Overview

Falls are not a normal part of aging, but they are very common and can have serious consequences. In North Carolina, unintentional falls are the leading cause of injury for adults 65 and older and a major reason for emergency department visits and hospital stays.

Among older adults in our state, falls caused 1,727 deaths, more than 21,000 hospitalizations, and over 138,000 emergency department visits in 2023 alone, with the average fall-related hospitalization costing nearly $71,000. Statewide data also show that falls are the number one cause of injury death for North Carolinians 65 and older, and fall death rates have increased over time as our population ages.

The good news is that most falls can be prevented. Simple changes at home, regular activity to build strength and balance, and routine health checks can all lower the risk. Fall prevention helps older adults stay independent, confident, and engaged in the activities that matter most to them.

Key Prevention Strategies

Stay Active and Build Strength & Balance

  • Aim for activities that improve leg strength, balance, and flexibility, such as walking, tai chi, strength training, or structured exercise classes designed for older adults.
  • Even small amounts of movement help. Try to move every day and talk with your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise routine if you have health concerns.
  • Ask your doctor if a referral to physical therapy or a community balance class would be helpful.

Make Your Home Safer

Many falls happen at home. A quick home “safety check” can make a big difference:

  • Remove clutter and clear walkways, especially in hallways and near stairs.
  • Secure or remove throw rugs and cords that can be tripping hazards.
  • Use night-lights in bedrooms, hallways, and bathrooms.
  • Install grab bars in the bathroom and handrails on both sides of stairways.
  • Keep frequently used items at waist height so you are not climbing or overreaching.

Check Vision, Hearing, and Footwear

  • Have your vision and hearing checked at least once a year, and update glasses or hearing aids as needed. Poor vision and hearing make it harder to notice hazards and stay balanced.
  • Choose well-fitting shoes with low heels and non-slip soles. Avoid loose slippers, flip-flops, or walking in socks only.
  • Be cautious with bifocal or progressive lenses on stairs, since they can affect depth perception.

Review Medications and Health Conditions

  • Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist to review all of your medications at least once a year, including over-the-counter medicines and supplements. Some drugs can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or drops in blood pressure that increase fall risk.
  • Manage long-term conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, or Parkinson’s disease with regular follow-up. These conditions can affect balance, strength, and sensation.
  • If you feel lightheaded, unsteady, or have had a recent fall, let your provider know right away.

Talk About Falls & Make a Plan

  • Tell your healthcare provider about any fall, even if you were not seriously hurt. A quick assessment can uncover treatable causes and prevent future falls.
  • Share your concerns with family and caregivers so they can help with home changes, transportation to classes, or reminders about medications and appointments.
  • Consider a medical alert device or routine check-in plan if you live alone.

Special Considerations

Older Adults

  • One in four older adults in the United States reports a fall each year.
  • Many people who fall become afraid of falling again. This fear can lead to staying home more, moving less, and losing strength, which actually increases fall risk. Programs that combine education, strength and balance exercises, and confidence-building have been shown to help.

Caregivers and Family Members

Caregivers play a key role in fall prevention by:

  • Encouraging regular activity and exercise.
  • Helping identify home hazards and working together to fix them.
  • Watching for changes in walking, balance, or memory and sharing concerns with healthcare providers.

Community Programs: A Matter of Balance & Bingocize

Cape Fear Valley Trauma Services partners with the Mid-Carolina Regional Council Area Agency on Aging to bring evidence-based fall prevention programs to older adults in our region.

  • A Matter of Balance is an award-winning program designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels among older adults. Participants learn practical strategies to view falls as controllable, set goals for increasing activity, make changes to reduce fall risks at home, and build confidence moving around their community.
  • Bingocize® combines the familiar game of bingo with gentle exercise and fall prevention education in a fun, social setting. Workshops typically meet twice a week and include simple movements, balance activities, and questions that reinforce key safety messages.

These programs are designed to be welcoming, interactive, and appropriate for a wide range of ability levels. They focus on helping older adults stay strong, independent, and connected.

For information about upcoming Matter of Balance and Bingocize classes offered through Cape Fear Valley Trauma Services and Mid-Carolina Regional Council, please reach out using the contact information below.

Helpful Resources

You and your family can learn more about fall prevention from these trusted organizations:

  1. UNC Center for Aging and Health – “Preventing Older Adult Falls by Raising Awareness” (North Carolina-specific data and prevention tips).
  2. NC Division of Public Health, Injury and Violence Prevention Branch – Falls Injury Data (InjuryFreeNC), with statistics and trends on falls in North Carolina.
  3. National Council on Aging (NCOA) – “6 Steps to Help Prevent Falls in Older Adults”, an easy-to-follow guide for staying active, reviewing medications, and making the home safer.
  4. Healthy Aging NC / A Matter of Balance – information about this evidence-based program and where it is offered across the state.
  5. NCOA & Bingocize® – details about Bingocize workshops that combine bingo, exercise, and fall prevention education.

Contact

For more information about fall prevention, upcoming classes, or community partnerships, contact:

Mark Gooden, Paramedic
Injury Prevention & Community Outreach Coordinator
Cape Fear Valley Trauma Services

Email: mgood2@capefearvalley.com 
 Phone: (910) 615-4765

We are here to help you and your family stay safe, steady, and independent.