---
url: 'https://stagehia.healthinaging.org/tools-and-tips/what-ask-falls-prevention-0'
title: 'What to Ask: Falls Prevention'
author:
  name: 'lauren kopchik'
  url: 'https://stagehia.healthinaging.org/user/97'
date: '2018-10-15T15:20:53+00:00'
updated: '2018-10-23T14:21:58+00:00'
type: resource
summary: 'Falls threaten the independence of older adults. Each year, up to a third of older adults living in the community suffers a fall, and almost two thirds among older adults who have a history of a fall in the past year fall again. Here are questions you can ask your healthcare provider about falls prevention.'
published: true
---
##  [What to Ask: Falls Prevention](/tools-and-tips/what-ask-falls-prevention-0)

A fall is one of the most common events that threaten the independence of older adults. Each year, up to a third of older adults living in the community suffers a fall. This number increases to almost two thirds among older adults who have a history of a fall in the past year. About half of all people in nursing homes fall each year.

****Click on each of the topics below to display questions you can ask your healthcare provider about falls.****

##    Questions about Falls Prevention

1. Someone I know fell recently. Is that a sign of aging?
2. What causes a fall?
3. What should I do after a fall?
4. How could I prevent falling again?
5. Are there exercises that help prevent falling?
6. Are there things I can do to prevent hurting myself if I do fall?
7. Is there a test that the doctor can order for me to see if I am likely to fall?
8. What medical conditions can increase my risk of falling?
9. Will limiting my activities prevent me from falling?
10. Should I limit my activities because of the fall?
11. I heard that if I fall, I would end up in a nursing home. Is that true? And how can I prevent it?

##    Questions about Walking and Balance

Problems with walking increase with age and are commonly associated with falls and disability in older adults. At least 20% of older adults living in the community have problems with walking. This increases to approximately 50% in adults 85 years old and older. Most of these problems are associated with underlying diseases, especially severe diseases.

**Here are questions you can ask your healthcare provider about walking and balance:**

1. As I get older, what kinds of changes should I expect in my walking?
2. Is it normal for my walking speed to slow down?
3. Are there tests to check my steadiness and walking?
4. When should I ask my doctor to do a test for my walking problems?
5. The doctor ordered a walker for me. Do I really need to use it?
6. I have arthritis pain in my back and knee. Should I limit my activities?
7. Will therapy help with my walking problems?
8. Will therapy help my balance problem?