Falls Aren’t Inevitable: Simple Steps Can Help Keep Older Adults Safe

8/25/2026

September is Fall Prevention Month, a reminder that falls are not simply a normal part of getting older — and many can be prevented.

A fall can happen in an instant — catching your foot on a rug, losing your balance on the front porch or simply feeling unsteady while walking across the room.

For an older adult, however, that moment can have consequences that last much longer.

More than one in four adults age 65 and older falls each year. Falls can result in broken bones, hip fractures and traumatic brain injuries, and a serious fall can make it harder for someone to maintain their independence.

But healthcare providers emphasize that falling is not an inevitable part of aging. Taking steps to identify and address risks before a fall occurs can help older adults remain active, safe and independent.

“Falls can be life-changing, but getting older doesn’t mean you have to accept falling as part of the process,” said Dr. Mark A. Gonzalez with DeTar Medical Group Primary Care. “The best time to think about fall prevention is before a fall happens. By identifying risks early and making a few changes, patients can take meaningful steps toward protecting their safety and independence.”

Start With Knowing Your Risk

One of the most important steps in fall prevention is understanding what may put you at risk.

Adults 65 and older should talk with their healthcare provider about fall risk regularly. A fall-risk assessment may include reviewing medications, discussing previous falls or near-falls, checking vision, and evaluating walking, balance and strength.

These conversations can uncover problems that might otherwise go unnoticed. A provider may recommend medication changes, physical therapy, strength and balance exercises, an assistive device or other strategies tailored to the individual.

“People sometimes wait until they’ve had a fall before bringing up balance problems,” Dr. Gonzalez said. “If you feel unsteady, have fallen recently or are worried about falling, tell your doctor. Those are important clues that we can address before a more serious injury occurs.”

Keep Moving and Build Strength

Staying physically active is an important part of fall prevention. Exercises that improve leg strength, balance and flexibility can help older adults remain steady on their feet.

Walking, strength exercises, Tai Chi and physical therapy programs designed to improve balance and mobility can all be part of a fall-prevention plan.

“Strength and balance are things we can work on at almost any age,” Dr. Gonzalez said. “The goal isn’t necessarily to become an athlete. It’s to maintain the strength, flexibility and confidence you need to move safely through your everyday life.”

Stephanie Schuckenbrock, director of orthopedics and bariatrics at DeTar Healthcare System, also encourages older adults not to let a fear of falling keep them from being active.

“Staying active helps improve strength, balance and confidence,” Schuckenbrock said. “Avoiding activity because you’re afraid of falling can actually increase your risk over time. The important thing is finding safe, appropriate ways to keep moving.”

Take a Look Around the Home

Many fall risks can be found in familiar places.

Take a walk through your home with safety in mind. Remove loose throw rugs, keep walkways free of clutter and make sure rooms, hallways and stairways are well lit. Grab bars and other safety equipment can provide additional support in bathrooms and other areas where falls are more likely.

Outside the home, be mindful of uneven sidewalks, wet surfaces and other obstacles. In South Texas, that may also mean taking extra care around outdoor areas after rain or when landscaping creates uneven walking surfaces.

“Sometimes the changes that make the biggest difference are very simple,” Schuckenbrock said. “Improving lighting, removing clutter or adding a grab bar can make a home safer and give someone greater confidence moving around independently.”

Don’t Overlook Vision, Feet and Medications

Several everyday health factors can affect balance and stability.

• Schedule regular eye exams and make sure your prescription is current.
• Have your feet checked if you experience pain, numbness or other problems that affect how you walk.
• Review your medications with your doctor or pharmacist. Some medications can cause dizziness, drowsiness or changes in blood pressure that may increase fall risk.
• Speak up about near-falls. Losing your balance but catching yourself can be an early warning sign and is worth discussing with your provider.

“Fall prevention is really about looking at the whole picture,” Dr. Gonzalez said. “Sometimes it’s a medication. Sometimes it’s poor vision, muscle weakness or a hazard at home. Often, it’s a combination of factors. Identifying those risks gives us an opportunity to do something about them.”

September Is the Time to Take Action

September is Fall Prevention Month, making it a good time for older adults and their families to have a conversation about safety.

DeTar Healthcare System is offering a free Fall Risk & Prevention Seminar on September 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the DeTar North Education Classroom, 110 Medical Drive in Victoria (located directly across from DeTar North Hospital).

The seminar will cover topics including osteoporosis, medications, nutrition, physical therapy and strength-building, EMS response to falls and community resources available after a fall. Participants may attend in person or virtually. For more information on attending or to RSVP, visit www.detar.com and click on “Events” or call 361-788-6085.

“Our goal is to empower the community with knowledge and resources to reduce the risks associated with falling,” Schuckenbrock said. “Falls can be devastating, particularly for older adults, but many of these risks are preventable with the right education and support.”

The seminar is an opportunity for older adults, family members and caregivers to learn practical strategies for reducing fall risks and helping loved ones remain independent. “Fall prevention is something the entire family can be part of,” Schuckenbrock said. “When we shift the conversation from fear to prevention, we empower people to live healthier, more confident lives.”

If you or a loved one is 65 or older, talk with your primary care provider about fall risk and prevention.

To find a local primary care provider, visit mydetardoctor.com.

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