From Setback to Comeback: Helping Older Adults Recover After a Fall

By Kent Ye

Physical Therapist, VNS Health 

Queens Voice 

July 29, 2025

NEW YORK - Falls can be life-changing—impacting both body and mind. Each year, more than 14 million adults aged 65 and older report having a fall—and once you’ve had one fall, the risk of falling again doubles. Falls are the leading cause of injury in older adults, and while the physical toll can be tough, the emotional toll can hit just as hard. 

As a physical therapist working with my patients in their homes, I’ve seen how a single fall can start a vicious cycle: After someone experiences a fall, they become overly cautious and try to avoid moving, worried they’ll fall again just doing everyday things. That fear can prevent them from getting help or support and may also result in their becoming sedentary, all of which may actually increase their risk for another fall. 

As I’ve seen firsthand, though, there are ways you can break that cycle. Here are a few tips I share with my patients who’ve had a fall on how to “get back on your feet”—and stay there safely.

Focus on the Positive

Falls are extremely common. And while people might feel isolated or even embarrassed after a fall, it’s important to remember you’re not alone.  When I work with someone who’s recovering from a fall, I always encourage starting with small wins. A small win might mean practicing how to get out of bed more safely, or doing light movements around the house to build strength and balance. Progress doesn’t have to be big or fast—it is more about staying committed. Every small step adds up, and those little victories can go a long way toward restoring confidence. 

Slow and Steady Wins the Race

I always tell my patients: “Before you were able to walk, you had to learn to stand.” After a fall, becoming active again can feel overwhelming, but movement—even in small increments— is so important and key to recovery. I start wherever my patients are—some may already be walking, while others may not be able to stand just yet. Wherever that starting point is, we move forward together. This work should always be done with the support of your doctors and clinicians, because recovery isn’t a one-size-fits-all. We assess your movements, make sure they’re safe, and build from there.

Set Up for Safety 

Ensuring you have a safe and supportive home environment lays the groundwork for recovery, and is also one of the best ways to prevent future falls. Making sure your living space works for you and your needs is a team effort. Physical therapists, occupational therapists, nurses, social workers, and others all have a role to play in assessing a person’s strengths, challenges, and home environment in order to figure out the best approach to support safe, confident movement at home. Often this may involve making small, practical changes—like clearing clutter, removing or securing rugs that might otherwise slip underfoot, improving lighting, and installing grab bars and other mobility aids, all of which can make a huge difference in terms of safety. 

Falls are tough, but with the right support, manageable goals—including slow and steady progress in terms of movement—and a safe home environment, it’s possible to regain the independence and confidence you may have lost. 

The most important thing to know is that you don’t have to do it alone— whether it’s your PT, OT, a nurse, or a supportive family member or friend, know that we are there to support you every step of the way! 

For more information on how you can receive rehabilitation therapy at home, visit vnshealth.org