Mum Keeps Falling – What Should I Do?

Watching a parent fall, or hearing they have had a fallen can be frightening. For many families, it is the moment they realise something may be changing with their mum or dad’s health, confidence, mobility, or independence.

Often families tell us:

• “She’s suddenly become unsteady.”

• “He’s started shuffling.”

• “She’s holding onto furniture.”

• “He seems frightened of walking now.”

• “She’s had a few little falls but says she’s fine.”

Falls are extremely common in older adults, but they should never simply be accepted as “just old age.”

In many cases, falls happen because several smaller issues gradually build up over time:

• weaker muscles

• poorer balance

• reduced confidence

• medication side effects

• eyesight changes

• illness

• pain

• fatigue

• reduced activity

• environmental hazards at home

The encouraging news is that many falls risk factors can be improved with the right support.

At Physio@Home, we regularly support older adults across Cornwall who are experiencing falls, worsening balance, reduced mobility, or loss of confidence at home.

Why Do Older People Start Falling?

Falls rarely have one single cause. Usually there are several contributing factors happening together.

Changes in Strength and Balance

As we age, we naturally lose muscle strength, particularly around:

• hips

• thighs

• ankles

• core muscles

This can make everyday activities more difficult:

• standing from a chair

• climbing stairs

• stepping over thresholds

• turning

• recovering balance after a trip

Many people also become less active after illness, surgery, pain, bereavement, or loss of confidence. Unfortunately, reduced activity often leads to further weakness and deconditioning.

Balance reactions can also become slower with age, meaning a person may be less able to correct themselves after stumbling.

Walking Changes

Families often notice subtle walking changes before falls begin.

These may include:

• shuffling

• slower walking

• reduced foot clearance

• shorter steps

• stooped posture

• difficulty turning

• freezing or hesitating

• “furniture walking”

• needing to hold walls or rails

These changes can sometimes relate to:

• deconditioning

• arthritis

• pain

• neurological conditions

• reduced confidence

• medication side effects

• balance decline

Walking changes should not be ignored, especially if falls are becoming more frequent.

Poor Vision

Vision plays a major role in balance and safe mobility.

Even relatively small visual changes can increase falls risk, particularly in low lighting or unfamiliar environments.

Older adults may struggle with:

• depth perception

• contrast sensitivity

• peripheral vision

• glare

• steps or uneven ground

Cataracts and outdated glasses prescriptions can also contribute.

Regular sight tests are extremely important.

Sometimes simply improving lighting at home or updating glasses can make a significant difference.

Hearing Problems and Balance

Many people do not realise that hearing and balance are closely linked.

Hearing difficulties can reduce awareness of surroundings and affect confidence when walking outdoors or in busy environments.

Inner ear problems can also contribute directly to dizziness and balance difficulties.

If hearing appears to be deteriorating, a hearing assessment may be worthwhile.

Medication Side Effects

Certain medications can increase falls risk, especially when multiple medications are taken together.

Common side effects include:

• dizziness

• drowsiness

• reduced alertness

• drops in blood pressure

• blurred vision

• poor coordination

Medications commonly associated with increased falls risk can include:

• sleeping tablets

• some pain medications

• sedatives

• antidepressants

• blood pressure medications

A medication review with a GP or pharmacist can sometimes significantly reduce falls risk.

Families are often surprised how much medications can affect balance and mobility.

Equally important for health, taking your medication is important. Ensuring your loved one is regularly managing the medication routine is important. It can sometimes be an early indicator for cognitive challenges.

Urinary Urgency and Continence Problems

This is a very common but often overlooked cause of falls.

Many older adults rush to the toilet because of:

• urinary urgency

• continence difficulties

• fear of accidents

• increased night-time toileting

Falls frequently happen:

• during the night

• when rushing

• in dim lighting

• when tired or half awake

Simple strategies can sometimes help:

• improving lighting

• using bedside lamps

• ensuring clear pathways

• reviewing continence management

• considering commodes where appropriate

• reducing rushing behaviour

Dizziness and Blood Pressure Changes

Some older adults feel dizzy or lightheaded when:

• standing up

• turning quickly

• getting out of bed

• walking after sitting

This can sometimes relate to:

• dehydration

• infections

• medication

• blood pressure changes

• inner ear conditions

Persistent dizziness should always be assessed medically.

Pain and Arthritis

Pain changes how people move.

Someone with painful knees or hips may:

• walk more slowly

• reduce activity

• avoid bending

• lose strength

• become less steady

People often adapt gradually without realising how much their mobility has changed over time.

Memory and Cognitive Changes

Memory difficulties or confusion can increase falls risk through:

• poor judgement

• reduced awareness of hazards

• unsafe pacing

• forgetting walking aids

• impulsive movement

Sometimes families notice increased falls alongside early cognitive decline.

Warning Signs Families Should Not Ignore

Falls are often preceded by smaller warning signs.

These may include:

• increasing unsteadiness

• difficulty getting out of chairs

• holding onto furniture

• loss of confidence outdoors

• struggling with stairs

• needing more support

• walking less

• slowing down significantly

• unexplained bruising

• becoming fearful of movement

• repeated “near misses”

Early intervention is usually much easier than waiting until a serious injury occurs.

What Should You Do After a Fall?

If someone has fallen:

• stay calm

• encourage them not to rush getting up

• check for pain or injury

• assess whether they can move safely

• seek help if unsure

You should seek urgent medical advice if there is:

• head injury

• severe pain

• inability to stand

• loss of consciousness

• chest pain

• sudden weakness

• worsening confusion

• facial drooping

• significant bleeding

Even when there is no major injury, repeated falls should always be taken seriously.

A fall is often an early warning sign that something needs addressing.

Fear of Falling Can Become a Cycle

After a fall, many older adults understandably lose confidence.

They may begin to:

• avoid walking

• stop going out

• reduce activity

• rely heavily on furniture

• become anxious about falling again

Unfortunately this often leads to:

• weaker muscles

• poorer balance

• reduced stamina

• increased isolation

• even greater falls risk

It can often become a vicious cycle of less activity, more weakness and deconditioning and then more frequent falls. This is one reason why early rehabilitation and support are so important.

Walking Aids – Helpful When Correctly Used

Walking aids can sometimes significantly improve:

• safety

• confidence

• independence

• walking quality

However, the wrong walking aid — or one set at the wrong height — can sometimes worsen posture and balance.

Common issues include:

• frames too low

• sticks used on the wrong side

• unsafe worn ferrules

• poor technique

• reluctance to use equipment indoors

Assessment by a physiotherapist can help determine:

• whether a walking aid is appropriate

• which type is most suitable

• correct adjustment

• safe use at home and outdoors

Home Environment Matters

Many falls happen in familiar surroundings.

Common hazards include:

• loose rugs

• trailing wires

• cluttered walkways

• poor lighting

• slippery floors

• low chairs

• lack of handrails

• unsafe steps

• pets underfoot

Sometimes relatively small changes can make the home much safer while still maintaining independence.

How Physiotherapy Can Help

A physiotherapist can look at the bigger picture rather than focusing only on the fall itself.

Assessment may include:

• strength

• balance

• walking pattern

• transfers

• stair safety

• mobility around the home

• confidence

• fatigue

• falls history

• footwear

• walking aids

• functional ability

Treatment may involve:

• strength exercises

• balance rehabilitation

• gait re-education

• confidence building

• falls prevention advice

• mobility aid assessment

• pacing strategies

• home exercise programmes

At Physio@Home, we provide physiotherapy visits in the comfort of your own home across Cornwall.

Home visits are often particularly valuable because we can assess people in the environment where difficulties are actually occurring.

Useful Cornwall Falls Resources

iCareiMove Cornwall

iCareiMove provides information, advice, and support around mobility, strength, balance, exercise, and falls prevention in Cornwall.

https://www.icareimove.com

Steady On Your Feet Cornwall

A useful local resource with practical advice about:

• reducing falls risk

• staying active

• home safety

• strength and balance

• maintaining independence

https://www.steadyonyourfeet.org

National Resources

CSP – Get Up and Go Guide

A helpful guide from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy covering:

• staying active

• improving strength

• reducing falls risk

• maintaining independence

More information: https://www.csp.org.uk/public-patient/get-up-go

NICE Falls Guidance

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance on falls assessment and prevention in older people.

https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg161

Concerned About a Parent Who Keeps Falling?

If you are worried about an older relative becoming less steady, losing confidence, or falling more regularly, early support can often make a significant difference.

Falls are not always “just ageing,” and many contributing factors can be improved with the right assessment and rehabilitation.

Physio@Home provides home physiotherapy visits across Cornwall for older adults experiencing:

• falls

• balance problems

• reduced mobility

• weakness

• post-hospital decline

• neurological conditions

• rehabilitation needs

• loss of confidence walking

Our aim is always to help people remain as safe, active, and independent as possible within their own home environment.