Falls in Older Adults: Statistics, Risks, and What to Do After a Fall

Every year, millions of families experience a moment they did not expect: a loved one has fallen at home. Understanding the risks, knowing what to do next, and having the right support in place can make all the difference.

It can happen in seconds. A slip in the bathroom. A missed step. Losing balance while standing up.

For many families, the biggest concern is not just the fall itself — it is what happens next. Learning how common falls are, why they are so serious, and how to respond safely can help you feel more prepared and more confident.

How Common Are Falls in Older Adults?

Falls are far more common than many people realise.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four adults aged 65 and older falls every year. That adds up to more than 14 million older Americans annually.

For adults over 80, the likelihood increases even further, making falls one of the most common health risks facing older adults living at home.

Why Falls in Older Adults Are So Serious

Falls are not just minor accidents. They are a leading cause of serious injury and hospitalisation among older adults.

• Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death among older adults.
• More than 43,000 older Americans die each year as a result of falls.
• Nearly 20% of falls result in a serious injury, such as a fracture or head trauma.
• Falls are also the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries in older adults.

Emergency Room Visits and Hospitalisations from Falls

The non-fatal impact of falls is just as concerning.

• More than 3.8 million emergency department visits each year are linked to falls.
• Around 319,000 hospitalisations annually are for hip fractures, most caused by falls.

For many older adults, a single fall can lead to a long recovery, reduced confidence, and loss of independence.

Why Are Falls Increasing Among Older Adults?

Several factors are contributing to the rise in falls:

• An aging population
• Medication side effects that affect balance or cause dizziness
• Homes that are not designed for aging in place
• Reduced strength and balance due to inactivity
• Under-reporting, with many falls never mentioned to a doctor

What Happens After a Fall at Home?

Not every fall results in a hospital visit. In many cases, an older adult may avoid a major injury but still be unable to get up independently.

This situation is sometimes called a long lie,  when a person remains on the floor for an extended period because they cannot get up without help.

Even spending 30 to 60 minutes on the floor can increase the risk of dehydration, muscle breakdown, pressure injuries, and further health complications.

Why Manual Lifting Can Be Dangerous

When someone falls, the natural instinct is to help them up by hand. But manual lifting can be risky for both the person on the floor and the caregiver trying to help.

• It increases the chance of back injury for caregivers.
• It can cause further pain or injury for the person who has fallen.
• It is difficult to do safely without training, strength, and the right technique.

How to Help Someone Up After a Fall Safely

If there are signs of serious injury, such as severe pain, head impact, confusion, or inability to move a limb, call emergency services immediately and do not try to move the person.

If there are no signs of serious injury, the safest approach is a controlled recovery method that does not rely on manual lifting. This is where specialist fall recovery equipment can help.

A Safer Approach: Lifting Cushions for Fall Recovery

Lifting cushions are designed to help raise a person from the floor safely and gradually, without the strain of manual lifting.

These systems can help:

• Lift a person in a slow, controlled way
• Reduce injury risk for caregivers
• Improve comfort and dignity after a fall
• Make recovery easier in home and care settings

How Mangar Health Airflo Systems Work

Mangar Health, now part of Winncare, has been a global leader in air-powered lifting solutions since 1981.

Their Airflo systems use a portable compressor to inflate specialist cushions, helping raise a person from the floor in a gentle, step-by-step way. This creates a safer and more manageable recovery process for both users and caregivers.

Popular options include:

• Mangar Elk – compact and portable for home use
• Mangar Camel – stable support during lifting
• Mangar Eagle – additional seated support
• Mangar Rhino – bariatric lifting support up to 1,100 lbs

Who Can Benefit from Fall Recovery Equipment?

Fall recovery equipment may be particularly helpful for:

• Older adults living independently
• Family caregivers supporting loved ones at home
• People with reduced mobility or poor balance
• Care settings looking to reduce manual handling risks

Practical Tips to Reduce Fall Risk at Home

While no solution can remove every risk, a few practical changes can help make daily life safer:

• Improve lighting throughout the home
• Keep pathways clear of clutter and loose rugs
• Add bathroom safety aids where needed
• Use mobility and support equipment suited to the person’s needs
• Encourage regular movement and strength-building where possible

The Bottom Line

Falls in older adults are more common than many families expect, and their impact can be serious. But being prepared can make a difficult situation safer and less overwhelming.

Knowing what to do after a fall, and having the right support in place, can help protect dignity, reduce caregiver strain, and improve confidence at home.

Sources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2024 – Older Adult Falls Data
• National Council on Aging (NCOA), 2024 – Falls Prevention Statistics
• National Safety Council, 2024 – Injury Facts