Understanding the Link Between Medications and Fall Risk

December 19, 2025

Falls are one of the most common ways that older people get hurt, and many of them don't understand that some medicines can increase their risk of falling. While medications are necessary for controlling health issues, some can cause side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, or confusion that make falls more likely. For seniors, especially those aging in place, it is essential to know which medications can affect their balance, which is where having home care assistance comes into play.

Additionally, home care assistance providers can help seniors gain the confidence to speak with their medical team about their concerns.

Common Medications That Increase Fall Risk

There are many types of medications that are known to make seniors more likely to fall. For instance, blood pressure medications have been known to lower blood pressure too much, which can make individuals feel dizzy when they stand up. Sleep aids and anti-anxiety drugs can make seniors feel groggy the next day, which can make it difficult to maintain their balance, along with affecting their mobility overall. Additionally, some pain relievers, antidepressants, and medications for an overactive bladder can make seniors more likely to fall because of the side effects they have.

Even over-the-counter medications can increase fall risk. Antihistamines in allergy and cold medicines can make seniors sleepy and confused, and while muscle relaxants can help with pain, they can also make it hard to maintain balance. The risk increases when older people take multiple medications, as their effects are unpredictable.

The Role of Home Care Assistance

For seniors with home care assistance by their side, learning about their medications is an important part of their daily support. Caregivers who work with seniors are trained to spot medications that could cause falls and explain how these drugs affect their bodies.

They can also help seniors set up medication reminders and explain things like why taking a blood pressure pill in the morning instead of at night might help with dizziness. Additionally, they can monitor for side effects and document changes that seniors can present to their medical team.

Some of the other benefits of home care assistance include the following:

Better Medication Management: Home care assistance providers help seniors manage their medications more effectively by organizing pills in weekly organizers so the right amount of medicine is taken at the right time. They can also monitor for potential drug interactions and maintain up-to-date lists of medications to share with doctors and nurses.
Improved Safety: Caregivers can also minimize safety risks by assessing the home and providing modification recommendations to seniors and their family members, and by staying close when the risk of medication side effects is higher. Having someone nearby during those vulnerable hours is an extra layer of safety.
Better Communication: Many seniors avoid discussing their medication concerns because they fear being perceived as demanding or ungrateful. With home care assistance, they can gain the confidence to discuss their worries and take charge of their health.

Taking medications doesn't have to mean choosing between staying healthy and falling. With home care assistance, seniors can safely take their medications, learn about them and how to reduce their fall risk, and gain confidence to speak with their medical team about concerns.

If you or your loved one is looking for Home Care Assistance in Cupertino, CA, please call Familiar Surroundings Home Care.

Santa Clara County: (408) 979-9990

San Mateo County: (650) 353-9777

Santa Cruz County: (831) 480-3990

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