Albany Senior AdvisorWhat should we do right after a parent falls?
Get a medical evaluation even if there is no obvious injury, because falls can cause fractures, head injuries and bleeding that show up later, and ask the doctor to look for the cause, such as medications, blood pressure or vision.
A fall is often a symptom of something else. Finding the cause prevents the next one.
Does Medicare pay for anything after a fall?
Medicare can pay for physical therapy at home or as an outpatient, and for home health visits if your parent is homebound and needs skilled care, and for a rehab stay after a qualifying hospital admission.
Ask the doctor for a physical therapy referral focused on strength and balance.
How do we make the house safer?
Remove loose rugs and clutter, add grab bars and railings, improve lighting on stairs and at night, keep frequently used items within reach, and clear ice and snow promptly in winter.
Capital Region winters make the front steps and driveway the most dangerous places. Arrange snow and ice removal before the first storm.
When does a fall mean it's time for assisted living?
Repeated falls, a fall where your parent could not get up or call for help, or a fall tied to confusion are strong signs that living alone is no longer safe.
Across the nine Capital Region counties, the state roster counts 49 licensed adult care facility buildings holding 3,531 certified beds; 37 carry an adult home license, 12 an enriched housing license (some carry both), and 29 are certified Assisted Living Residences.
Who can help us decide?
Your parent's doctor, a physical therapist's home safety evaluation, the county Office for the Aging and a senior care advisor can each help decide whether home still works.
Should my parent get a medical alert device?
A wearable alert with automatic fall detection is worth considering for anyone who lives alone and has fallen, because the worst outcomes after a fall usually come from lying on the floor for hours before help arrives.
Test the device's range in the basement, garage and yard, and confirm who the monitoring center will call. Some county Offices for the Aging can point families toward programs that help with the cost.
Side by side
| After a fall, do | After a fall, avoid | |
|---|---|---|
| Medical | Get evaluated, look for the cause | Assuming no injury means no problem |
| Home | Remove hazards, add rails and light | Waiting until the next fall |
| Therapy | Strength and balance PT | Bed rest without a plan |
| Planning | Revisit living alone | Ignoring a pattern |
Where this page states a rule or a dollar figure, it relies on New York statute or regulation (Social Services Law, Public Health Law, 18 NYCRR and 10 NYCRR), Department of Health GIS messages and directories, CMS, the VA or CareScout, as named in the text. How we source facts: editorial standards.
