Your Elderly Parent Fell. What Do You Do Now?

By the care managers at Connections Care Management · Updated November 2026

What should I do right after a fall?

If you are there when it happens, stay calm and do not rush to pull your parent up.

1. Check for injury. Ask where it hurts. Look for bleeding, a bump on the head, or a leg that looks shortened or turned out (a possible hip fracture).
2. Call 911 if they hit their head, especially if they take a blood thinner; cannot get up; have severe pain; cannot move a limb; seem confused, drowsy or different from usual; or have chest pain, shortness of breath or new weakness on one side.
3. If they seem unhurt, let them rest a moment. Then help them roll onto their side, get onto hands and knees, and use a sturdy chair to rise slowly. Do not lift them by the arms.
4. Keep them warm and comfortable if you are waiting for help.
5. Write down what happened: time, what they were doing, what they said, any symptoms before or after.

What if I find out about the fall later?

Many falls happen when no one is around. Your parent may mention it days later, or you may notice a bruise. Ask gently:

• "How did it happen? Were you dizzy before, or did you trip?"
• "Did you hit your head?"
• "How long were you on the floor?"
• "Has this happened before?"

Lying on the floor for a long time can cause its own problems, including dehydration and muscle damage. If your parent was down for an hour or more, call their doctor that day.

Should my parent see a doctor even if they seem fine?

Yes. A fall is often a symptom, not just an accident. Common hidden causes include:

• Urinary tract infections or other infections.
• New or changed medications, especially for blood pressure, sleep, mood, pain or bladder control.
• Blood pressure dropping when standing up.
• Dehydration.
• Heart rhythm problems.
• Vision changes.
• Weak leg muscles or balance problems.
• Foot pain or poor footwear.
• Memory changes affecting judgment.
• Alcohol.

What should I ask the doctor after a fall?

• "Could any of my parent's medications be causing dizziness or unsteadiness? Can any be reduced or stopped?"
• "Should we check blood pressure lying down and standing up?"
• "Should we test for an infection?"
• "Would physical therapy help with strength and balance?"
• "Should my parent use a cane or walker? Who will fit it properly?"
• "Is a home safety evaluation by an occupational therapist a good idea?"
• "Should we check bone density?"
• "When should we see a vision doctor?"

Bring a complete medication list, including over the counter pills and supplements. If you cannot attend the appointment, ask someone to go with your parent and take notes.

What if my parent was hospitalized after the fall?

A hospital stay after a fall often leads to a stay in rehab, then a return home. This is a vulnerable time. Before discharge, make sure you know:

• Whether your parent is safe to be alone, and for how long.
• What equipment is needed at home and who is ordering it.
• What follow-up appointments are scheduled.
• What medications changed, and why.
• Whether home health therapy has been ordered.

Our hospital discharge checklist walks through each step.

How do I make the home safer after a fall?

Walk through the house with fresh eyes, starting with the room where the fall happened.

Floors and walkways

• Remove throw rugs, or secure them firmly.
• Clear cords, clutter and piles of papers from walkways.
• Rearrange furniture so there is a clear path.

Lighting

• Add night lights from bedroom to bathroom.
• Make sure light switches are reachable at the top and bottom of stairs.
• Replace dim bulbs with brighter ones.

Bathroom

• Install grab bars by the toilet and in the shower. Towel racks are not grab bars.
• Use a non-slip mat, a shower chair and a handheld shower head.
• Consider a raised toilet seat.

Stairs

• Railings on both sides, firmly attached.
• Contrasting tape on step edges if vision is an issue.
• Consider moving the bedroom to the first floor.

Daily habits

• Sturdy, closed-back shoes with non-slip soles, even inside.
• Sit on the edge of the bed for a moment before standing.
• Keep frequently used items within easy reach.
• Drink enough water during the day.

For a full room-by-room list, see our aging in place home safety checklist.

How do I talk to my parent about the fall?

Many older adults hide falls because they are afraid of what their children will do. If every fall leads to a lecture about moving, your parent will stop telling you. Try to keep the tone calm and practical.

• "I'm glad you told me. Let's figure out what happened so it doesn't happen again."
• "I'm not trying to take anything away from you. I want you to be able to stay here."
• "Would you be willing to see the doctor this week, just to rule out an infection?"
• "What do you think would help? Would a railing by the steps make it easier?"

Fear of falling is real, too. After a fall, some people start moving less, which weakens muscles and makes the next fall more likely. Physical therapy and gentle encouragement help break that cycle.

What should a fall plan include?

Write down a simple plan and keep it by the phone or on the refrigerator:

• Who to call first, and their numbers.
• How your parent will call for help if they cannot get up (phone within reach, medical alert device, smart speaker).
• Where a spare key is, or whether there is a lockbox for emergency responders.
• The medication list, allergies and doctors.
• Copies of the health care proxy and any POLST form. See advance directives and POLST in NJ.
• Which hospital your parent prefers.

Should my parent have a medical alert device?

For someone who lives alone or is alone for long stretches, a medical alert device can be very helpful. Some options detect falls automatically. The device only helps if your parent wears it, including in the bathroom and at night, so choose one they find comfortable. Talk about it as a way to stay independent: "If you wear this, I won't need to call you five times a day."

What if my parent keeps falling?

Repeated falls are a signal that something bigger needs to change. It may be time for:

• A thorough medical and medication review.
• Physical therapy focused on strength and balance.
• Help at home during the riskiest times of day, often early morning, evening and nighttime bathroom trips.
• A conversation about whether living alone is still safe.

That conversation can be hard. Our guide on what to do when a parent refuses help can help.

How does Connections Care Management help after a fall?

We help families figure out why the fall happened and what to do so it does not happen again.

• Our care assessment looks at health, medications, home safety and daily routines in one visit.
• Through medical advocacy, we go to doctor appointments, raise the right questions about medications and therapy, and make sure follow-up happens.
• If your parent is in the hospital or rehab, our hospital discharge planning helps make the return home safe.
• We can arrange and oversee in-home help, safety equipment and home modifications from trusted providers.

We serve northern New Jersey and Rockland County, NY. Contact us for a free first conversation.