Recovery from surgery or a hospital stay is a high-risk time for falls. Weakness, new medications, unfamiliar mobility aids, and changes in routine all contribute. The CDC reports that falls are the leading cause of injury for adults 65 and older, and the risk is even higher during recovery.

This article explains why fall risk increases during recovery and what families can do about it.

Why Recovery Increases Fall Risk

Physical Weakness

Hospital stays cause muscle loss and deconditioning, even after just a few days. Your loved one may be weaker than they realize, and overestimating their ability can lead to falls.

New Medications

Pain medications, blood pressure medications, and antibiotics can cause:

✓Dizziness
✓Drowsiness
✓Drops in blood pressure when standing
✓Confusion

Unfamiliar Mobility Aids

If your loved one is using a walker, crutches, or cane for the first time, they may not use it correctly. Improper use of mobility aids can increase fall risk rather than reduce it.

Changes in Routine

Hospital stays disrupt sleep, eating, and activity patterns. Your loved one may be tired, disoriented, and not thinking clearly.

Surgical Restrictions

After surgery, your loved one may have restrictions on bending, lifting, or bearing weight. These restrictions change how they move and can make simple tasks like getting out of bed more challenging.

Swelling and Pain

Surgical sites may be swollen and painful, which changes gait and balance. Pain can also cause your loved one to favor one side, leading to instability.

How to Reduce Fall Risk During Recovery

Follow Discharge Instructions

✓Follow all activity restrictions from the doctor
✓Use mobility aids as recommended
✓Do not push beyond what the doctor has approved
✓Attend all follow-up appointments

Prepare the Home

Before your loved one comes home, make the home as safe as possible:

✓Remove or secure all loose rugs
✓Clear all walkways of clutter and cords
✓Install grab bars in the bathroom
✓Add night lights along the path to the bathroom
✓Ensure the bed is at a height that is easy to get in and out of
✓Move frequently used items to waist height

See our room-by-room home safety checklist and our article on preparing the home after surgery for detailed guidance.

Use Mobility Aids Correctly

✓Have a physical therapist fit the device and teach proper use
✓Check rubber tips for wear
✓Keep the device within reach, not across the room
✓Do not rely on furniture for support

If your loved one is using a walker for the first time, a caregiver can help them use it correctly and safely.

Manage Medications

✓Review all medications with the doctor or pharmacist
✓Ask about side effects that could cause dizziness or drowsiness
✓Take medications as prescribed, at the right times
✓Be especially careful when standing up after taking blood pressure or pain medications

Encourage Slow Movements

✓Stand up slowly from sitting or lying down to prevent dizziness
✓Pause for a moment after standing before walking
✓Do not rush to answer the phone or door
✓Take time when getting out of bed

Provide Supervision

The first few days at home are the highest-risk period. If possible, have someone with your loved one around the clock for the first 24 to 48 hours. After that, assess how they are doing and adjust supervision accordingly.

A caregiver can provide supervision and hands-on assistance with mobility, especially during the highest-risk times:

✓Getting in and out of bed
✓Using the bathroom
✓Bathing
✓Walking through the house

Encourage Appropriate Activity

While rest is important, too much inactivity increases weakness and fall risk. Follow the doctor's recommendations for activity:

✓Short walks around the house as approved
✓Exercises recommended by a physical therapist
✓Gradually increasing activity as recovery progresses

Stay Hydrated and Nourished

Dehydration and poor nutrition increase weakness and dizziness. Encourage your loved one to:

✓Drink water throughout the day
✓Eat regular meals
✓Have snacks available

See our articles on hydration and healthy meal planning for more.

Address Pain

Uncontrolled pain can cause your loved one to move awkwardly, increasing fall risk. Make sure pain is managed as prescribed. If pain is not well controlled, contact the doctor.

Watch for Warning Signs

Be alert for signs that your loved one is at increased fall risk:

✓Dizziness or lightheadedness
✓Unsteadiness when walking
✓Confusion or disorientation
✓Weakness or fatigue
✓Reluctance to move around

If you notice any of these, talk with the doctor. They may indicate a medication side effect, dehydration, or a complication.

When to Seek More Support

If your loved one has fallen during recovery, or if you are worried about their safety at home, it may be time for more support. Options include:

✓In-home care: A caregiver can help with mobility, transfers, and supervision
✓Physical therapy: A therapist can help your loved one regain strength and balance
✓Home health: If ordered by the doctor, a nurse can monitor recovery and medications

A free care assessment can help you understand what level of support fits your loved one's situation.

A Final Note

Recovery is a vulnerable time, but falls during recovery are preventable. The key is preparation, supervision, and following medical guidance. With the right support, your loved one can recover safely and regain their independence.

If you would like help keeping your loved one safe during recovery, Healthy at Home offers a free care assessment. Our caregivers can help with mobility, supervision, and daily care during the healing process.

Reducing Fall Risks During Recovery at Home