Each year, 3 million older adults visit emergency rooms because of falls. One in five falls causes serious injuries like broken hips or head trauma. Beyond physical harm, falls often trigger a loss of independence, reduced activity, and increased fear, all of which can spiral into isolation and emotional distress. The good news: most falls are preventable. With the right mobility support and home safety strategies, your loved one can stay active and independent while minimizing fall risk.
Understanding Mobility Support: More Than Just Physical Help
The Hidden Impact of Fall Fear
Supporting an older adult’s mobility means helping them safely perform everyday tasks like getting dressed, cooking meals, and moving around their home to improve strength, power, endurance, and balance. Mobility support can range from simple supervision to hands-on assistance, depending on your loved one’s needs.
Many seniors become so afraid of falling that they move less. This creates a dangerous cycle:
- Less movement = weaker muscles and worse balance
- Weaker balance = higher fall risk
- Higher fall risk = more fear
- More fear = even less movement
“Fear of falling impacts community participation and keeps people from activities they enjoy,” says Michael Wasserman, MD, a geriatrician and member of TheKey’s Scientific Advisory Board. This isolation can lead to loneliness and depression.
5 Simple Ways to Improve Mobility and Prevent Falls
1. Promote Daily Activities That Build Balance and Strength
Getting your loved one involved in routine activities builds both strength and confidence. Try these ideas:
- Cooking together: Have them help prepare meals or set the table
- Garden walks: Take short walks outside to enjoy fresh air
- Surface variety: Throughout the day, have them sit and stand on different surfaces (carpet, hardwood, firm chairs, soft cushions). Changing surfaces gives our bodies new sensory information and activates different muscles for better balance.
Research published in Aging Clinical and Experimental Research shows that just one weekly session of balance and strength training can prevent age-related mobility decline.
2. Enroll in Structured Exercise Programs
Professional options:
- Physical therapy: Essential if your loved one has fallen before or has balance issues. Find licensed therapists through the American Physical Therapy Association
- Community classes: Many community centers offer free or low-cost senior fitness programs
- Online options: Platforms like SilverSneakers provide accessible exercise videos
Tai chi is particularly effective for improving balance and reducing fall fear, according to multiple studies.
3. Give the Right Level of Physical Support
The most common mistake is providing too much help. The goal is enough support for safety without weakening their muscles through underuse.
What to do:
- Let them guide you on what they need
- Ask before helping: “Would you like support standing up?”
- Provide an arm for stability rather than pulling or lifting
- Allow them to maintain control of their movements
4. Encourage Assistive Devices When Appropriate
The right assistive device can dramatically improve safety:
- Canes: Good for slight strength imbalances or joint issues on one side
- Walkers: Better for significant weakness on both sides or coordination problems
- Grab bars: Essential for bathrooms and hallways
- Shower chairs and raised toilet seats: Reduce fall risk during personal care
Important: Consult a physical therapist to determine the best device and ensure proper fitting. Medicare Part B may cover medically necessary equipment when prescribed by a physician.
5. Conduct a Home Safety Evaluation
Six out of 10 falls happen at home. A thorough safety evaluation can prevent most of these accidents.
Key safety improvements:
- Remove tripping hazards like area rugs and clutter
- Add lighting in bathrooms, bedrooms, hallways, and stairways
- Install handrails and grab bars
- Create clear, uncluttered pathways throughout the home
Use our home safety checklist or this dementia-specific safety guide from the Alzheimer’s Association.
Getting Professional Help
If you’re concerned about your loved one’s mobility or fall risk, consider professional home care services. Trained caregivers can provide mobility support while encouraging independence and confidence.
TheKey’s caregivers receive specialized training in fall prevention and mobility support, helping seniors stay safe while maintaining their dignity and independence at home.
Falls are preventable with the right approach. Start with one or two of these strategies and gradually build a comprehensive fall prevention plan. Your loved one’s safety, confidence, and independence are worth the effort.
Take Action Today
Need help getting started? Contact TheKey for a free care consultation to discuss mobility support options for your loved one.