Falls Prevention Awareness Week takes place from September 22 to 26, 2025, and serves as an important reminder that falls are not a normal part of aging; they are preventable. For older adults and individuals with serious illness, a fall can lead to significant injury, loss of independence, emotional distress, and even hospitalization. For individuals in hospice or palliative care, fall prevention is particularly crucial in maintaining comfort, dignity, and quality of life.
Each year, more than one in four adults aged 65 and older experiences a fall. In 2023 alone, over 41,000 seniors in the U.S. died from fall-related injuries, and fall-related medical costs are projected to reach over $100 billion by 2030. Risk factors include muscle weakness, balance issues, vision or hearing loss, medications that cause dizziness, and hazards in the home such as poor lighting, loose rugs, or uneven flooring.
Fall prevention starts with awareness and action. Assessing risk factors, reviewing medications, improving lighting, removing clutter, and adding safety features like grab bars can all help create a safer environment. Gentle strength and balance exercises, such as seated workouts, tai chi, or stretching, can also help reduce the risk of falling while improving confidence.
For patients receiving hospice or palliative care, fall prevention should be tailored to their individual goals and comfort levels. This may involve focusing on safe mobility, caregiver support, and simple environmental adjustments rather than intensive interventions. Communication is key; encouraging patients and families to report falls or concerns helps build trust and safety into every care plan.
At Community Hospice & Palliative Care, we believe that thoughtful and compassionate fall prevention strategies can make a significant difference. This Fall Prevention Awareness Week, we encourage caregivers, clinicians, and families to work together to ensure every patient is supported, protected, and empowered to live as safely and comfortably as possible.