Falls Prevention & Management
Falls are among the most common and serious incidents in care homes. Approximately 30% of people over 65 and 50% of people over 80 fall each year, and falls are the leading cause of injury-related death in older adults. Yet most falls are preventable.
About Falls in Care Homes
Falls are a significant concern in care homes, where residents often have multiple risk factors including advanced age, mobility problems, cognitive impairment, and polypharmacy. NICE Clinical Guideline CG161 (Assessment and Prevention of Falls in Older People) and CQC “Safe” regulations both require care homes to assess falls risk, implement prevention strategies, and respond appropriately when falls occur.
The Care Handbook provides guidance on identifying risk factors, implementing prevention strategies, and following a clear post-fall protocol. A proactive, evidence-based approach can significantly reduce the incidence and severity of falls.
Key legislation & guidance: NICE CG161 (Falls: Assessment and Prevention), CQC Regulation 12 (Safe Care and Treatment), Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, and the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992.
Key Statistics
30%
Of people over 65 fall each year — rising to 50% for those over 80
1 in 5
Falls in care homes result in serious injury (fracture, head injury)
50%+
Of falls in care homes are repeat falls — previous fall is the strongest predictor
In This Section
Risk Assessment
Intrinsic, extrinsic, and medication-related risk factors for falls. Interactive falls risk assessment template to identify and document individual risk.
Prevention Checklist
Evidence-based prevention strategies across environment, medication, exercise, and care planning — aligned with NICE CG161 recommendations.
Post-Fall Protocol
Step-by-step protocol for responding to a fall — immediate actions, assessment, monitoring, and reporting requirements including CQC notification.
Authoritative Resources
Important Notice
Care Handbook is a guidance resource only. It does not replace your organisation's policies, formal training, or current CQC standards. Always follow your employer's specific procedures and consult your line manager, GP, or falls team if you are unsure. Refer to NICE CG161 and cqc.org.uk for the most current guidance.