strategy:

1. Tech-Enhanced Safe Environments:

Beyond well-lit, clutter-free spaces and accessible layouts, at Village on the Park Plano we utilize discreet, wireless in-room sensors that passively monitor a resident’s environment. These systems detect unusual activity patterns, such as unexpected bed exits at night, providing real-time alerts to caregivers. This proactive approach ensures a continuously safe and responsive living space.

2. Enhanced Activity and Strength Building: 

Look for communities that offer a dynamic calendar of fitness classes and activities specifically designed to improve mobility, strength, and balance. Village on the Park Plano residents often comment that being active is more enjoyable and easier after moving here.

3. Insights for Quality Sleep: 

Seek a community that leverages innovative wellness technology to provide valuable insights into sleep patterns. This includes tracking sleep duration, quality, and nighttime interruptions. AI-supported data analytics such as what we utilize at Village on the Park Plano can help the care team identify subtle changes that may affect a resident’s well-being and fall risk, enabling timely interventions to promote better sleep and reduce associated risks.

4. Proactive Medication Oversight: 

A key advantage of senior living is the presence of professional care teams who can work closely with residents and their physicians. These teams can monitor medication schedules and proactively identify potential side effects like dizziness or drowsiness, which are significant fall contributors.

5. Comprehensive Wellness Monitoring: 

Look for communities where systems offer an added layer of clinical oversight by continuously and passively monitoring vital signs like heart and respiratory rates. This data collection helps the care team and partnering physicians detect health issues earlier, allowing for more timely interventions that can support health and significantly reduce the risk of falls. 

By the Numbers: Benefits of Choosing a Community with Proactive Fall Reduction Tech 

Senior living communities that have implemented fall reduction software see impactful changes for residents, including:

• 75% Reduction in falls
• 60% Reduction in hospitalizations
• 55% Reduction in psychotropics

By combining these practical, everyday strategies with the support and tech programs at Village on the Park Plano, we are able to significantly reduce the risk of falls for our residents. This comprehensive approach ensures our residents have the confidence and support to Live Life Well. 

If staying in your current home no longer feels safe or manageable, consider a move to a senior living community that can enhance your overall well-being.

Learn more about our proactive approach at Village on the Park Plano. Schedule a tour today.