Why Falls Are the Biggest Hidden Danger for Mohali’s Seniors

Falls are the single largest cause of injury-related hospital admissions among people over 65 in India. In Mohali, where many seniors live alone or with working children, a fall often goes unnoticed for hours. Even a minor fall can lead to fractures, head injuries, loss of confidence, and permanent disability.

Most families in Mohali do not think about fall prevention until after an accident happens. This is a dangerous approach. According to geriatric health data, nearly one in three adults above 65 falls at least once a year. Among those who fall, the chance of falling again doubles. Each subsequent fall carries a higher risk of serious injury.

In Mohali specifically, several local factors make falls more likely. Many apartments in Phase 3, Phase 7, Phase 10, and Sector 71 have polished marble flooring that becomes extremely slippery. Traditional bathroom designs lack grab bars or non-slip surfaces. Narrow staircases in older houses and low lighting in corridors add to the risk. During winter months, fog and cold weather further reduce mobility and increase stiffness in joints.

The cost of treating a fall-related injury is far higher than the cost of preventing one. A hip fracture surgery in a Mohali or Chandigarh hospital can cost between ₹1.5 lakh and ₹4 lakh, followed by months of rehabilitation. A caregiver for fall prevention, by comparison, costs a fraction of that amount. Home modifications like grab bars and non-slip mats cost just a few thousand rupees.

Beyond the financial cost, falls take a severe emotional toll. After a fall, many seniors develop a fear of falling again. This fear makes them avoid walking, which weakens their muscles further, creating a vicious cycle. Some become completely bed-bound not because of the injury itself, but because of the psychological impact.

Understanding Why Seniors Fall: Root Causes and Risk Factors

Seniors fall because of a combination of physical weakness, balance problems, medication side effects, unsafe home conditions, and chronic health conditions. Most falls have more than one cause. Identifying all the factors affecting your parent is the first step toward prevention.

Physical Causes

• Muscle weakness: After age 65, adults lose 3 to 5 percent of muscle mass every year. Weak leg muscles make it hard to stand up from a chair, climb stairs, or recover from a stumble.
• Balance problems: The inner ear, which controls balance, becomes less sensitive with age. Conditions like vertigo or labyrinthitis make this worse.
• Joint stiffness: Arthritis in the knees, hips, and ankles restricts movement. Stiff joints cannot adjust quickly when the body loses balance.
• Poor vision: Cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration reduce depth perception. Seniors may not see a step or an obstacle in their path.
• Foot problems: Bunions, calluses, and numbness from diabetes affect how seniors place their feet on the ground.

Medical Causes

• Blood pressure drops: Orthostatic hypotension causes dizziness when standing up quickly. This is common in seniors on blood pressure medication.
• Diabetes complications: Nerve damage in the feet (diabetic neuropathy) reduces sensation. Seniors may not feel that their foot is not properly placed on the floor.
• Stroke after-effects: Even mild strokes can affect balance, coordination, and vision on one side of the body.
• Parkinson’s disease: This condition causes slow movement, stiffness, and postural instability that directly increase fall risk.
• Urinary urgency: Rushing to the bathroom, especially at night, is a very common cause of falls.

Environmental Causes

• Wet or polished floors, especially in bathrooms and kitchens
• Loose rugs, curled carpet edges, and cluttered walkways
• Poor lighting in hallways, staircases, and bathrooms
• Absence of grab bars near toilets and in showers
• Low beds or high beds that are difficult to get in and out of
• Electrical cords running across walking paths
• Uneven surfaces between rooms

Medication-Related Causes

Certain medicines directly increase fall risk. Proper medication management is essential. The highest-risk medications include:

• Sedatives and sleeping pills that cause drowsiness
• Antidepressants that affect balance and alertness
• Blood pressure medicines that cause dizziness on standing
• Antihistamines that cause drowsiness
• Pain medicines that reduce awareness and reaction time
• Diuretics that cause dehydration and lightheadedness

Fall Risk Self-Assessment for Families in Mohali

A fall risk assessment checks physical ability, medical history, home environment, and medication use to determine how likely a senior is to fall. Answering these questions honestly helps you decide what level of prevention your parent needs.

Room-by-Room Home Safety Assessment

Each room in a Mohali home has specific fall hazards. Bathrooms are the most dangerous, followed by staircases, bedrooms, and kitchens. A systematic room-by-room check ensures no hazard is missed. This section walks you through every area of a typical home.

Bathroom: The Highest Risk Zone

Over 60 percent of falls among seniors happen in or near the bathroom. Wet floors, low toilet seats, and the need to step over bathtub walls make this room extremely dangerous. In many Mohali homes, bathrooms are small with tiled floors that become slippery when wet.

• Install grab bars on the wall beside the toilet and inside the shower area
• Place anti-slip mats on the bathroom floor and inside the shower or tub
• Install a raised toilet seat to reduce the distance between standing and sitting
• Add a shower chair so your parent can sit while bathing
• Ensure bright, even lighting with no dark corners
• Keep a night light on at all times for nighttime bathroom visits
• Remove any unnecessary items from the bathroom floor
• Ensure the bathroom door opens outward in case your parent falls inside
• Keep towels and essential items within easy reach, not on high shelves
• Consider a hand-held shower head to reduce the need to move around

Bedroom: Where Most Nighttime Falls Happen

Nighttime falls are especially dangerous because no one may be awake to help. The path from bed to bathroom is the most common fall zone at night. Low beds make it hard to stand up, while high beds increase the distance to the floor if a fall occurs.

• Adjust bed height so feet touch the floor comfortably when sitting on the edge
• Install bed rails if your parent tends to roll or has difficulty getting up
• Place a sturdy nightstand within arm’s reach for phone, water, and glasses
• Use motion-sensor night lights along the path to the bathroom
• Keep the floor completely clear of shoes, cords, and clutter
• Ensure a lamp or light switch is reachable from the bed
• Place a commode chair next to the bed if the bathroom is far away
• Use a non-slip rug or mat right next to the bed

Staircase: Where Falls Cause the Most Severe Injuries

Falls on stairs frequently cause fractures and head injuries because the body picks up speed. In Mohali, many independent houses have steep, narrow staircases with inadequate handrails. Even a few steps at the entrance can be hazardous.

• Install sturdy handrails on both sides of every staircase
• Mark the edge of each step with contrasting colored tape or paint
• Ensure each step has non-slip surface or tread
• Fix any loose, broken, or uneven steps immediately
• Keep stairs completely free of objects
• Ensure bright lighting at the top and bottom of stairs
• Consider a stair lift if your parent cannot safely climb stairs
• Paint the bottom step and top step a different color for visual cues

Kitchen: Slips, Reaching, and Spills

Kitchen falls often happen when seniors reach for high shelves, step on unstable surfaces, or walk on wet floors from spills. In many Mohali kitchens, storage is above shoulder height, forcing seniors to stretch or climb.

• Move frequently used items to waist-height shelves
• Provide a stable step stool with handrails, never use chairs or boxes
• Clean spills immediately and keep the floor dry
• Use non-slip mats near the sink and stove
• Ensure good lighting over the cooking and preparation areas
• Avoid using wax or polish on kitchen floors

Living Room and Hallways

Living rooms seem safe but often have hidden hazards. Loose electrical cords, low furniture that is hard to see, and decorative rugs cause many falls. Hallways with poor lighting or narrow passages are also risky.

• Remove all throw rugs or secure them firmly with double-sided tape
• Tape or pin electrical cords along walls, not across walking paths
• Arrange furniture to create wide, clear walking paths
• Ensure all rugs have non-slip backing
• Install light switches at both ends of hallways
• Use contrasting colors between floors and walls for better depth perception

Essential Home Modifications for Fall Prevention in Mohali

Home modifications range from simple changes like removing rugs to structural improvements like adding grab bars and ramps. Most effective modifications cost less than ₹10,000 total. The goal is to create an environment where a moment of unsteadiness does not lead to a fall.

Important Notes on Grab Bar Installation

Grab bars must be installed into wall studs, not just into tiles or drywall. A grab bar that pulls out of the wall during a fall can cause worse injury than no bar at all. In Mohali, many bathrooms have tiled walls over brick, which provides good support if the correct anchors are used. Hire a professional for installation rather than doing it yourself. The bar should be placed at a height that allows your parent to grip it comfortably while standing or sitting.

Lighting and Visibility: An Overlooked Risk Factor

Poor lighting is a direct cause of falls that is easy and inexpensive to fix. Seniors need two to three times more light than younger adults to see clearly. Shadows, dark corners, and dim hallways hide obstacles and depth changes that lead to stumbles.

Many Mohali homes have a single tube light in each room, which creates uneven lighting with bright spots and dark shadows. This is particularly dangerous on stairs, where each step should be clearly visible.

Lighting Improvements to Make

• Replace low-wattage bulbs with bright LED bulbs (at least 12-15 watts LED, equivalent to 60-75 watts incandescent)
• Install motion-sensor lights in hallways, bathrooms, and near the bed
• Add strip lighting under kitchen cabinets and along stair treads
• Ensure light switches are reachable from bed and at both ends of hallways
• Use lampshades that direct light downward, not outward into eyes
• Keep a charged flashlight on the nightstand for power cuts
• Avoid placing lights behind the senior’s position, which creates silhouettes and shadows

Balance and Strength Exercises for Fall Prevention

Exercise is the single most effective way to reduce fall risk. Strengthening leg muscles, improving balance, and increasing flexibility give seniors the physical ability to recover from a stumble before it becomes a fall. Research shows that regular exercise can reduce fall risk by 20 to 40 percent.

However, exercises must be done correctly and under guidance, especially for seniors with existing health conditions. A physiotherapist at home in Mohali can design a safe, personalized exercise program based on your parent’s current strength and medical history.

Safe Balance Exercises for Seniors

These exercises should always be done near a sturdy chair or wall for support. Never attempt balance exercises alone if your parent has a history of falls.

1. Single-Leg Standing

Stand behind a chair and hold the back. Lift one foot off the floor and hold for 10 seconds. Lower it and repeat with the other foot. Do 5 repetitions on each side. As balance improves, try holding with just one hand, then fingertips, then no hands.

2. Heel-to-Toe Walking

Walk in a straight line, placing the heel of one foot directly in front of the toes of the other foot, as if walking on a tightrope. Take 10 to 15 steps. Do this near a wall for support. This exercise improves walking balance and coordination.

3. Sit-to-Stand

Sit in a sturdy chair with feet flat on the floor. Lean forward slightly and stand up without using hands if possible. Slowly sit back down. Repeat 10 times. This strengthens the thigh and hip muscles needed for getting up safely.

4. Ankle Circles

Sit in a chair and lift one foot off the floor. Slowly rotate the ankle in a circle, 10 times clockwise and 10 times counter-clockwise. Repeat with the other foot. This improves ankle flexibility, which is important for adjusting balance on uneven surfaces.

5. Backward Walking

Walk backward slowly along a hallway, using a wall for support. Take 10 to 15 steps. This strengthens muscles that are rarely used in forward walking and improves overall balance control.

6. Tai Chi-Based Movements

Tai Chi has the strongest evidence for fall prevention among all exercise types. It involves slow, controlled weight-shifting movements that improve balance, coordination, and leg strength. Even 2 to 3 sessions per week show significant benefits. Look for senior Tai Chi classes in Mohali or ask a home physiotherapist to teach basic movements.

Mobility Aids: Choosing the Right Support for Your Parent

Mobility aids provide physical support that reduces the chance of a stumble becoming a fall. The right aid depends on how much support your parent needs, their living space, and their ability to use the device correctly. Using the wrong aid can actually increase fall risk.

Common Mistakes When Using Mobility Aids

• Using a cane on the wrong side (it should be on the side opposite to the weak leg)
• Using a walker without adjusting the height correctly
• Not locking wheelchair brakes before standing up or sitting down
• Leaving the mobility aid out of reach, forcing the senior to walk without it
• Using a damaged or worn-out aid with loose parts or worn rubber tips
• Using furniture or walls as substitutes for proper mobility aids

Fracture Prevention: Nutrition and Bone Health for Seniors

Strong bones can withstand a fall without breaking. Osteoporosis, which affects nearly half of women and one in four men over 65 in India, makes bones fragile. A minor fall that would cause only a bruise in a healthy person can cause a serious fracture in someone with osteoporosis.

Fracture prevention in seniors requires two parallel approaches: making bones stronger and preventing falls. Neither approach alone is sufficient.

Key Nutrients for Bone Strength

• Calcium: Adults over 65 need 1,200 mg daily. Sources include milk, curd, paneer, ragi, green leafy vegetables, and sesame seeds. A glass of milk provides about 300 mg.
• Vitamin D: Essential for calcium absorption. Seniors need 800 to 1,000 IU daily. Sunlight exposure for 20 minutes in the morning helps. Supplements are often needed, especially in winter when sun exposure is low in Mohali.
• Protein: Adequate protein intake (1 to 1.2 grams per kg body weight) supports bone and muscle health. Include dal, paneer, eggs, chicken, and fish in daily meals.
• Vitamin K2: Helps direct calcium to bones instead of arteries. Found in fermented foods like curd and pickles.

Medical Management of Osteoporosis

A DEXA scan (bone density test) can diagnose osteoporosis before a fracture occurs. If your parent is over 65, has a family history of fractures, or has had a fracture after age 50, they should get a DEXA scan. Doctors may prescribe bisphosphonates, calcium supplements, and vitamin D supplements based on the results.

The Role of Professional Caregivers in Fall Prevention

A trained caregiver provides constant supervision, helps with mobility, ensures the environment stays safe, and responds immediately if a fall occurs. For seniors at high risk, professional caregiver support is more effective than any single home modification or exercise program alone.

Family members often try to manage fall prevention on their own. This works when someone is home all day and trained in safe transfer techniques. But in most Mohali families, adult children work full-time, and grandparents are alone for 8 to 10 hours daily. This is when most falls happen.

What a Trained Caregiver Does for Fall Prevention

• Supervises mobility: Stays close during walking, standing, and transferring between bed, chair, and bathroom
• Assists with safe transfers: Uses proper technique to help your parent get up from bed or chair without pulling or jerking
• Monitors the environment: Keeps floors dry, pathways clear, and lighting adequate throughout the day
• Manages medications on time: Ensures medicines are taken correctly, reducing dizziness and confusion from missed or double doses
• Encourages movement: Gently motivates your parent to do prescribed exercises and stay active within safe limits
• Responds to falls: Knows how to assess injury, provide first aid, and escalate to medical services when needed
• Reports changes: Notifies family about increasing unsteadiness, confusion, or new symptoms that may indicate rising fall risk
• Provides nighttime monitoring: Checks on your parent during the night and assists with bathroom visits

How AtHomeCare Recruits, Screens, and Trains Caregivers

AtHomeCare follows a structured process to ensure caregivers are capable of handling fall prevention responsibilities:

• Recruitment: Caregivers are recruited through verified channels. Background checks include identity verification, address verification, and criminal record checks.
• Screening: Each candidate undergoes a skills assessment covering mobility assistance, transfer techniques, and basic emergency response.
• Training: Selected caregivers receive training in fall risk identification, safe transfer methods (using gait belts when needed), communication with elderly patients, and hygiene protocols.
• Supervision: Nursing supervisors conduct periodic home visits to observe caregiver performance and provide feedback.
• Shift handovers: When caregivers change shifts, a structured handover process ensures that fall risk status, recent incidents, and any changes in the patient’s condition are communicated clearly.
• Quality monitoring: Families receive regular updates. Any fall incident triggers a review process to identify causes and prevent recurrence.

Serving patients across Mohali through our regional care network.

Patient Care Attendant vs Nurse for Fall Prevention

For most families in Mohali seeking fall prevention, a patient care attendant provides good daytime and nighttime supervision. A home nurse is recommended when the senior has additional medical needs like wound care, catheter management, or vital monitoring. In some cases, both work together — a nurse visits periodically while the attendant provides daily support.

Nighttime Fall Risks and Overnight Safety Measures

Nearly half of all falls among seniors happen at night, mostly during bathroom visits. Darkness, drowsiness, low blood pressure from lying down, and urgency to reach the bathroom all combine to make nighttime the most dangerous period. Overnight safety measures are non-negotiable for high-risk seniors.

Why Nighttime Falls Are More Dangerous

• No one may hear the fall, delaying help for hours
• Lying on a cold floor for hours can cause hypothermia in seniors
• Head injuries may go unnoticed without observation
• Dehydration can worsen if the senior cannot reach water
• Confusion after a fall at night may lead to further injury if they try to get up alone

Essential Nighttime Safety Measures

• Install motion-sensor night lights that turn on automatically when your parent gets out of bed
• Place a commode chair within arm’s reach of the bed
• Keep a phone or emergency bell on the nightstand
• Limit fluid intake 2 hours before bedtime to reduce bathroom trips (but do not dehydrate)
• Use bed rails to prevent rolling out of bed and to provide support when sitting up
• Ensure the path from bed to bathroom is completely obstacle-free every night before sleep
• Consider overnight care if your parent gets up multiple times at night

Technology for Nighttime Monitoring

• Bed exit alarms: A sensor pad on the bed triggers an alarm when weight is removed, alerting a family member or caregiver in another room
• Motion sensors: Placed in hallways and bathroom, these can send alerts to a family member’s phone if no movement is detected for an unusual period
• Smart wearables: Devices worn on the wrist or as a pendant that detect falls automatically and send alerts
• Video monitors: With the senior’s consent, a camera in the bedroom allows remote checking by family members

Emergency Response: What to Do When a Senior Falls

The first few minutes after a fall are critical. Moving an injured senior incorrectly can turn a hairline fracture into a complete break or worsen a spinal injury. Knowing exactly what to do — and what not to do — can prevent secondary injuries and save lives.

Step-by-Step Emergency Response

1. Do not panic and do not rush to move them. Speak calmly and ask if they can hear you.
2. Ask where it hurts. Have them point to the painful area without moving.
3. Check for obvious injuries. Look for swelling, bleeding, deformity (a limb at an odd angle), and bruising.
4. Check for head injury signs. Confusion, unequal pupils, vomiting, loss of consciousness, or clear fluid from ears or nose indicate a serious head injury. Call emergency services immediately.
5. If they say they cannot move a limb or feel numbness, do not move them. This could indicate a spinal injury. Call for an ambulance with spinal precautions.
6. If they are on blood thinners and hit their head, go to the hospital immediately even if they seem fine. Internal bleeding can develop slowly.
7. If no serious injury is suspected and they want to get up: Bring a chair close to them. Have them roll to their side, get onto hands and knees, crawl to the chair, and use the chair to pull themselves up to sitting, then standing.
8. Keep them warm with a blanket while waiting for help.
9. Do not give food or water until a doctor confirms there is no internal injury.
10. Document the fall. Note the time, location, possible cause, and symptoms. Share this information with the doctor.

Post-Fall Recovery Timeline: What to Expect

Recovery after a fall-related injury depends on the type and severity of the injury, the senior’s overall health, and the quality of rehabilitation. Hip fractures take the longest to recover from, while minor bruises may heal in days. Professional elderly rehabilitation at home significantly improves outcomes.

Decision Guide: Do You Need Professional Fall Prevention Support?

Not every senior needs a full-time caregiver. Some families can manage with home modifications and exercise alone. This decision guide helps you determine the right level of support based on your parent’s specific situation.

How AtHomeCare’s Fall Prevention Support Works in Mohali

AtHomeCare provides a structured fall prevention program that includes home assessment, equipment setup, caregiver deployment, physiotherapy, and ongoing monitoring. The process is designed to address every layer of fall risk rather than just one factor.

Step 1: In-Home Fall Risk Assessment

A trained team member visits your parent’s home in Mohali to assess fall risk. This includes evaluating the physical environment (lighting, flooring, bathroom design, furniture placement), reviewing medical history and medications, and observing the senior’s mobility, balance, and strength. The assessment takes 45 to 60 minutes and results in a written report with prioritized recommendations.

Step 2: Home Modification Implementation

Based on the assessment, AtHomeCare coordinates the installation of grab bars, anti-slip mats, night lights, raised toilet seats, and other recommended modifications. The team ensures that installations are done correctly — grab bars are anchored into walls, mats are properly placed, and lighting covers all critical areas.

Step 3: Equipment Setup and Fitting

If your parent needs a walker, cane, wheelchair, commode chair, or bed rail, AtHomeCare provides these on rent or purchase. A physiotherapist or trained attendant ensures correct fitting and teaches your parent how to use the equipment safely. Medical equipment rental is a cost-effective option for short-term needs after surgery or illness.

Step 4: Caregiver Deployment

Based on the assessed need, a patient care attendant or nurse is assigned. Caregivers are matched based on the senior’s condition, language preference, and personality compatibility. Shift schedules are arranged to cover high-risk periods, especially nighttime. For long-term assignments, accommodation support for outstation caregivers can be arranged.

Step 5: Physiotherapy and Exercise Program

A physiotherapist visits the home to design and supervise a personalized exercise program. Sessions typically start at 3 per week and reduce to 1 to 2 per week as the senior gains strength. The physiotherapist also trains the caregiver on how to assist with exercises safely.

Step 6: Ongoing Monitoring and Supervision

Nursing supervisors conduct periodic home visits to check on care quality. Caregivers submit daily reports covering mobility, any near-falls or actual falls, medication adherence, and general condition. Any incident triggers an immediate review and protocol adjustment. Families receive regular updates via phone and written reports.

Step 7: Emergency Escalation Protocol

If a fall occurs despite prevention measures, the caregiver follows a clear escalation protocol: assess the patient, provide first aid, notify the family, coordinate with the doctor on call, and arrange hospital transport if needed. AtHomeCare’s regional coordination ensures that emergency support can be mobilized quickly in Mohali.

Integrated Pharmacy and Equipment Logistics

AtHomeCare’s integrated pharmacy ensures that prescribed medicines, calcium supplements, and vitamin D are delivered to the home on time. Equipment logistics handle delivery, setup, maintenance, and pickup of rented items. This eliminates the burden on families of coordinating multiple vendors.

Winter Fall Risks Specific to Mohali

Winter in Mohali brings fog, cold temperatures, and early darkness — all of which increase fall risk. Joint stiffness from cold reduces mobility. Fog limits outdoor visibility. Shorter days mean more hours of darkness indoors. Seniors who reduce physical activity in winter lose muscle strength, further increasing their vulnerability.

• Joint stiffness: Cold weather causes muscles and joints to tighten. Ensure your parent wears warm clothing and does gentle warm-up movements before getting out of bed in the morning.
• Fog-related isolation: Heavy fog in Mohali from December to February discourages outdoor walks. Replace outdoor walks with indoor exercises to maintain strength.
• Early darkness: Sunset in winter can be as early as 5:15 PM. Ensure all indoor lights are on by 4:30 PM. Motion-sensor lights are essential in winter.
• Layered clothing: Bulky sweaters and shawls can catch on door handles and furniture. Choose fitted warm clothing or thermal wear instead of loose layers.
• Reduced fluid intake: Seniors tend to drink less water in winter, leading to dehydration and dizziness. Encourage warm fluids like soup, dal, and warm water throughout the day.
• Indoor heating hazards: Room heaters placed in walking paths can cause burns or be tripped over. Place heaters against walls, away from foot traffic.

Complete Home Safety Checklist for Fall Prevention

Use this comprehensive checklist to systematically check every aspect of your parent’s home for fall hazards. Go through each item, check it off once completed, and revisit the list every 3 months. Share this list with your parent’s caregiver so they can maintain standards daily.

Bathroom Safety

• Grab bar installed beside toilet
• Grab bar installed inside shower area
• Anti-slip mat on bathroom floor
• Anti-slip mat inside shower or tub
• Raised toilet seat installed
• Shower chair available
• Bright, even lighting installed
• Night light always on
• Door opens outward
• Essentials within easy reach

Bedroom Safety

• Bed height adjusted correctly
• Bed rails installed if needed
• Nightstand with phone and water within reach
• Motion-sensor night light on path to bathroom
• Floor completely clear of clutter
• Light switch reachable from bed
• Commode chair next to bed if needed
• Non-slip mat beside bed

Staircase Safety

• Handrails on both sides
• Step edges marked with contrasting color
• Non-slip treads on all steps
• All steps in good condition
• Stairs completely clear of objects
• Bright lighting at top and bottom
• Stair lift considered if needed

General Home Safety

• All loose rugs removed or secured
• Electrical cords taped along walls
• Furniture arranged for wide walking paths
• All rooms have adequate lighting
• Emergency numbers posted near phone
• Phone or emergency bell always within reach
• Floor transitions between rooms are level
• Pet toys and items kept off walking paths
• Shoes with non-slip soles worn indoors
• Regular medication review completed
• Annual eye check-up completed
• DEXA scan completed if over 65
• Exercise program active and being followed
• Caregiver briefed on fall prevention protocol
• Family members know emergency response steps

When to Seek Professional Help Immediately

Some situations require immediate professional intervention, not gradual prevention measures. If any of the following apply to your parent, contact AtHomeCare or a healthcare provider today rather than planning for later.

• Your parent has fallen more than once in the past 3 months
• Your parent has fallen and hit their head, even if they seem fine
• Your parent is on blood thinners and has had any fall
• Your parent has started avoiding walking due to fear of falling
• Your parent has become confused, disoriented, or is having memory problems that affect their safety
• Your parent lives alone and has limited ability to call for help
• Your parent has had a recent hospitalization and is weaker than before
• Your parent has unexplained dizziness, fainting, or blackouts
• Your parent’s medications have recently been changed
• Family members are unable to provide daily supervision due to work or distance