Preventing Falls in Care Homes: A Guide

One in three people over 65 fall at least once a year, rising to one in two for those over 80. In care homes, falls can lead to serious injuries, loss of confidence, and reduced independence. But here’s the crucial point: most falls are preventable with the right approach.

Whether you’re researching residential care options or your loved one already lives in a care home, understanding fall prevention is essential for safety and wellbeing.

Why Fall Prevention Matters

Falls are the most common incident in care homes, yet proper lighting alone can reduce fall risk by up to 50%. Quality care homes with comprehensive fall prevention programmes see significantly lower incident rates than the national average. When choosing a care home, fall prevention strategies should be a key consideration.

Common Causes of Falls in Care Homes

Environmental hazards – Poor lighting, loose carpets, cluttered walkways, and uneven flooring create unnecessary risks.

Medical conditions – Conditions like dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and arthritis affect balance and coordination. Those receiving dementia care may face additional challenges with spatial awareness and judgment.

Medication side effects – Some medicines cause dizziness, drowsiness, or low blood pressure, increasing fall risk.

Muscle weakness and poor balance – Reduced mobility and strength make falls more likely.

Dehydration and poor nutrition – Low fluid intake and inadequate nutrition affect blood pressure, energy levels, and concentration, all of which increase fall risk.

Inappropriate footwear – Slippers without proper grip or ill-fitting shoes are common culprits.

How Quality Care Homes Prevent Falls

1. Individual Risk Assessments

Every resident should have a personalised fall risk assessment upon admission and regular reviews. CQC-rated care homes must demonstrate thorough assessment processes and clear action plans for each resident.

2. Environmental Safety

Modern care homes invest in:

• Adequate lighting throughout, including motion-sensor night lights
• Clear, wide corridors free from obstacles
• Non-slip flooring and secure carpets
• Grab rails in bathrooms and along corridors
• Appropriate furniture height for easy sitting and standing
• Contrasting colours on stairs and level changes for better visibility

3. Technology and Monitoring

Progressive care homes use:

• Sensor mats that alert staff when residents get out of bed
• Call bell systems with quick response times
• CCTV in communal areas for added security
• Bed and chair sensors for high-risk residents
• Falls detection technology

4. Regular Exercise Programmes

Strength and balance exercises can reduce falls by up to 30%. Quality care homes offer:

• Gentle exercise classes
• Physiotherapy sessions
• Walking groups
• Chair-based exercises for those with limited mobility
• Regular activity to maintain muscle strength

5. Nutrition and Hydration

Proper nutrition and hydration are fundamental to fall prevention:

• Regular drinks offered throughout the day
• Nutritious meals to maintain strength
• Monitoring for residents who forget to eat or drink
• Supplements when needed
• Blood sugar management for diabetic residents

6. Medication Reviews

Regular medication reviews with healthcare professionals ensure prescriptions don’t unnecessarily increase fall risk. This is particularly important when deciding when it’s time for a care home – complex medication regimes often need professional oversight.

7. Proper Footwear and Clothing

Staff should ensure residents wear well-fitting, supportive footwear with non-slip soles. Clothing should be the right length to avoid tripping hazards.

8. Vision and Hearing Checks

Regular sight and hearing tests help residents navigate safely. Glasses should be clean and hearing aids working properly.

9. Assistive Equipment

Walking aids, raised toilet seats, and bed rails (when appropriate) can enhance safety. Equipment must be properly fitted and regularly maintained.

Staff Training: The Key to Success

Staff training is fundamental to fall prevention. Care teams should be trained in:

• Identifying fall risk factors
• Safe manual handling techniques
• How to assist residents safely
• Recognising environmental hazards
• Responding appropriately when falls occur
• Understanding medication side effects

When visiting potential care homes – whether you’re looking at care homes in Lancashire, Merseyside, or Cumbria – ask about staff training programmes and staff-to-resident ratios.

What to Look for When Visiting Care Homes

During your visit, observe:

• Are corridors well-lit and clear?
• Do residents have appropriate walking aids within reach?
• Are bathrooms equipped with grab rails?
• How quickly do staff respond to call bells?
• Are floors clean, dry, and non-slip?
• What technology is in place for monitoring?
• Check the home’s CQC rating and recent inspection reports

Understanding when it’s time for a care home often involves recognising increased fall risk at home. Professional care environments are designed with safety as a priority.

The Role of Families

Family involvement significantly supports fall prevention. Research shows that residents with regular family contact are more engaged in activities and maintain better physical and mental health – both protective factors against falls.

How you can help:

• Visit regularly to encourage participation in activities
• Provide appropriate, non-slip footwear
• Inform staff immediately of any changes in mobility, health, or medication
• Encourage your loved one to use their walking aids
• Attend care planning meetings
• Report any safety concerns without delay
• Bring concerns about nutrition or hydration to staff attention
• Stay informed about your loved one’s care plan

When Falls Do Happen

Despite best efforts, falls can still occur. Quality care homes should:

• Respond immediately to any fall
• Provide appropriate first aid and medical assessment
• Document the incident thoroughly
• Review and update the risk assessment
• Inform families promptly (usually within 24 hours)
• Investigate root causes and implement preventative measures
• Report serious incidents to CQC as required

Questions to Ask Care Homes

When researching options, ask:

• What’s your fall rate compared to similar homes?
• What’s your CQC rating for safety?
• How do you assess and monitor fall risk?
• What training do staff receive in fall prevention?
• What’s your average call bell response time?
• What exercise programmes do you offer?
• How do you involve families in care planning?
• What technology do you use for fall prevention?
• Can I see your latest CQC inspection report?

Respite Care Considerations

If you’re considering respite care services, fall prevention remains equally important. Even during short stays, proper assessment and safety measures should be in place. Learn more about the benefits of respite care and how it can provide safe, supervised care for your loved one.

The Benefits of Professional Care

One of the key benefits of residential care is the professionally managed environment designed to prevent falls. Round-the-clock supervision, purpose-built facilities, trained staff, and specialist equipment all contribute to keeping residents safe. Understanding what residential care involves helps families make informed decisions.

For those in specific locations, we’ve compiled guides to help you find the right care:

• Best care homes in Merseyside
• Best care homes in Lancashire
• Best care homes in Cumbria

Take Action Today

Don’t wait for a fall to happen. If you’re concerned about your loved one’s safety, or if you’re comparing care homes, fall prevention should be at the top of your checklist.

Ready to see our fall prevention measures in action? Contact us to arrange a visit. We’ll walk you through our facilities, introduce you to our team, and show you exactly how we keep residents safe.