Older adults face unique and often overlooked health risks — from falls and medication interactions to choking, dehydration, and sudden medical emergencies like strokes and heart attacks. Because most incidents happen at home, family members, caregivers, and bystanders are often the first people on the scene.

This guide provides practical, easy-to-follow steps to help protect seniors, reduce preventable injuries, and respond confidently when emergencies occur.

Fall Prevention — The Leading Cause of Injury in Seniors

Falls are the most common cause of injury-related hospitalizations among adults 65+. One in four older adults falls each year, and many of these events could be prevented with simple home adjustments and awareness.

Common Causes of Falls

• Poor or uneven lighting

• Loose rugs or cluttered walkways

• Weak balance or leg strength

• Medication side effects (dizziness, fatigue)

• Vision problems

• Improper footwear

Fall Prevention Tips

✔ Install grab bars in bathrooms and near stairs
✔ Use brighter, consistent lighting throughout the home
✔ Remove or secure loose rugs and cords
✔ Encourage daily balance and strength exercises
✔ Ensure eyeglass prescriptions and vision checks are up to date
✔ Review medications regularly with a physician or pharmacist

Pro Tip: A home safety assessment by a trained professional can dramatically reduce fall risk.

What to Do If an Older Adult Falls

A fall can be frightening — but how you respond matters.

Do NOT rush to lift them.

Moving a person too quickly can worsen hidden injuries.

Check for:

• Pain or tenderness in hips, back, or legs

• Bleeding or bruising

• Limb deformity

• Confusion or dizziness

Call 911 immediately if:

• They hit their head (even if they say they’re “fine”)

• They are dizzy, confused, or unable to stand

• They experience severe pain or bleeding

• They take blood thinners, which increase bleeding risk

• You suspect any fracture or spinal injury

If safe to assist:

• Help them roll onto their side

• Assist them into a seated position slowly

• Evaluate their ability to stand before attempting to lift

Never ignore a fall — many seniors hide pain to avoid burdening loved ones.

Medication Safety for Older Adults

Most seniors take multiple prescriptions daily, increasing the risk of interactions, overdoses, missed doses, and side effects.

Common Medication Risks

• Confusion or memory issues

• Drowsiness leading to falls

• Dangerous drug interactions

• Taking a second dose by accident

• Stomach upset or dehydration

Prevention Tips

✔ Use a weekly or monthly pill organizer
✔ Keep an updated medication list in the home and wallet
✔ Review medications with a doctor at least twice per year
✔ Watch for new symptoms after medication changes
✔ Avoid mixing prescriptions with alcohol unless cleared by a physician

Caregiver Tip: Bring all medication bottles to doctor visits for an annual “brown bag review.”

Choking Risks in Older Adults

Choking is more common in older adults than many realize, especially those with dental issues, weakened swallowing muscles, or medications causing dry mouth.

Common Causes

• Poorly chewed food

• Eating too quickly

• Dental problems or missing teeth

• Sedating medications

• Neurological conditions (Parkinson’s, stroke effects)

How to Respond to Choking

1. Encourage coughing if they can still breathe or make noise.

2. If they cannot breathe, speak, or cough → Give 5 backblows then perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver).

3. If they become unresponsive → begin CPR immediately.

4. Call 911 at the first sign of airway obstruction.

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Recognizing Strokes & Cardiac Emergencies in Seniors

Signs of Stroke (Use FAST)

• Face drooping

• Arm weakness

• Speech difficulty

• Time to call 911

Every minute counts — strokes require immediate hospital treatment.

Signs of a Heart Attack

• Chest pressure, squeezing, or heaviness

• Pain radiating to jaw, arm, or back

• Shortness of breath

• Nausea or cold sweat

• Sudden fatigue or confusion

Why Quick Action Matters

• Early CPR can double or triple survival rates

• AEDs restore heart rhythm during cardiac arrest

• Calling 911 quickly gives seniors the best chance of recovery

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Training Makes the Difference

While this guide provides essential knowledge, hands-on training is the most effective way to prepare caregivers, families, and community members to respond to emergencies involving older adults.

BVAC Rescue Response Training Center offers:

• AHA CPR & AED Certification

• First Aid for Older Adults

• Stop the Bleed

• BVAC First Response Essentials

• Tactical Medicine & emergency readiness courses

Our instructors teach real-world skills designed to build confidence and save lives.

Stay Prepared. Protect the People You Love.

Older adults thrive when their environment is safe and their caregivers are trained.
Investing in emergency preparedness is one of the most meaningful ways to support aging family members and your community.

Learn more or register for training at BVAC Rescue Response Training Center.