Falls Prevention Awareness Week, observed September 21–25, 2026, is an opportunity to discuss one of the most important safety concerns affecting older adults.
A fall can occur during ordinary activities such as walking to the bathroom, getting out of a chair, or moving through an unfamiliar space.
For families in Melbourne and South Brevard County, fall prevention doesn't have to begin with major renovations.
It can start with recognizing changes in mobility, reviewing medications, addressing household hazards, and discussing concerns with a healthcare professional.
The CDC explains that many falls can be prevented through practical interventions tailored to an individual's risk factors.
Here are five questions families can use to guide a home safety conversation.
1. How Can We Identify an Older Loved One's Risk of Falling?
Fall prevention begins with recognizing potential concerns.
An older adult may not mention a recent fall because they feel embarrassed or worry that family members will restrict their independence.
Others may have started avoiding activities because they feel unsteady.
The CDC recommends talking to a healthcare professional about fall risk, particularly if someone has fallen, feels unsteady, or fears falling.
Pay attention to:
- Recent falls: Any fall, even if no injury occurred.
- Balance: Difficulty standing or walking steadily.
- Dizziness: Lightheadedness during daily activities.
- Mobility: Changes in walking or transfers.
- Fear: Avoiding activities because of concern about falling.
- Health changes: New conditions or symptoms affecting movement.
A fall risk assessment may help identify factors that deserve attention.
Avoid treating changes in balance as an inevitable part of aging.
Practical tip: Ask your loved one whether they've fallen or felt unsteady recently and encourage an honest discussion with their healthcare professional.
BrightStar Care of Melbourne can discuss daily mobility assistance and appropriate care needs.
2. Why Should Families Review Medications and Vision?
Some medications can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or other effects that increase the risk of falling.
Vision changes can also make it harder to recognize obstacles or navigate familiar surroundings.
The CDC's fall prevention guidance recommends medication reviews with a healthcare professional or pharmacist and regular eye examinations.
Consider:
- Prescriptions: Are any medicines associated with dizziness or sleepiness?
- Over-the-counter products: Could they contribute to side effects?
- Medication changes: Have new prescriptions been started recently?
- Vision: Is the eyeglass prescription current?
- Footwear: Are shoes supportive and properly fitted?
- Symptoms: Has your loved one noticed new dizziness or weakness?
Never stop or adjust medications without professional guidance.
If dizziness or weakness is new, persistent, or severe, seek appropriate medical evaluation.
Practical tip: Bring an updated medication list to the next healthcare appointment and ask specifically about fall-related side effects.
3. What Role Do Strength and Balance Activities Play?
Physical activity can help older adults maintain strength and improve balance.
However, the right activities depend on individual abilities, medical conditions, and fall history.
The CDC recommends that adults 65 and older incorporate balance and muscle-strengthening activities into their routine.
Possible options include:
- Balance exercises: Activities recommended by a clinician.
- Strengthening: Appropriate exercises for legs and other muscle groups.
- Walking: Comfortable movement in a safe environment.
- Tai chi: A program suited to the person's abilities.
- Physical therapy: Individualized support when clinically appropriate.
- Daily movement: Manageable activity throughout the day.
Someone who has recently fallen or experiences significant instability should discuss an appropriate exercise plan with their healthcare professional.
Families should not encourage risky balance exercises without necessary support.
Practical tip: Ask whether a clinician-recommended strength or balance program could help address your loved one's individual concerns.
4. Which Household Hazards Deserve Attention?
A home can feel familiar and comfortable while still containing potential fall hazards.
Small obstacles may become more difficult to navigate when vision, balance, or mobility changes.
The CDC recommends addressing common household risks.
Review:
- Walkways: Remove clutter, cords, and loose obstacles.
- Rugs: Secure or remove rugs that create tripping hazards.
- Lighting: Improve visibility in hallways and frequently used rooms.
- Bathrooms: Ask about appropriate grab bars and other safety features.
- Stairs: Check handrails and step visibility.
- Frequently used items: Keep essentials at accessible heights.
Bathroom modifications and assistive devices should be selected and installed appropriately.
A clinician or occupational therapist may recommend an individualized home safety evaluation.
Practical tip: Walk through the route your loved one uses between the bedroom and bathroom, including at night.
5. How Can Families Build a Practical Fall Prevention Plan?
Fall prevention works best when it considers more than one possible risk.
A person may have good lighting at home but still experience dizziness from a medication or difficulty with balance.
Create a plan that includes:
- Medical review: Discuss fall concerns with the healthcare team.
- Medication check: Ask about side effects.
- Vision care: Keep eye examinations current.
- Home safety: Address potential hazards.
- Movement: Follow appropriate strength and balance guidance.
- Support: Identify assistance needed during daily activities.
The National Council on Aging encourages older adults to assess their risk and take preventive steps during Falls Prevention Awareness Week.
No plan can eliminate every possibility of a fall, but identifying risk factors can help families take informed precautions.
Practical tip: Choose two concerns to discuss with a healthcare professional and two household areas to review this week.
Fall Prevention Across Melbourne and South Brevard County
Families throughout Melbourne and South Brevard County may encounter different home safety concerns.
An older parent in Melbourne may live in a single-story home but have difficulty getting in and out of the shower.
In Palm Bay, relatives may notice that a loved one has begun holding onto furniture while walking.
Residents of Satellite Beach and Melbourne Beach may need to consider wet outdoor surfaces, entrances, and transitions between patios and interior living spaces.
Families in Grant, Malabar, and Sebastian may be helping loved ones who manage larger properties or have longer paths between the driveway and home.
Begin with the spaces and activities your loved one uses most frequently.
If mobility concerns are increasing, ask the healthcare team whether professional assessment or therapy would be helpful.
BrightStar Care of Melbourne serves families throughout its local service area and can discuss personalized in-home assistance.
Fall Prevention Helps Protect Everyday Independence
Falls are common among older adults, but they shouldn't be accepted as an unavoidable part of aging.
A thoughtful approach includes healthcare conversations, appropriate activity, household adjustments, and dependable assistance when needed.
Use Falls Prevention Awareness Week as a reminder to review the risks that matter most to your loved one.
Contact BrightStar Care of Melbourne Today
BrightStar Care of Melbourne 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 3270 Suntree Blvd., Suite 129, Melbourne, FL 32940. You may also call us at 321.549.0292. We look forward to hearing from you soon.