Stay Steady: Simple Steps to Reduce Your Risk of Falls

An older woman stretching

Falls are a leading cause of injury in older adults, and can lead to fractures, osteoporosis, hospitalization and lack of independence, but many are preventable. Small changes at home and in your daily life can make a big difference in reducing your risk of falling.

We’re here to offer guidance on how you can live a healthier, safer life, and one of our best pieces of advice is adding balance training to your routine. An easy way to do that is signing up for fitness classes through our Silver&Fit program, which is included with your health plan.

Small changes you can make today to prevent falls:

  • Clear hallways of clutter
  • Secure loose rugs and stray cords
  • Add grab bars in the shower or tub 
  • Install handrails on both sides of the stairs 
  • Improve lighting throughout your home
  • Add simple balance and strength exercises
  • Consider fitness classes
  • Wear sturdy, rubber-soled shoes

Want a simple checklist you can use at home?

Download our Fall Prevention Flyer for easy, practical steps to help reduce your risk of falls. It includes:

  • Simple strength and balance exercises you can try today
  • A quick checklist to help you spot and fix common home safety hazards
  • Tips to help you stay steady and confident at home

Download now


Women are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens your bones and makes them more likely to fracture. It often goes unnoticed in women over 50, until a low impact fall from standing height causes a fragility fracture. These fractures indicate that your bones have already been weakened by osteoporosis. So, screenings before or after a fall are crucial for early detection and reducing the risk of future fractures.

Regular exercise, vitamin and mineral supplements and bone density tests can help prevent bone density loss that leads to osteoporosis. Contact your primary care provider or connect with your health navigator to learn more about osteoporosis prevention.


You can regain your balance and prevent falls

Talk to your provider about how to protect your bone health and screening options. Need to find a provider? Connect with a health navigator at (855) 801-8967 (TTY: 711),


Last Updated On: 4.21.26 at 10:00 AM

Sanford Health Plan and Sanford Health Plan of Minnesota have HMO and PPO plans with a Medicare contract. Sanford Health Plan D-SNPs have contracts with State Medicaid programs. Sanford Health Plan complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, or any other classification protected under the law. Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. Star Ratings are calculated each year and may change from one year to the next.


CMS ID Number: Y0128_ HP-9847-SHPMAWebsite_10-25_M