Why Older Adults Often Don’t Report Falls

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one in four adults aged 65 and older falls each year but less than 50% report these incidents to a healthcare provider.

This silence is a missed opportunity for early intervention and prevention. When falls go unreported, the underlying causes often remain unaddressed, putting older adults at greater risk for future, potentially more serious falls.

Why Don’t Older Adults Report Falls?

Failing to report a fall can have severe consequences. A single fall roughly doubles the risk of falling again, and repeated falls increase the chances of injury, long-term disability, and even death. There are several reasons why older adults may choose not to mention a fall to their doctor:

1. Belief that falls are a normal part of aging

Many older adults assume that falling is just something that "comes with age" and that nothing can be done to prevent it. This is a dangerous misconception. In reality, most falls are preventable with the right strategies and support.

2. Fear of losing independence

Older adults may worry that if they admit to falling, it could lead to unwanted consequences like being told to stop driving, losing their ability to live independently, or being moved to a care facility. This fear often leads to silence.

3. Lack of awareness about fall risk factors

Some older adults don't recognize the medical significance of a fall or understand what might have caused it. Risk factors like medication side effects, poor vision, balance problems, muscle weakness, and home hazards often go unnoticed or unlinked to their falls.

How Caregivers Can Help

Caregivers, whether family members or professionals, are equally important in supporting fall prevention at home and in daily routines. They are often the first to notice changes in mobility, behavior, or environment that could increase fall risk.

What caregivers can do:

• Observe and document any falls or near-misses, including details like time, location, and circumstances
  

• Reviewing and adjusting medications with a healthcare provider to reduce side effects like dizziness or drowsiness
  

• Encouraging strength and balance exercises, such as tai chi or physical therapy, to improve mobility
  

• Scheduling regular vision checks and ensuring the use of updated glasses
  

• Communicate openly with healthcare providers about any changes in the older adult’s balance, mobility, or behavior
  

• Support a safe home environment, including installing grab bars, using non-slip mats, keeping frequently used items within easy reach, and removing and hazards such as loose rugs, poor lighting, or cluttered walkways
  

• Encourage open conversations about falls and reassure the person that asking for help does not mean losing independence
  

• Use fall resources such to take preventive steps (Falls Free CheckUp, Falls Overview, Caregiver Resources)
  

By working together, healthcare providers and caregivers can create a safer environment, reduce the risk of falls, and help older adults maintain their independence and quality of life.