What is Falls Prevention Awareness Week?
Falls Prevention Awareness Week is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about the risks of falls and how they can be prevented. The week serves as a platform for educating the public, healthcare professionals, and caregivers about fall-related injuries, especially among older adults. It aims to highlight the importance of fall prevention strategies, reduce the incidence of falls, and encourage proactive steps to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals, particularly those at higher risk.
During Falls Prevention Awareness Week 2025, various organisations, healthcare providers, and community groups come together to share information, host events, and offer resources focused on fall prevention. It’s a time to remind individuals of the significance of fall-related injuries and empower them with knowledge and tools to prevent falls in everyday life.
When is Falls Prevention Week 2025?
Falls Prevention Week 2025 will take place from September 21st to September 27th. This week is observed annually in the third week of September, with National Fall Prevention Awareness Day falling on the 21st of September each year. As part of National Fall Prevention Month, this awareness week provides an opportunity to educate the public on fall prevention strategies, resources, and activities designed to help reduce fall-related injuries.
In addition to Falls Prevention Week, Fall Prevention Month is celebrated throughout September. This extended observance ensures that fall prevention remains a focal point for awareness, especially as we age and encounter increased risks.
What is the Significance of Fall Prevention?
Falls are among the leading causes of injury in adults, particularly in older individuals. Every year, millions of adults experience falls, resulting in serious health consequences such as broken bones, head injuries, and even death. However, many of these injuries can be prevented by raising awareness and implementing fall prevention strategies.
Fall Prevention Week Activities often include community outreach programs, free health screenings, exercise classes, and educational seminars. These activities aim to inform individuals about how to identify fall risks and how to address them effectively.
Falls don’t just affect physical health—they can also lead to a loss of independence, depression, and a significant decrease in the quality of life. By understanding and addressing the risks of falls, we can create a safer environment for everyone.
Understanding the Risks of Falls
Several factors contribute to the risk of falling. Some are related to our environment, while others are linked to our physical condition and lifestyle. Here are some common factors that can increase the likelihood of falls:
Common Causes of Falls in Adults and Seniors
Falls in older adults are classified as a geriatric syndrome, a clinical condition that arises from multiple, interrelated factors rather than a single cause. These syndromes reflect the cumulative effect of age-related physiological decline, chronic diseases, and environmental triggers. Key contributing factors include:
- Muscle Weakness & Balance Impairment: Age-related sarcopenia and reduced proprioception impair postural stability.
- Sensory Deficits: Vision and hearing loss reduce spatial awareness and increase missteps.
- Neurological and Cognitive Disorders: Dementia, Parkinson’s, or brain stroke can impair coordination and judgment.
- Polypharmacy: Multiple medications, especially sedatives or antihypertensives, can cause dizziness or orthostatic hypotension.
- Mood Disorders: Depression and anxiety may lead to reduced activity, further weakening balance and strength.
- Environmental Hazards: Poor lighting, uneven surfaces, and a lack of support structures (like handrails) increase fall risk at home.
Health Complications Associated with Falls
The consequences of a fall can be severe. Some of the complications include:
- Fractures: Broken bones, especially hip fractures, are common results of falls, and can significantly impact an individual’s mobility and independence.
- Head Injuries: Falls that result in head trauma can lead to concussions, brain injuries, and long-term cognitive impairments.
- Loss of Independence: After a fall, many individuals experience a loss of confidence in their mobility, which can limit their ability to perform daily activities.
- Chronic Pain: Injuries from falls, such as sprains or fractures, can lead to chronic pain, which can further restrict mobility.
Who is Most at Risk of Experiencing Falls?
Falls can happen to anyone, but certain groups are more vulnerable than others. Recognising who is most at risk helps in creating preventative strategies tailored to those populations.
Elderly Population and Fall Risks
The elderly population is at the highest risk of falling. As we age, our bodies undergo changes that can affect balance, strength, and coordination. These factors, along with the increased likelihood of chronic health conditions, make seniors particularly vulnerable to falls.
Encourage older adults to participate in activities that improve strength, balance, and flexibility, such as tai chi or yoga.
Falls in Patients with Chronic Illnesses
Individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes, arthritis, or Parkinson’s disease often experience a higher risk of falling. These conditions can impact mobility, coordination, and reaction times, making it harder for individuals to regain balance or avoid obstacles.
Proper management of chronic conditions, regular checkups, and medication reviews can help mitigate the risks of falling.
Medication Side Effects and Risk of Falling
Certain medications, especially those that affect the central nervous system (like sedatives, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications), can increase the likelihood of falls. These medications may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or a drop in blood pressure, all of which can impair balance.
Always consult with a healthcare provider to review medications and discuss alternatives or adjustments that can reduce fall risk.
What are the Fall Prevention Strategies?
Implementing fall prevention strategies is key to reducing fall-related injuries. Below are some effective measures individuals can take to stay safe:
Home Safety Tips to Prevent Falls
Making your home environment fall-proof is one of the most effective ways to prevent falls. Consider these changes:
- Remove tripping hazards like rugs, cords, and furniture that block walkways.
- Install grab bars in the bathroom and handrails along stairways.
- Ensure good lighting throughout your home, especially in hallways, staircases, and bathrooms.
Exercise and Balance Training for Stability
Engaging in regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to prevent falls. Exercises that focus on improving balance, strength, and flexibility can help reduce the risk. Activities such as:
- Tai Chi and yoga are excellent for enhancing balance.
- Strength training exercises improve leg strength, which is essential for stability.
Importance of Regular Eye and Hearing Checkups
Impaired vision and hearing are major contributors to falls. Regular eye exams and hearing tests are crucial, especially as we age. Wearing corrective lenses and using hearing aids can significantly improve one’s ability to detect hazards and maintain balance.
Role of Nutrition in Maintaining Bone Strength
Adequate nutrition, including calcium and vitamin D, plays a vital role in bone health. Strong bones are less likely to break during a fall. Consider adding calcium-rich foods like dairy, leafy greens, and fortified cereals to your diet, and get enough vitamin D through sunlight or supplements.
Fall Prevention in Hospitals and Care Centres
In healthcare settings, fall prevention is equally important. Hospitals and nursing homes implement a range of fall prevention strategies, including:
- Risk assessments for each patient to determine their fall risk.
- Staff training to properly assist patients with mobility.
- Use of assistive devices like walkers, canes, and bed alarms to ensure patient safety.
How Fall Prevention Awareness Week Makes a Difference?
Falls Prevention Awareness Week plays a critical role in educating the public about fall risks and prevention strategies. By hosting community events, providing free screenings, and offering educational resources, this week encourages individuals to take action in preventing falls. The collective efforts of health organisations, local governments, and communities can create safer environments for everyone.
Specialists Who Can Help With Fall Management
In geriatric medicine, even a single fall in a year is taken seriously. It often signals underlying vulnerabilities that, if left unaddressed, can lead to repeated falls, injuries, loss of independence, and hospitalisation.
Falls are rarely due to one cause, as they result from a combination of physical, medical, cognitive, and environmental factors. That’s why a comprehensive fall risk assessment is essential, even after just one incident.
Key Components of a Fall Risk Assessment in Geriatric Medicine
Gait and Balance Evaluation
Medical specialists assess how safely and steadily a person walks, identifying issues like unsteadiness, poor coordination, or weakness that can lead to future falls.
A detailed check of all prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs to identify those that may cause dizziness, low blood pressure, or sedation.
Vision and Hearing Assessment
Detecting and addressing sensory impairments that can reduce awareness of surroundings and impair balance.
Environmental Safety Assessment
A structured home checklist is used to identify fall hazards such as poor lighting, uneven flooring, lack of handrails, or cluttered spaces.
Cognitive and Psychological Screening
Falls may be linked to memory issues, confusion, depression, or anxiety, all of which can affect decision-making and physical function.
Why Does It Matters?
A fall is often a symptom of an underlying health issue, not just an isolated event. Identifying and addressing the root causes through thorough assessments allows healthcare providers to implement effective, personalised interventions. This proactive approach helps reduce fall risk, preserve independence, and improve overall quality of life for older adults.
How Artemis Hospital Helps With Elderly Fall Prevention & Management?
At Artemis Hospital, we understand the importance of fall prevention in maintaining the health and independence of older adults. While most hospitals may neglect the significance of proper evaluation after any fall, we offer a comprehensive range of assessments for our senior citizens if there has been a single fall over a period of 1 year.
Falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults, and 1 in every 5 falls results in serious injuries such as hip fractures or head trauma. At Artemis Hospitals, we recognise that falls are not just accidents but often the result of underlying medical or functional issues, especially in seniors.
Our Geriatric Care Team takes a proactive, evidence-based approach to fall prevention and management, focusing on early identification of risk factors and personalised intervention.
Comprehensive Fall Risk Assessment at Artemis Includes:
- Gait and Balance Testing: Clinical assessments to evaluate walking patterns, postural control, and risk of instability.
- Medication Review: Identifying and adjusting medications that may cause dizziness, sedation, or blood pressure drops.
- Vision and Hearing Screening: Detecting sensory impairments that can affect spatial awareness and reaction time.
- Cognitive and Psychological Evaluation: Screening for memory loss, confusion, depression, or anxiety that may contribute to falls.
- Environmental Risk Assessment: Structured home safety evaluations to identify and eliminate potential hazards.
At Artemis, fall prevention is not just about avoiding injury — it's about enabling seniors to live safely, independently, and with dignity. Through our specialised geriatric care program, we empower families with early detection, timely intervention, and expert support tailored to each individual.
Article By Dr. Meenal Thakral
Classified Specialist - Geriatric Medicine
Artemis Hospitals
Frequently Asked Questions
Does exercise really help prevent falls?
Yes, regular exercise improves strength, balance, and coordination, which significantly reduces the risk of falls, especially in older adults.
How does Fall Prevention Awareness Week relate to healthy ageing?
Fall Prevention Awareness Week promotes awareness about fall risks and encourages proactive steps like screening and exercise, supporting healthy, independent ageing.
What is the purpose of a falls prevention programme?
A falls prevention programme aims to identify risk factors, improve physical strength and balance, and reduce the chances of injury due to falls.
Why is it especially important for older adults to participate?
Older adults are more vulnerable to falls due to age-related changes in strength, vision, and balance, making prevention programmes crucial for safety and independence.
What are 4 ways falls can be prevented?
Falls can be prevented by staying physically active, removing home hazards, getting regular vision checks, and using assistive devices when needed.
What health conditions make people more prone to falls?
Conditions like arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, poor vision, and low blood pressure increase the risk of falls, especially when mobility is affected.
Which doctor should I consult for frequent falls?
You should consult a geriatrician, neurologist, or orthopaedic specialist. At Artemis Hospitals, our multidisciplinary team offers comprehensive fall risk evaluation.
What is a fall risk assessment program?
A fall risk assessment evaluates your balance, strength, gait, and medical history to determine your fall risk and recommend preventive strategies.
Can a physiotherapist help in fall prevention?
Yes, physiotherapists design personalised exercise plans to improve balance, mobility, and strength, which significantly reduce fall risk.
Where can I find fall prevention programs near me?
You can find expert-led fall prevention programs at Artemis Hospitals, offering assessments, physiotherapy, and wellness support under one roof.
Which hospital offers fall prevention awareness sessions in Gurgaon?
Artemis Hospitals in Gurgaon regularly hosts fall prevention awareness sessions to educate the community and promote safe, active lifestyles.
How does Fall Prevention Awareness Week help reduce fall risks long-term?
Fall Prevention Awareness Week encourages early screening, lifestyle changes, and awareness that empower individuals to take long-term steps in preventing falls.
How can I book a fall prevention consultation near me?
You can book a fall prevention consultation at Artemis Hospitals through our website, mobile app, or by calling our helpline for same-day appointments.
Are there physiotherapists for fall prevention near me in Gurgaon?
Yes, Artemis Hospitals in Gurgaon has trained physiotherapists who specialise in fall prevention and mobility improvement for all age groups.
Is one fall in a year a cause for concern in older adults?
Yes, even a single fall can indicate underlying issues such as balance problems, medication side effects, or cognitive decline. At Artemis Hospitals, our geriatric team conducts a detailed fall risk assessment to prevent future incidents and ensure safer ageing.
How does Artemis Hospitals assess fall risk in seniors?
Our geriatric care specialists use a comprehensive evaluation that includes gait and balance testing, medication review, vision and hearing checks, and a home environment assessment to identify and address all potential risk factors.
Can falls in seniors be prevented with medical intervention?
Yes, most falls are preventable with the right medical support. Artemis Hospitals offers proactive fall prevention plans personalised by geriatricians, helping seniors stay independent, safe, and confident at home.
