This blog was reviewed 16 November 2025.
A fall for an older person can be very serious. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalisations in Australia, particularly for people aged 65 and over. [1]
Even when there is no broken bones, a fall can be physically painful and emotionally distressing, especially if your parent is unable to get up or call for help.
If your mum or dad has a fall, it helps to have a clear plan in mind. Below are practical steps you can follow, plus ideas to reduce the risk of future falls and ways APERS personal alarms can support your family.
Important: This article provides general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always call Triple Zero (000) in an emergency or if you are unsure what to do.
Why every fall in an older person matters
Anyone can trip or slip, but falls have greater consequences as we age. Older adults are more likely to experience fractures, head injuries and a loss of confidence after a fall. [2]
Once someone has fallen, they are also more likely to fall again. Early assessment, good follow-up care and practical changes at home can all lower this risk.
Step 1: Call emergency services
If your parent has had a fall, start by checking for obvious danger around them, such as broken glass or a hot surface. Do not put yourself at risk.
Call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance if your parent:
- is unconscious, drowsy or confused
- has severe pain, heavy bleeding or a suspected broken bone
- has hit their head or you suspect a head injury
- cannot get up or move without significant pain
- is on blood-thinning medication and has any head knock or major bruise
If you are unsure how serious the fall is, it is safer to call 000 and let paramedics assess them. Paramedics are trained to examine the person, provide treatment and help decide whether hospital care is needed.
Avoid lifting your parent or helping them to stand if there is any chance of serious injury. Moving someone with a possible fracture or spinal injury can make things worse.
Step 2: Assess injuries without moving them
While you are waiting for an ambulance, or if your parent does not seem badly injured, gently assess what has happened.
- Ask what they remember about the fall. Did they feel dizzy, trip on something or black out?
- Without forcing any movement, look for obvious injuries such as swelling, bruises, cuts or an awkwardly positioned leg or arm.
- Ask where they feel pain. Do not ask them to stand or walk to prove they are “OK”.
If they seem confused, unusually sleepy or complain of a headache, nausea or vision changes, treat this as urgent and tell emergency services. These can be signs of a head injury, which needs prompt medical review. [2]
If your parent appears comfortable, can move their limbs and insists on trying to get up, follow a safe technique, such as rolling onto their side, moving onto hands and knees and using sturdy furniture to help them rise. Never drag or pull them up quickly.
Step 3: Provide comfort and reassurance
A fall can be frightening, especially if your parent was on the floor for a long time before help arrived.
You can support them by:
- Staying calm and speaking slowly and reassuringly
- Keeping them warm with a blanket or extra clothing
- Offering a small sip of water if they are fully awake, not nauseous and have no instructions to remain “nil by mouth”
Avoid giving food or large drinks until a doctor or paramedic has assessed them, in case tests, pain relief or surgery are needed. If in doubt, check with the ambulance call-taker first.
Emotional support is just as important as physical care. Let your mum or dad know that help is on the way and that you will stay with them.
Step 4: Arrange follow-up care after the fall
Even if your parent does not go to hospital, it is very important they see their GP or usual doctor after a fall. Healthdirect and national falls guidelines recommend medical follow-up to look for underlying causes, such as medication side effects, balance problems, low blood pressure or vision issues. [2]
Encourage your parent to:
- Book a GP appointment soon after any fall, even if they feel fine
- Mention all symptoms, including dizziness, fainting, confusion or new pain
- Take a list of medications and supplements to review with the doctor
The GP may suggest blood tests, a medication review, physiotherapy, exercise programs or referrals to other health professionals.
Keep an eye out at home for delayed symptoms over the next few days, such as increasing pain, swelling, confusion, unsteadiness or changes in behaviour. Seek urgent medical help if any of these appear.
Step 5: Make the home safer
Once your parent has fallen once, their risk of another fall goes up. The good news is that many falls are preventable with simple changes at home and targeted exercise.
Start with a home safety check:
- Clear trip hazards. Remove clutter, loose cords and small mats from walkways.
- Keep everyday items within easy reach to avoid climbing or overreaching.
- Improve lighting. Ensure hallways, bathrooms and entrances are well lit. Consider night lights for the bedroom and path to the toilet.
- Add rails and grab bars. Install handrails on stairs and grab rails in the bathroom and toilet to help with transfers and balance.
- Check flooring. Make sure carpets are secure and floors are not slippery. Clean up spills promptly.
- Support safe movement. Ensure walking aids like sticks or walkers are in good condition and adjusted to the right height.
Falls guidelines also highlight the benefits of strength and balance exercises, such as tailored physiotherapy programs or classes like tai chi, to reduce the risk of future falls. [2]
Step 6: Review medications and health conditions
Certain medicines can increase the risk of falls by causing dizziness, drowsiness or drops in blood pressure. This includes some sleeping tablets, pain medicines and treatments for anxiety or depression. [2]
Ask the GP or pharmacist to review all of your parent’s medications if they have had a fall or are feeling unsteady on their feet. Do not stop medicines suddenly without medical advice.
Regular health checks are also important. Vision changes, hearing loss, foot problems, dehydration and conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or diabetes can all contribute to falls.
How personal alarms help older Australians after a fall
One of the biggest worries for families is that Mum or Dad might fall when no one else is around. Being unable to reach a phone can turn a minor fall into a serious emergency.
Personal alarms such as monitored medical alert pendants allow your parent to press a button and immediately reach a 24/7 response team.
At APERS, our monitored devices are designed to support older Australians who want to stay independent, including:
- APERS Freedom Friend mobile personal alarm
A GPS-enabled SOS pendant that works at home and out in the community. If your parent falls at the shops or on a walk, pressing the button connects them to our response centre, which can contact you or arrange emergency help. - APERS Home Companion in-home personal alarm
A base unit with wearable pendant that provides monitored help around the home and garden. If your parent cannot reach the phone after a fall, one press of the pendant sends an alert to APERS.
Personal alarms do not replace 000 in an emergency, but they provide a fast, simple way to call for help so that your parent is not left lying on the floor, unable to move or reach a phone.
Talking with your parents about falls
It can be difficult to raise the topic of falls, especially if your parent is proud of their independence. Try to focus on safety, confidence and staying at home longer, rather than on any limitations.
Final thoughts
Every fall in an older parent deserves to be taken seriously, even if they “feel fine”. By knowing when to call 000, how to check for injuries, what to do afterwards and how to make the home safer, you can reduce the risk of serious harm and help your parents stay independent for longer.
If you would like to learn more about how the APERS Freedom Friend and Home Companion personal alarms can support your family, our team is happy to talk through the options that best suit your parents’ needs.
References:
[1] https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/injury/falls
[2] https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/falls
[3] https://www.agedcareguide.com.au/information/what-to-do-when-an-older-person-falls
For more information about our services, please call 1300 852 148 or send us a message on our website.
