7 Signs Your Loved One May Be Hiding Falls & What You Can Do About It

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Let’s Talk About Something Families Rarely See Until It’s Serious

As a nurse practitioner with years of experience caring for older adults, there’s something I’ve learned firsthand: Aging parents often hide their falls. Not because they’re trying to deceive anyone …but because they’re afraid.

Afraid of losing independence. Afraid of being seen as “weak.” Afraid someone will suggest moving or taking away their freedom. Afraid of worrying their children.

And by the time the family realizes what’s happening, the falls have already been happening for months. So, here are 7 signs your loved one may be falling (and even if they swear they’re “fine”).

1️⃣ Unexplained Bruises or Scratches

Small bruises on the arms, legs, hips, or back can be signs of minor falls your parent doesn’t mention. If they brush it off with:

“Oh, I bumped into something…”

that’s often a red flag.

2️⃣ Avoiding Certain Rooms

If your parent suddenly stops:

going upstairs
using the shower
cooking as often
going to the basement
walking to the mailbox

…it might be because they fell there recently.

3️⃣ Slower Movement or Hesitation

Many older adults become fearful after a fall and begin:

shuffling
walking more slowly
reaching for walls, furniture, or countertops
avoiding nighttime trips to the bathroom

Fear of falling again is one of the strongest predictors of future falls.

4️⃣ Changes in Clothing Choices

Long sleeves, long pants, or layered clothing (even in warm weather) may be used to cover bruises or scrapes. If their style changes suddenly, ask why.

5️⃣ Damage in the Home

Look around the house. Signs of hidden falls include:

scratches on the wall
broken lamps
shifted rugs
furniture out of place
spilled liquids or stains on the carpet
a dent in a doorframe

These are clues your parent was trying to catch themselves or recover after a fall.

6️⃣ “I’m Just Tired” or “I Don’t Feel Right”

Sometimes the only sign is the most subtle one. Older adults may describe:

dizziness
weakness
fatigue
“just not feeling steady”

Falls aren’t always dramatic — sometimes they’re a slow collapse or loss of balance.

7️⃣ Increased Isolation or Withdrawal

If your parent stops:

going to church
attending social events
stepping outside
walking around the block

…it could be because they’re afraid to fall in public or they already have. Isolation is often a silent consequence of unreported falls.

Why Falls Are Often Hidden

When I interview families in the ER, they often tell me:

“She never said anything about falling.”

“We had no idea he was struggling.”

“She always said she was okay.”

Most older adults hide falls out of fear of losing control over their lives. But the problem is this:

Hidden falls almost always lead to worse falls.

What You Can Do (Before the Next Fall)

Here are steps I recommend both as a provider and wellness coach:

✔️ Gently start the conversation: Ask them how they’re feeling, whether they’ve noticed dizziness, or if they’re nervous walking at night.
✔️ Evaluate the home for tripping hazards: Loose rugs, poor lighting, clutter, narrow pathways — these are all major risks.
✔️ Check medications: Blood pressure meds, sleep meds, and GLP-1 medications can all increase dizziness.
✔️ Strengthen with simple daily habits: Walking, chair exercises, balance work, hydration, and protein support muscle and stability.
✔️ Consider a medical alert system: Especially if they spend long hours alone. This is where a home alert system like SureSafe can be life changing.

Shop SureSafe Medical Alert Devices Click Here

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links from one of our trusted partners. We may earn from qualifying purchases. There is no additional cost to you, and we only share products we personally recommend or believe align with Ample Health & Wellness values.

🛡️ Why I Recommend the SureSafe Home Medical Alert System

The home-only system is designed for older adults who are mostly indoors and may have mobility challenges. It offers:

⭐ Automatic fall detection
⭐ One-button access to emergency help
⭐ 24/7 monitoring
⭐ Peace of mind for the entire family
⭐ Rapid response even if your loved one can’t reach a phone

Many families tell me:

“I wish we had gotten this sooner.”

That’s why I recommend it before the emergency — not after.

👉🏾 Explore the SureSafe Home System Here

Aging With Safety Is Aging With Dignity

The goal is not to take away independence. The goal is to support independence. Providing safety tools (alongside healthy habits, balanced meals, and stress management) helps your loved one stay:

stronger
steadier
more confident
more connected
more independent

And that’s what aging well truly means.

If You’re Caring for a Loved One …You’re Not Alone

Visit AmpleHealthAndWellness.com for holistic resources to help your family age healthfully, confidently, and safely. You can also explore:

🌿 The FRESH Start Holistic Weight Loss Program
📘 My book, The Weight Is Over
🎟️ Our monthly FRESH Start On-Demand Masterclass

And if you need help choosing the right medical alert system, I’m here to support you.

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About the Author: Written by Dr. Kisha Pickford, DNP, a Nurse Practitioner and Certified Holistic Nutrition Weight Loss Coach at Ample Health & Wellness. She helps women 40+ achieve sustainable weight loss and whole-body wellness.