Falls Prevention Awareness Week takes place September 21–25, 2026, offering families an opportunity to consider the everyday factors that may affect an older adult's safety.
For households in Kissimmee and Osceola County, fall prevention can involve several generations working together.
A grandparent may have difficulty navigating a shared bathroom. An older parent may feel unsteady when standing up or moving through a busy household.
These situations deserve attention before a fall occurs.
According to the CDC, more than one in four older adults report falling each year, and many falls can be prevented.
Here are five questions families can discuss when developing a practical fall prevention plan.
1. What Changes Might Suggest an Increased Fall Risk?
Fall risk isn't always obvious.
An older adult may begin walking more slowly, holding onto furniture, or avoiding activities that once felt comfortable.
These changes can be important even if the person hasn't fallen recently.
The CDC recommends discussing falls, unsteadiness, and fear of falling with a healthcare professional.
Watch for:
- Balance concerns: Difficulty standing or walking steadily.
- Recent falls: Incidents that may not have caused an injury.
- Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded during ordinary activities.
- Mobility changes: Needing more assistance than before.
- Avoidance: Skipping activities because of fear.
- New symptoms: Changes that may require medical evaluation.
Families should listen carefully rather than treating these changes as proof that the older adult can no longer make decisions independently.
A healthcare professional can assess individual risk factors.
Practical tip: Ask your loved one whether any daily activity has started to feel less steady or comfortable.
2. How Can Medication and Vision Reviews Help?
A fall risk assessment may involve reviewing medications, vision, and other medical factors.
Certain prescriptions and over-the-counter products can cause dizziness or drowsiness.
Changes in eyesight may make it more difficult to recognize steps or household obstacles.
The CDC encourages older adults to have their medicines reviewed and their vision checked regularly.
Consider:
- Medication lists: Keep current prescriptions documented.
- Side effects: Ask whether any products affect balance.
- Recent changes: Report dizziness after new treatments.
- Vision appointments: Maintain appropriate eye care.
- Eyeglasses: Confirm prescriptions remain suitable.
- Footwear: Choose properly fitting, supportive shoes.
Don't stop medications or change doses without advice from the prescribing healthcare professional.
Practical tip: Bring the current medication list to the next appointment and ask whether any treatments may contribute to falling.
3. What Activities Can Help Older Adults Maintain Balance and Strength?
Appropriate physical activity is an important part of fall prevention.
The CDC's older adult activity guidance recommends muscle-strengthening and balance activities alongside aerobic movement.
Depending on medical needs, appropriate options may include:
- Strength exercises: Clinician-approved movements.
- Balance activities: Exercises selected for the person's ability.
- Walking: Comfortable activity in a safe setting.
- Tai chi: Suitable instructor-led programs.
- Physical therapy: Individualized treatment when recommended.
- Everyday movement: Manageable participation in household activities.
An older adult with significant balance difficulties may need professional evaluation before beginning a new activity.
Family members should avoid encouraging unsupported exercises simply because they appear easy.
A useful routine should build confidence while respecting physical limitations.
Practical tip: Ask a healthcare professional what type of strength or balance activity is appropriate for your loved one.
4. How Can Families Reduce Hazards in a Shared Household?
Multigenerational households may have toys, shoes, bags, and other belongings moving through common spaces throughout the day.
These ordinary items can become tripping hazards.
A practical home review should include:
- Hallways: Keep walking paths clear.
- Lighting: Make frequently used rooms easy to navigate.
- Bathrooms: Review whether appropriate grab bars are needed.
- Rugs: Remove or secure loose coverings.
- Stairs: Confirm handrails and visibility.
- Storage: Keep essential items within comfortable reach.
The CDC recommends these types of household adjustments as part of fall prevention.
Families can also discuss the importance of keeping shared spaces organized without making the older adult feel singled out.
If mobility concerns are significant, ask whether an occupational therapist or other qualified professional should evaluate the home.
Practical tip: Have every household member participate in keeping common walking paths free of unnecessary obstacles.
5. How Can Families Share Responsibility for Fall Prevention?
A fall prevention plan is more sustainable when responsibilities are clear.
One relative may help arrange appointments, while another keeps household spaces organized.
The goal is not to monitor every movement.
It's to support an older adult's ability to participate in everyday life as comfortably as possible.
Consider:
- Healthcare: Who helps coordinate needed evaluations?
- Medication records: Who keeps information updated?
- Home safety: Who checks lighting and walking paths?
- Activity: Who supports appropriate exercise or transportation?
- Communication: How are changes in mobility discussed?
- Additional care: When would personalized assistance be useful?
The National Council on Aging encourages individuals to identify fall risks and take practical preventive steps.
Practical tip: Choose a few specific responsibilities that family members can realistically maintain rather than assigning every task to one caregiver.
Fall Prevention Throughout Kissimmee and Osceola County
Families in Kissimmee and Osceola County may encounter different household safety needs.
In Kissimmee, older adults living with children and grandchildren may benefit from regularly clearing shared walkways and bathrooms.
In Saint Cloud, someone living independently may need help identifying hazards that have developed gradually.
Families in Celebration and Poinciana may be coordinating healthcare appointments, home maintenance, and transportation across several schedules.
In Campbell and Buenaventura Lakes, relatives may divide responsibilities among multiple generations.
Begin by talking with your loved one about any changes in balance, vision, or comfort while moving around the home.
Then review the household together and seek professional guidance where needed.
BrightStar Care of Kissimmee/Osceola serves families throughout its local community and can discuss individualized home care support.
A Shared Plan Can Support Independence
Fall prevention is an important part of helping older adults maintain familiar routines.
Healthcare reviews, appropriate movement, safer surroundings, and family communication can work together to address potential risks.
Use Falls Prevention Awareness Week to begin a respectful, practical conversation with your loved one.
Contact BrightStar Care of Kissimmee/Osceola Today
BrightStar Care of Kissimmee/Osceola provides a team of professionals ready to care for you and your loved ones. We understand the challenges faced by family caregivers and are committed to compassionate care that meets the needs of those we serve. If you would like more information about our services, please visit our website or call us today.
Contact us to learn more about our in-home care services. Our office is located at 3383 W. Vine St., Suite 307, Kissimmee, FL 34741. You may also call us at 407.572.0070. We look forward to hearing from you soon.