Fall Prevention Services

First: talk with your doctor about falls and about improving management of any medical conditions including reviewing medication types and amounts with your physician. Take your medications and follow medication dosages closely. Using medication incorrectly may lead to dizziness, so be especially aware of medication changes and talk with your doctor about symptoms. Most importantly, don’t stop medications without consulting your doctor!

Second: Be sure your home is as safe as possible by changing adverse environmental factors.

Take some practical steps such as:

• Wear shoes with nonskid soles (not house slippers or sandals).
• Be sure your home is well lit in the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and stairways so that you can see things you might trip over and use night lights in your bedroom, bathroom, hallways and stairways.
• Remove throw rugs and tack down loose carpet edges.
• Keep your floor clear, and remove electrical cords across pathways.
• Install grab bars in your bathtub, shower and toilet area.
• Install handrails on both sides of stairways.
• Don’t climb on stools and stepladders. Get someone else to help with jobs that call for climbing, such as a caregiver.
• Keep your floor clean of liquids and don’t wax your floors.

Third: Think about home care, especially if you have fallen before and have trouble getting out of bed or up from a chair. You may want to consider an in-home caregiver to help with transfers, climbing and walking (the cost of a caregiver is typically 1/3 the cost of a nursing home.) Or you may want to talk with a Physical Therapist about starting a strengthening program and home safety screen. All of Assisting Hands’ home aides are specially trained in fall prevention through the Fall Prevention Centers of America.

Illnesses, medications and environmental factors can all affect strength and balance contributing to a fall. The best predictor of a future fall is a history of falls. Talk with your doctor, begin exercising with professional guidance and consider hiring a caregiver from Assisting Hands to help with risky tasks.

What Causes Falls at Home?

Most falls happen due to a mix of health changes, medication effects, and environmental hazards.

Common fall triggers include:

• Weakness, unsteady walking, or balance problems

• Dizziness or fatigue from illness or dehydration

• Medication side effects (sleepiness, lightheadedness, blood pressure drops)

• Poor vision or depth perception changes

• Cluttered walkways, loose rugs, cords, or uneven flooring

• Poor lighting, especially at night

• Bathroom slip hazards and rushed trips to the toilet

Early Warning Signs a Senior May Be at Risk of Falling

Many falls are preceded by small changes in movement or behavior.

Watch for:

• Holding onto furniture while walking

• Shuffling feet or dragging toes

• Difficulty standing up from a chair

• Trouble navigating stairs

• Increased fatigue or dizziness

• New fear of walking or leaving the house

• Recent “near falls,” stumbles, or trips

If these signs are showing up, early support can prevent a serious accident.

How Assisting Hands Helps Prevent In-Home Falls

We prevent falls by supporting safe movement, reducing everyday hazards, and providing supervision during high-risk activities.

Our caregivers provide hands-on help that makes the home safer and daily routines more manageable, including:

Safe Mobility Support

We assist with walking, steadying, and transfers to reduce missteps and loss of balance. Our mobility assistance for seniors includes help moving from bed to chair, chair to standing, and safe navigation throughout the home to lower fall risk.

Bathroom and Personal Care Safety

Bathing and toileting are among the most common times falls occur. Our caregivers provide hands-on help with personal care and bathing assistance, reducing slips, rushed movement, and unsafe transfers in the bathroom.

Medication Reminders and Routine Support

Missed or incorrect medications can cause dizziness, weakness, or confusion. We provide medication reminders for seniors at home and monitor for changes that may affect balance or stability.

Nutrition and Hydration Support

Poor nutrition and dehydration can increase fatigue and lightheadedness. Our caregivers assist with meal preparation and hydration support, helping seniors maintain strength and energy throughout the day.

Light Housekeeping to Reduce Hazards

Cluttered walkways and loose items are a major fall risk. We provide light housekeeping for seniors, helping keep floors clear, pathways safe, and common trip hazards under control.

Companionship and Supervision

For seniors who live alone, having someone present can significantly reduce fall risk. Our companion care and safety supervision provides reassurance, monitoring, and support during daily activities—especially when balance is changing.

After Illness or Surgery: Why Fall Risk Goes Up

Many older adults are more likely to fall in the weeks after a hospitalization, illness, or surgery—often due to weakness, new medications, or reduced stamina.

Post-hospital fall prevention helps seniors transition home safely and rebuild strength with fewer setbacks.

We often support seniors after:

• Hip or knee replacement

• Back surgery

• Stroke recovery

• Cardiac procedures

• Pneumonia, flu, or infection recovery

• Rehab-to-home transitions

Ready for Help at Home? Let’s Make This Easier.

Dementia, mobility changes, medication routines, and recovery can make fall risk feel scary—but you don’t have to solve it alone. We’re here to help your loved one stay safe while protecting their independence.

Call (803) 859-5854 to schedule a free consultation in Fort Mill, Indian Land, Tega Cay, Rock Hill, and nearby areas, and we’ll talk through what’s going on and what kind of support would help most.

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