---
title: "What Is Fall risk? Home Care Glossary | HomeCare.com"
description: "Fall risk is the chance that a person will fall and be hurt. Weak legs, poor balance, some medicines, vision problems, and hazards at home raise it. About..."
url: https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/fall-risk/
publisher: HomeCare.com
phone: 800-974-3458
start: https://care.homecare.com/?source=homecare.com
---

Daily living and health

# Fall risk

Fall risk is the chance that a person will fall and be hurt. Weak legs, poor balance, some medicines, vision problems, and hazards at home raise it. About one in four adults age 65 and older falls each year, according to the CDC. Many falls can be prevented.

## Why it matters for your family

Falls are a leading cause of injury in older adults, and a prior fall roughly doubles the chance of another. Many people do not tell their doctor. Families can lower risk. Ask a doctor to review medicines and balance, add grab bars and lighting, remove loose rugs, and encourage strength and balance exercise. A common mistake is waiting for a fall before acting. A home safety assessment can spot hazards early. Caregivers can stay close during bathing and walking, and report near falls. HomeCare.com advanced companion care includes fall-risk and wandering safety.

Source: [cdc.gov](https://www.cdc.gov/falls/data-research/facts-stats/index.html)

[Read more: Warning Signs Your Parents Need Help at Home](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/family-resources/warning-signs-for-homecare/)

## Related terms

-   [**Fall prevention**Fall prevention is the set of steps that lower the chance an older adult will fall.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/fall-prevention/)
-   [**Home safety assessment**A home safety assessment is a room-by-room check of a home for hazards that could cause falls or injuries.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/home-safety-assessment/)
-   [**Grab bars**Grab bars are sturdy handles fixed to a wall, usually in a bathroom, that give a person something solid to hold when standing, sitting or stepping.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/grab-bars/)
-   [**Ambulation**Ambulation means walking from place to place, with or without a cane, walker, or help from another person.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/ambulation/)
-   [**Medical alert system**A medical alert system is a device, often a wearable button, that lets a person call for help in an emergency.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/medical-alert-system/)
-   [**Home modifications**Home modifications are changes to a house that make it safer and easier to use for an older adult or a person with a disability.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/home-modifications/)

[All glossary terms](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/)

## Talk to a care advisor today.

Free consultation. No minimums, no contracts.

[800-974-3458](tel:+18009743458)

[Call a care advisor](tel:+18009743458)[Find a caregiver online](https://care.homecare.com/?source=homecare.com)

![A caregiver bringing a meal to an older man at home](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/_astro/caregiver.CIGFcZAB_PlrDw.webp)