If your mom with dementia keeps falling, you’re not alone. Falls are one of the most common — and dangerous — challenges families face when caring for a parent with dementia. Beyond bruises and broken bones, repeated falls can lead to fear, loss of independence, and even hospitalization.
This guide explains why dementia increases fall risk, what families can do to improve safety, and how to reduce the chance of future accidents.
Why Dementia Increases Fall Risk
Dementia is more than memory loss — it affects the brain’s ability to process movement, coordination, and awareness. Common reasons dementia patients fall include:
- Balance and mobility problems → Changes in the brain reduce coordination.
- Disorientation → Not recognizing surroundings or forgetting where they are.
- Medication side effects → Some drugs cause dizziness or drowsiness.
- Vision problems → Dementia can distort perception of space and depth.
- Wandering → Patients may walk aimlessly, often at night, leading to falls.
- Muscle weakness → Reduced activity can weaken legs and core strength.
For caregivers, this means falls are not random accidents — they are symptoms of how dementia impacts the body.
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When to Be Concerned
A single fall may be a warning sign, but repeated falls are a serious concern. Watch for:
- New or worsening balance issues.
- Falls at night or during wandering episodes.
- Injuries that require medical care.
- Fear of walking, leading to reduced mobility.
If your mom is falling regularly, it’s time for a safety plan.
How to Reduce Fall Risk in Dementia Patients
1. Home Safety Adjustments
- Remove clutter, rugs, and cords from walkways.
- Install grab bars in bathrooms and near stairs.
- Add night lights to hallways and bedrooms.
- Ensure furniture is sturdy and placed for easy navigation.
2. Proper Footwear
- Encourage non-slip shoes with Velcro straps.
- Avoid slippers, flip-flops, or high heels.
3. Mobility Aids
- Canes, walkers, or rollators can provide stability.
- Ensure aids are properly fitted by a professional.
4. Medical Review
- Ask the doctor to review medications that may cause dizziness.
- Request a balance and mobility assessment.
- Consider physical therapy to improve strength and coordination.
5. Supervision and Support
- Never leave a high-risk patient unattended on stairs or in the bathroom.
- Consider in-home caregivers for added support.
- Use monitoring systems if falls happen at night.
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Emotional Toll on Families
Watching a parent fall repeatedly is heartbreaking. Families often feel:
- Fear every time Mom gets up.
- Guilt for not preventing accidents.
- Frustration as falls interrupt daily routines.
- Exhaustion from constant supervision.
It’s important for caregivers to remember that falls are part of the disease — not their personal failure. Seeking support can help families cope.
When to Seek Professional Help
Call a doctor if:
- Falls are happening weekly or daily.
- Your mom is losing consciousness or fainting.
- Injuries include broken bones, head trauma, or severe bruising.
- Falls are disrupting daily life or causing fear of movement.
In some cases, a medical team may recommend assisted living or memory care to ensure safety.
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Products That May Help Reduce Falls
While there’s no way to guarantee fall prevention, certain products can make a big difference:
- Non-slip shoes → Provide better grip and balance.
- Hip protectors → Padded undergarments reduce fracture risk.
- Grab bars & rails → Essential for bathrooms and stairs.
- Lift chairs → Help seniors stand up safely.
- Bed alarms or floor mats → Alert caregivers when patients try to get up at night.
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FAQs About Dementia and Falling
Why does my mom with dementia keep falling?
Dementia affects balance, coordination, and awareness, while medications and muscle weakness also contribute.
How can I stop my mom from falling?
Make the home safer, encourage supportive shoes, consider mobility aids, and ask a doctor to review medications.
Is falling common in dementia patients?
Yes. Falls are significantly more common in people with dementia than in older adults without cognitive decline.
Should my mom go into care if she keeps falling?
If falls become frequent and unsafe, professional care may be necessary for her safety.
Are there devices that help with falls?
Yes — grab bars, non-slip shoes, hip protectors, and bed alarms all reduce risk.
Causes, Risks, and Care Solutions When Your Mom Falls
If your mom with dementia keeps falling, it’s a clear sign that her care needs are changing. Dementia affects more than memory — it alters balance, mobility, and perception, making falls a frequent and dangerous reality.
Families can reduce risk through home safety improvements, proper footwear, mobility aids, and professional medical support. Most importantly, caregivers must remember they are not alone — support groups, doctors, and care facilities exist to help ensure safety while protecting the dignity of loved ones.
Falls can’t always be prevented, but with the right strategies, families can reduce risks and protect quality of life.
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