Day: August 29, 2025

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury in older adults—and they’re not just “accidents.” As we age, our bodies go through changes that, while natural, can increase the risk of falling. Understanding these changes is the first step towards effective fall prevention and protecting your independence.

Common Age-Related Factors That Increase Fall Risk

1. Vision Changes Affect Balance
With age, our eyes adapt more slowly when moving between bright and dim lighting. This can make it harder to see clearly during nighttime bathroom trips or when entering darker rooms. Increased glare sensitivity, a reduced field of vision, and changes in depth perception may cause us to misjudge distances—like mistaking a floor pattern for an obstacle and tripping over it.

2. Joint Pain and Arthritis Limit Mobility
Arthritis and other joint problems can change the way we walk, making movements less stable. Stiffness and pain often cause shorter steps or uneven gait, increasing the likelihood of stumbling.

3. Reflexes Slow Down Over Time
Reflexes are our body’s quick-response system—but they slow with age. A younger person might quickly recover from catching their toe on a step, but older adults often cannot react fast enough to prevent a fall.

4. Muscle Strength Declines
Loss of muscle mass, especially in the legs, affects balance and coordination. Weak muscles make it harder to correct a misstep or maintain stability on uneven surfaces.

5. Footwear Matters More Than You Think
Poorly fitting shoes, oversized slippers, or walking in socks can turn a stable surface into a slipping hazard. Choosing supportive, non-slip footwear is an easy way to reduce fall risk.

6. Home Hazards Can Be Dangerous
Wet floors, clutter, and uneven flooring are common causes of elderly falls. Even small spills or misplaced objects can cause serious accidents for someone with slower reflexes or balance issues.

While aging brings inevitable changes, falls don’t have to be part of the process. By making simple lifestyle adjustments and creating a safer environment, you can protect your mobility, confidence, and independence well into your later years.

Falls are a leading concern for older adults with dementia, but the right knowledge can make a world of difference. With patience, proactive care, and proven strategies, you can reduce risks and protect your loved one’s independence.

Conclusion

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We know that something as simple as walking can become a daily challenge for individuals living with dementia. While many of us take walking for granted, it’s actually a complex process that requires the brain, muscles, and nerves to work together in perfect coordination.
And it’s important to remember—walking is not something we’re born knowing how to do. It’s a learned skill that takes time, practice, and healthy brain function to master.

The Brain-Body Connection

Every step starts with a signal from the brain. This signal travels down the spinal cord, through the hips, and into the leg muscles. As the leg moves, messages return to the brain confirming the action. Then, the brain sends the next signal to keep the body moving forward.
This continuous, two-way communication is what makes walking seem so effortless—until something disrupts it.

Movement Goes Beyond Just Walking

The same system that helps us walk also allows us to sit, turn, or safely move from a bed to a chair. The brain must constantly interpret signals from across the body to maintain posture and balance. It needs to know where the body is in space and where it’s trying to go.

When the System Fails

In people living with dementia, this communication system can be impaired. The brain may struggle to process signals correctly or respond quickly enough. As caregivers, we often see the effects: unsteady movements, loss of coordination, hesitation, and falls.
These aren’t just physical risks—they can also reduce confidence and independence, increasing fear of movement and the likelihood of future falls.

Supporting Safe Mobility with Person-Centered Care

Our approach to dementia care includes a deep understanding of how the brain and body work together. We use person-centered care principles, including the CARES® Approach, to ensure every resident receives thoughtful, supportive assistance that encourages safe movement and preserves dignity.

By recognizing the challenges behind every step, we help our residents move with greater confidence—and help families feel reassured that their loved ones are in good hands.

Older adults with dementia face a higher risk of falls—but you can help prevent them. Learn how to identify hazards, respond quickly, and create a safer environment with the CARES® Approach.

Get started today with 10% OFF any training or certification program. Use promo code BeautifulAugust at checkout before Aug 31, 2025.