What to Do After an Elderly Parent Falls: Step-by-Step

A parent's fall is frightening, and the instinct is to focus entirely on the immediate injury. But the 24 hours after a fall — and the decisions made in the following weeks — are equally important. This guide walks you through the exact sequence, from the floor to prevention.

Immediate response: the first few minutes

If they appear uninjured and can communicate clearly

1. Stay calm and get on their level. Kneel or sit next to them. Reassure them. Panic is contagious, and rushing to lift them immediately is one of the most common ways both parties get injured.
2. Ask about pain before moving anything. "Can you tell me where it hurts?" Head, neck, back, hip, and wrist are the highest-risk injury sites. If there is any pain in the head, neck, or back, do not move them — call 911.
3. If no pain, help them roll to their side. Support their head. Have them bend their top knee to support themselves. Rest here for a moment.
4. Help them push up to hands and knees. Place a sturdy chair next to them. Have them push themselves up to a kneeling position, then put both hands on the chair seat.
5. Help them move to sitting, then standing. One hand on the chair seat, one on the armrest. Take their time. Do not rush this. Once standing, have them sit immediately in the chair.
6. If they cannot get up despite trying, stop. Keep them warm, calm, and supported. Call 911. Do not attempt to drag or lift them — you will both be at risk of injury.

The next 24 hours: what to watch for

Many serious fall injuries — particularly head injuries and internal bleeding — present delayed symptoms. Do not assume that because your parent seems fine immediately after a fall that everything is okay. Monitor closely.

Symptoms that require immediate medical attention

• Increasing or severe headache — especially if they hit their head
• Confusion, slurred speech, difficulty waking, or loss of consciousness
• Vomiting more than once
• Worsening pain in the hip or groin — may indicate fracture
• Inability to bear weight on a leg that was weight-bearing before
• One pupil larger than the other
• Unusual swelling or bruising appearing in the hours after the fall
• Increased confusion compared to their normal baseline (even mild)

Medical follow-up: the questions to ask

Even if your parent didn't require emergency care, a follow-up appointment with their GP within 1–2 weeks is important. One fall doubles the risk of a second. The GP visit is where the risk factors get addressed.

What to ask the doctor

1. "Can we do a falls risk assessment?" This is covered under Medicare's Annual Wellness Visit. It evaluates gait, balance, vision, medication side effects, and other modifiable risk factors.
2. "Are any of their medications contributing?" Blood pressure medications, sedatives, sleeping pills, and some antidepressants all increase fall risk. A medication review (also called a brown bag review) can identify combinations that affect balance or cause dizziness on standing.
3. "Should we check bone density?" A DEXA scan can identify osteoporosis, which determines how serious a future fall could be. Many adults who sustain a fracture from a relatively minor fall are discovered to have undiagnosed osteoporosis.
4. "Can you refer us to an occupational therapist?" A home safety assessment from an OT will identify the specific hazards in your parent's home. This is covered by Medicare Part B after a physician referral.
5. "Should we refer for physical therapy?" Balance and strength training through PT has strong clinical evidence for reducing fall recurrence. This is also a Medicare-covered benefit after a referral.

Preventing the next fall: the highest-priority changes

The home modifications with the strongest clinical evidence for preventing falls are surprisingly affordable. Most can be done in a single weekend.

Priority 1: Bathroom (highest risk room)

• Grab bar beside the toilet — installed into wall studs, not just drywall ($50–$120 installed)
• Grab bar inside the shower — horizontal for balance, vertical for entry/exit ($50–$120)
• Non-slip strips on the shower or tub floor ($15–$30)
• Shower seat or fold-down bench — removes the need to stand throughout a shower ($80–$300)
• Handheld showerhead on a slide bar — allows seated bathing ($40–$150)

See our full bathroom safety guide for product recommendations and installation guidance.

Priority 2: Throughout the home

• Remove all loose rugs — or secure with non-slip underlay and double-sided tape
• Improve stair lighting — motion-sensor LED strips on stair edges ($30–$80)
• Non-slip strips on all stair edges
• Night lights in hallways between bedroom and bathroom
• Clear all walkways — move furniture if needed
• Extension cords and phone chargers moved out of walkways

Priority 3: If stairs are a concern

If your parent is struggling with stairs, a stairlift can eliminate stair-related fall risk entirely. Straight stairlifts start at around $2,000–$5,000 installed. Grant programs are available through state Area Agencies on Aging, USDA, and the VA — see our full grants guide.

When to bring in professional help

Frequently asked questions

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