How Home Care Can Help Reduce the Risk of Falls for a Loved One

Sophie Hare
3 days ago
3 min read

If you’ve ever had that phone call, the one where Mum or Dad has had a fall, you’ll know how quickly worry sets in. Even a small stumble can shake confidence and change everything. Suddenly, the home that once felt safe becomes a place full of “what ifs.”

The truth is, falls are incredibly common among older adults. In the UK, about one in three people over 65, and nearly half over 80, will have at least one fall each year. That’s not just a statistic; it’s countless families, just like yours, navigating hospital visits, recovery time, and big decisions about care.

But here’s something hopeful: home care can help.

A Familiar Face and a Watchful Eye

When a care professional visits regularly, it’s not just about practical help with meals or medication. They get to know your loved one, how they move, what they’re comfortable with, where they tend to wobble, literally and figuratively. They spot the trip hazards most of us overlook like that worn-out rug, the awkwardly placed coffee table, or even poor lighting in the hallway.

These small things matter. Research shows that home adaptations and careful attention to the environment can reduce fall-related injuries by up to 26 percent. It’s the kind of prevention that doesn’t feel like a big deal until it turns out to be.

Personalised Support, Not Just a Checklist

Every person is different, and a good home care plan reflects that. Carers can help with simple strength and balance exercises, offer encouragement to stay active, and gently keep an eye on how someone’s really doing, physically and emotionally.

The NHS and NICE, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, both recommend multifactorial approaches to fall prevention. That might include a combination of

Medication reviews
Mobility support
Home safety checks
Help with nutrition and hydration
Gentle physical activity

Home care professionals are often the ones putting this into action day to day in a way that feels natural, not clinical.

Confidence: The Hidden Factor

One of the most overlooked consequences of a fall is fear. Many older people stop doing the things they enjoy because they’re afraid of falling again. Unfortunately, that often leads to less movement, reduced strength, and even higher fall risk.

Having a regular visitor, someone warm, supportive, and tuned into their needs, can rebuild confidence. It’s not just safer, it feels safer. And that makes all the difference.

A Smarter Kind of Prevention

Beyond the personal benefits, there’s also a bigger picture. Falls among people over 65 cost the NHS over £2.3 billion a year in hospital admissions. But small, consistent interventions like home care visits can reduce fall-related admissions by up to 3 percent per quarter. That’s huge, not just for the health system, but for the people who stay out of hospital because of it.

It's About More Than Just Safety

If you’re supporting a loved one at home, especially someone who's had a fall or is at risk, know this. Sussex Grange Home care can be one of the most effective and human ways to help them stay safe, independent, and confident in the place they know best.

Because it’s not just about preventing falls. It’s about helping someone you love feel supported, seen, and steady on their feet every single day.

Want to find out how we can help? Book a complimentary home care assessment today and let’s explore the right support for your loved one.

Book your free home assessment here