Older adults in care homes may be more at risk of falling, but small changes and the right support can help keep residents safe and active.

Falls happen more often in later life, and the risk can increase for people living in care homes due to reduced mobility, long-term conditions, or unfamiliar surroundings. But falls are not an inevitable part of ageing.

This page explains simple steps residents, families and care providers can take to reduce risks and support wellbeing.

What increases the risk of falls in care homes?

Falls can happen for a number of reasons, including:

• Reduced strength, balance or mobility
• Long-term conditions (such as dementia, Parkinson’s or diabetes)
• Taking multiple medications
• Unfamiliar surroundings, especially during a recent move
• Poor lighting, clutter, or slippery floors
• Vision or hearing loss
• Urgent trips to the toilet, especially at night

Some of these risks can’t be removed completely — but small, thoughtful changes to routines, environments and levels of support can make a big difference.

What should care homes be doing to reduce falls risk?

Care homes should have clear procedures in place to reduce the risk of falls. This may include:

• Completing timely falls risk assessments to identify and manage the identified risks. Referring to appropriate services for support as required.
• Regular medication reviews.
• Strength and balance support, including promoting regular physical activity with use of appropriate walking aids and levels of support.
• Good lighting and clear walkways and support with maintaining an appropriate environment.
• Prompt access to personal care support and support to manage any health and wellbeing needs
• Ensuring staff are trained in falls awareness and response.

What can you do as a resident or family member?

• Speak up if you're worried about falls or unsteadiness — early conversations are important.
• Ask questions about how falls are monitored and managed in the care home.
• Check the environment - are the floors clear? Is lighting consistent? Are there handrails and grab bars where needed?
• Review footwear and clothing - well-fitting trousers that are not too long or baggy reduce fall risks.
• Encourage activity - regular short walks, gentle movement, strength and balance exercises can help maintain confidence and independence.
• Understand what happens after a fall - ask how incidents are recorded, what follow-up support is offered & what care plan adjustments have been made. 

---

[box]

Find local help and support

If you need advice, practical help, equipment, home support, care services or local activities and exercise classes, visit Help and Contacts to find services and support available in your area.

Find local support

[/box]

[box]

Milton Keynes Falls Service - Staying Steady

Staying Steady Milton Keynes offers specialist support to individuals, mainly aged over 65 years, who have fallen or are at risk of falling. We work with an individual and their carer to make decisions about the best way to reduce the risk of the person falling, raise awareness of risk factors for falling and make any necessary changes to their home to prevent falls.

The service is provided to any person (primarily those aged over 65 years of age) registered with a Milton Keynes Clinical Commissioning Group general practitioner (GP) who has fallen or is at risk of falling.

Tel: 01908725622 
Email: fallsprevention.service@nhs.net
Website: Visit website 

Download Referral Form

[/box]

[box]

Further information and resources

You may also find the following organisations and resources useful for more information, advice and support related to this topic.

When to consider a care home - NHS
Care homes advice and guidance - Age UK
Choosing the right care home for you - Age UK
Home adaptations, care services and equipment - NHS

[/box]

---