Safe Aging • Fall Prevention
Stay STEADI: Helping Older Adults Prevent Falls
Small steps can make a meaningful difference when it comes to staying safe, active, and independent as we age.
Falls are more common than you might think, more than 1 in 4 adults age 65 and older report falling each year. But falling doesn't have to be a normal part of aging. Understanding your fall risk and taking proactive steps can help support safe mobility, confidence, and independence. Curative Therapy Services uses the CDC's evidence-based STEADI framework as part of our comprehensive Safe Aging Program to help older adults address fall risks and stay active in the activities that matter most.
What Is STEADI?
STEADI stands for Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries. Developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the STEADI initiative provides healthcare professionals, older adults, and caregivers with tools and resources designed to help prevent falls.
Fall Prevention Starts With Awareness
Falls can affect an older adult's mobility, confidence, and ability to participate in everyday activities. The good news is that there are practical steps you can take to understand and reduce your risk.
The CDC's STEADI approach focuses on identifying fall risks and taking action to address them. This can include looking at medications, physical activity, vision, footwear, home safety, and other factors that may affect balance and mobility.
You don't have to wait until a fall happens to start thinking about prevention.
Three Steps for Fall Prevention
The CDC encourages older adults to focus on three important areas when working to prevent falls.
1
Talk With Your Healthcare Provider
Talk openly with your doctor or healthcare provider about falls, balance concerns, dizziness, or feeling unsteady. Ask about your individual fall risk and have your medications reviewed by your doctor or pharmacist. Regular vision checks can also help identify concerns that may affect safe mobility.
2
Keep Moving
Staying active can help support strength, balance, coordination, and mobility. Your healthcare provider or therapist can recommend activities and exercises that are appropriate for your abilities and goals.
3
Make Your Home Safer
Take a look around your home for potential fall hazards. Improving lighting, removing tripping hazards, adding handrails or grab bars where appropriate, and keeping frequently used items within easy reach can help create a safer environment.
What Can Increase Fall Risk?
Fall risk can be influenced by multiple factors. Recognizing potential concerns is an important first step toward addressing them.
Risk factors may include:
Balance & Strength
Changes in muscle strength or balance can make standing, walking, turning, or getting up from a chair more difficult.
Medications
Some medications or combinations of medications may contribute to dizziness, drowsiness, or changes in blood pressure.
Vision & Hearing
Changes in vision and hearing can make it harder to identify obstacles or safely navigate different environments.
Home Environment
Loose rugs, clutter, poor lighting, stairs, and other environmental factors can create potential hazards.
Take a Look Around Your Home
A few simple changes may help make everyday spaces safer. Consider whether your home has:
- Clear, well-lit walkways
- Secure rugs and flooring
- Handrails on stairs
- Grab bars where additional support is needed
- Frequently used items within easy reach
- Appropriate seating height
Supporting Safe Aging at Curative
At Curative Therapy Services, we believe aging safely is about more than preventing falls. It's about helping adults maintain the strength, mobility, confidence, and independence they need to continue participating in everyday life.
Our comprehensive Safe Aging Program uses the CDC's evidence-based STEADI framework to help identify fall risks and address factors that may affect safe movement and daily function.
The Goal: Keep Doing What Matters to You
Fall prevention isn't only about avoiding injuries. Maintaining strength, balance, and mobility can help you continue participating in the activities that make everyday life meaningful.
Stay Active
Continue walking, exercising, gardening, shopping, and enjoying your favorite activities.
Stay Confident
Addressing balance and mobility concerns can help you feel more comfortable moving through your day.
Stay Independent
Support safe movement and everyday function so you can continue doing the things that matter most.
When Should You Talk With a Therapist?
You don't have to wait until you've experienced a fall to talk with a healthcare professional. If you're noticing changes in your balance, strength, memory, walking, or confidence, it may be worth discussing those changes with your healthcare provider.
A physical, occupational, speech therapist can evaluate factors affecting movement and everyday function and help develop an individualized plan based on your needs and goals.
Curative Therapy Services provides personalized therapy for adults addressing balance and vestibular concerns, orthopedic conditions, post-surgical recovery, pain, and other challenges that can affect movement, independence, and memory.
Learn More About STEADI
The CDC's STEADI initiative provides resources and tools to help older adults, caregivers, and healthcare providers identify and address fall risks.
For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/steadi
This blog was produced in collaboration with the following organizations: VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Geriatric Research Education & Clinical Center (GRECC), and the Fall Prevention Center of Excellence.
Explore CDC STEADI Resources
Take the Next Step Toward Safe Aging
If you're concerned about balance, mobility, or fall risk, Curative Therapy Services can help you explore your options and work toward your personal goals for safe, active, and independent living.
Call Curative Therapy Services
This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice. Talk with your healthcare provider about your individual fall risk and prevention needs.