Person Centered Care: Redefining Fall Prevention for Older Adults
- erineleu
- Dec 15, 2025
- 2 min read
Aging is an inevitable part of our human journey, and as we grow older, the topics of fall prevention and mobility gain more prominence. But how we approach these subjects can significantly influence the well being and self-perception of older adults. Dr. Dessy, a geriatric physical therapist with over a decade of experience. Her insights offer a refreshing perspective on how we can reframe the conversation around falls and empower older adults.
Understanding the Fear of Falling
Fear of falling is more than just a physical concern—it affects the psychological well being of older adults. Dr. Dessy highlights that fear often arises not just from past falls, but also from the language and messaging used by health professionals, caregivers, and family members. Statements like “You can’t do that, you’ll fall!” while well-intentioned, can reinforce fear rather than build confidence.
The Pitfalls of Conventional Messaging
Conventional fall prevention programs often use alarming statistics to encourage participation, but this can inadvertently exacerbate the fear of falling. Studies reveal that older adults respond better to positive messaging that emphasizes strength, fitness, and independence. For example, phrases like "exercise will help you stay fit and take care of your grandkids" resonate more and foster a proactive engagement in physical activities.
Person-Centered Care: A Holistic Approach
Dr. Dessy advocates for a person-centered approach in care practices. This means looking beyond protocols and guidelines and focusing on the individual’s goals and desires. Instead of dictating what older adults should do, engaging them in the planning and decision-making process values their autonomy and wisdom. By asking "What are your goals?" rather than "Have you fallen?", we honor their agency and collaborate on shared objectives for maintaining independence and quality of life.
The Power of Reframing Conversations
Reframing fall prevention conversations is crucial. Dr. Dessy urges movement professionals to emphasize empowerment and resilience over fear. Training older adults in fall recovery techniques, such as how to get up safely after a fall, can be more empowering than simply warning them about falling.
Empowering Movement Professionals
For those working in the field, whether as therapists or exercise instructors, Dr. Dessy offers two key takeaways: refrain from fear-inducing messaging and tailor interventions to individual needs. Each person’s circumstances, support systems, and abilities vary, and care plans should reflect this diversity. Finally, Dr. Dessy calls for redefining the narrative around aging and movement. By adopting a positive, person-centered approach, we can help older adults live fulfilling lives. She concludes with a powerful reminder: with age comes wisdom, and it's our role to support, not dictate, their path to active aging.
Links for Dr. Dessy
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