Fall Prevention for People with Dementia: Simple Strategies for Safety
- Amy Shaw, PA
- Oct 20
- 2 min read
Why Safety Becomes More Complicated with Dementia
Falls are one of the leading causes of injury for older adults, and fall prevention for people with dementia is especially important. Memory loss, changes in balance, poor judgment, and medications can all contribute to dangerous situations. The good news? There are practical steps you can take to reduce risk and keep your loved one safe at home and in care settings.
Why Fall Prevention for People with Dementia Matters
Falls can lead to serious injuries such as fractures or head trauma.
After a fall, many people lose confidence, which can accelerate decline.
Dementia adds extra challenges—confusion, wandering, and difficulty following instructions.
Preventing falls protects not only physical safety but also preserves dignity and independence.
"Preventing falls protects not only safety, but dignity and independence."
Common Risk Factors for Falls
Changes in mobility: Muscle weakness, poor balance, or shuffling gait.
Cognitive changes: Difficulty judging distances or forgetting to use mobility aids.
Environmental hazards: Loose rugs, cluttered walkways, poor lighting.
Medications: Side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, or low blood pressure.
Vision problems: Difficulty seeing obstacles, stairs, or uneven surfaces.
Fall Prevention Strategies
Modify the Environment
Remove throw rugs and clear clutter from walkways.
Install grab bars in bathrooms and along hallways.
Improve lighting—especially night lights in bedrooms and bathrooms.
Keep commonly used items within easy reach to avoid climbing or bending.
Support Mobility
Encourage regular, gentle exercise to maintain strength and balance.
Provide sturdy, non-slip shoes.
Make sure mobility aids (walker, cane) are the correct size and in good condition.
Avoid rushing—allow extra time for movement.
Engage physical therapy to build strength, improve balance, and reduce fall risk.
Engage occupational therapy to teach safe movement strategies and suggest home modifications.
💡 Tip: Medicare and most insurance plans often cover physical and occupational therapy when prescribed for fall prevention—ask your healthcare provider for a referral.
Review Medications
Ask your healthcare provider to check for drugs that cause dizziness, drowsiness, or low blood pressure.
Never stop or adjust medications without medical guidance.
Build a Safer Daily Routine
Establish predictable schedules to reduce confusion and wandering.
Supervise activities that may be risky, such as bathing or walking outdoors.
Break tasks into smaller steps to avoid fatigue and frustration.
✨ Practical Tip: Keep a fall log. If your loved one stumbles or nearly falls, jot down what happened. Over time, patterns will emerge—such as poor lighting in a hallway or rushing to the bathroom at night. These insights will help you target specific risks.
Protecting Dignity While Preventing Falls
Fall prevention for people with dementia requires planning, patience, and small daily adjustments. By modifying the environment, supporting safe mobility, and staying attentive to risk factors, you can greatly reduce the chance of injury. Most importantly, you are protecting your loved one’s dignity and independence—allowing them to feel competent, capable, and in control for as long as possible.
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Amy Shaw, PA
Founder, Better Dementia
