A fall at home may indicate changes in balance, strength, medication response, cognition, or environmental safety. Even when injuries appear minor, a fall can signal increased risk for future instability.
This page addresses non-emergency fall events where evaluation and care planning may be appropriate.
If the individual is unconscious, unable to move, has severe pain, head injury, bleeding, or new neurological symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately.
Call 911 for urgent medical situations.
If the fall was not associated with acute medical distress, continue below.
• Determine whether injury occurred
• Review medication changes or new prescriptions
• Assess balance, strength, and mobility stability
• Evaluate environmental hazards (stairs, rugs, lighting, bathroom access)
• Identify whether supervision was present at the time of the fall
A single fall may represent an isolated event, but repeated falls increase safety risk.
Families and healthcare providers may assess:
• Recent health changes or hospitalizations
• Medication interactions
• Assistive device use (walkers, canes)
• Transfer safety (bed, toilet, shower)
• Home environment modifications
• Supervision coverage
Fall risk often increases gradually and may require structured support planning.
Support may be appropriate when:
• Mobility assistance is needed
• Supervision gaps exist
• Transfers require physical assistance
• Medication management is complex
• Nighttime safety monitoring is necessary
Short-term or ongoing in-home assistance may help reduce risk and stabilize supervision.
In non-emergency situations, families often:
• Notify the primary care provider
• Review medication and mobility safety
• Arrange in-home care for supervision or transfer assistance
• Increase structured monitoring during recovery
• Reassess long-term care planning if falls repeat
In-home non-medical support and supervision providers are listed by region below.
Select your region to view structured in-home care providers:
Southern Maine — In-Home Care
Mid Coast Maine — In-Home Care
Central & Western Maine — In-Home Care
Downeast Maine — In-Home Care
Northern Maine — In-Home Care