Falls Prevention Awareness Week, September 21–25, 2026, is a reminder that small changes can help address important safety concerns for older adults.
For families in Saint Lucie and Indian River Counties, fall prevention may be particularly challenging when an aging parent lives independently or relatives are coordinating care from another state.
A loved one may feel unsteady but avoid mentioning it because they don't want family members to worry.
Another may have difficulty navigating the bathroom or carrying items through the house.
These concerns deserve attention, but the goal should be to support independence rather than unnecessarily restrict activities.
The CDC recommends combining medical evaluation, appropriate physical activity, and home safety improvements to address fall risks.
Here are five questions families can use to begin.
1. How Can Families Recognize Fall Risks From a Distance?
When relatives don't visit regularly, changes in mobility may be difficult to notice.
An older parent might mention having trouble getting out of a chair or feeling dizzy but not describe the situation as a fall risk.
The CDC recommends telling a healthcare professional about falls, unsteadiness, or fear of falling.
During calls or visits, discuss:
- Recent falls: Has your loved one fallen, even without injury?
- Unsteadiness: Do they feel less secure while walking?
- Dizziness: Are there episodes of lightheadedness?
- Mobility: Have familiar activities become more difficult?
- Fear: Are certain activities being avoided?
- Medical concerns: Have new symptoms appeared?
Don't rely only on observations from occasional visits.
Ask questions respectfully and encourage medical evaluation when concerns arise.
Practical tip: Include a specific question about balance or recent falls during a regular healthcare conversation.
2. Why Are Medication, Vision, and Health Reviews Important?
Fall risk can involve several medical factors.
Certain medications may cause dizziness or drowsiness, while vision changes can affect depth perception and awareness of obstacles.
The CDC recommends medication reviews, regular eye examinations, and discussing health conditions that may affect stability.
Families can help organize:
- Current medications: Accurate prescription and over-the-counter lists.
- Side effects: Questions about dizziness or weakness.
- Vision care: Eye appointments and updated glasses.
- Health conditions: Concerns affecting movement or balance.
- Footwear: Appropriate shoes for everyday activities.
- Follow-up: Appointments recommended by healthcare professionals.
Never change medication doses or stop treatments without professional guidance.
If your loved one experiences new or severe dizziness, weakness, or other concerning symptoms, seek appropriate medical evaluation.
Practical tip: Offer to help organize a medication list and medical appointment questions, with your loved one's permission.
3. What Activities Can Help Maintain Strength and Stability?
Physical activity can support mobility and balance, but the right program depends on the person.
The CDC recommends that older adults incorporate muscle-strengthening and balance activities into their routine.
Possible options include:
- Walking: Comfortable distances in appropriate environments.
- Strength exercises: Clinician-recommended routines.
- Balance activities: Suitable exercises that support stability.
- Tai chi: Appropriate structured programs.
- Physical therapy: Individualized assessment when indicated.
- Everyday movement: Safe participation in familiar tasks.
An older adult who has fallen or has significant instability should consult their healthcare professional before starting unfamiliar exercises.
Avoid assuming that an online exercise routine is safe for every individual.
Practical tip: Ask whether a qualified healthcare professional can recommend activities based on your loved one's balance and mobility.
4. What Home Safety Concerns Should Be Reviewed?
An older adult may spend years in the same home without noticing hazards that have developed over time.
Changes in vision or mobility can make familiar spaces harder to navigate.
A home review can include:
- Lighting: Adequate visibility in hallways and bedrooms.
- Bathrooms: Appropriate grab bars and safe access.
- Walkways: Clear floors and reduced clutter.
- Rugs: Secure or remove loose rugs.
- Entrances: Review steps, thresholds, and outdoor surfaces.
- Storage: Keep commonly used items within easy reach.
The CDC recommends addressing hazards such as clutter, poor lighting, and missing handrails.
If the older adult requires significant modifications or assistive equipment, ask the healthcare team whether an occupational therapy assessment is appropriate.
Practical tip: Review the route between your loved one's bedroom and bathroom, especially for nighttime use.
5. How Can Long-Distance Families Maintain a Fall Prevention Plan?
When relatives live outside the area, fall prevention requires reliable communication and local support.
A family member may be able to organize appointments remotely but need someone nearby to help evaluate the home or arrange assistance.
Consider:
- Local contact: Who can visit when needed?
- Medical appointments: Who can help coordinate evaluations?
- Home maintenance: Who can address lighting or tripping hazards?
- Communication: How will the family learn about new concerns?
- Daily assistance: Are mobility-related needs being met?
- Reassessment: When should the plan be reviewed?
The National Council on Aging encourages fall risk awareness and appropriate preventive action.
A professional home care provider may help with everyday assistance, but clinical fall-risk evaluation belongs with qualified healthcare professionals.
Practical tip: Identify one local person who can help with practical safety concerns and one out-of-state family member who can coordinate follow-up.
Fall Prevention Across Saint Lucie and Indian River Counties
Families throughout Saint Lucie and Indian River Counties may need to coordinate safety reviews across different communities.
An older adult in Vero Beach may live independently while adult children visit occasionally.
In Fort Pierce or Port Saint Lucie, family members may be helping with appointments and household tasks but have limited daytime availability.
Families in Jensen Beach and Sebastian may want to review entrances, bathrooms, or mobility concerns with a healthcare professional.
For seasonal residents on Hutchinson Island or in Indian River Shores, returning to a home after time away provides an opportunity to check lighting, walkways, and other potential hazards.
Relatives in Roseland, Wabasso, and Fellsmere may also be coordinating assistance from farther away.
Begin with a conversation about recent falls or unsteadiness, then identify which medical and household concerns deserve attention.
BrightStar Care of Saint Lucie and Indian River Counties serves families throughout its local area and can discuss personalized assistance.
Prevention Begins With Awareness
Falls are not simply an unavoidable part of getting older.
Addressing risk factors through medical evaluation, appropriate activity, and safer surroundings can help older adults maintain familiar routines.
Use Falls Prevention Awareness Week to start a conversation and make a realistic plan with your loved one.
Contact BrightStar Care of Saint Lucie and Indian River Counties Today
BrightStar Care of Saint Lucie and Indian River Counties 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 3850 20th Street, Suite 7, Vero Beach, FL 32960. You may also call us at 772.400.9229. We look forward to hearing from you soon.