People with Parkinson's are at high risk of falling due to problems with balance, rigidity, and slowness of movement -- the primary motor symptoms of PD. Serious falls can lead to numerous injuries, including head injuries, broken hips, and other bone fractures. Complications from these injuries may require hospitalization or long-term rehabilitation. In some cases, falls can lead to death.
Some keys to preventing falls include exercise, good medication management and a safe home environment. Consider enrolling in a fall prevention program that may address some or all of these topics.
Consider talking a fall prevention program! Check out our list of fall prevention programs in Northern and Central California. Many fall prevention programs are at hospitals or senior centers.
Other good resources are listed below.
Overviews
How Can Falls Be Prevented?
By the Parkinson’s Foundation, August 20, 2009
In this seven-minute video Dr. John Nutt explains the three most common causes of falling in those with Parkinson’s is postural change, freezing and low blood pressure. Your doctor may be able to reduce your risk. A physical therapist (PT) can teach you how to move in ways that lessen your risk of falling as well as help you prevent falling by making changes to your home, learn to use an assistive device or recommend how a wheelchair can be helpful.
For additional practical tips on reducing fall risk at home, see the Parkinson’s Foundation webpage Home Safety.
Impact of Falls and Parkinson's Disease
By Veteran's Health Administration
This eight-minute video alternates between an interview with a man sharing his experience of falling due to Parkinson's disease, with a doctor, physical therapist and occupational therapist explaining why people with PD fall, the benefit of physical therapy and exercise before a person has ever fallen to prevent falls and what an occupational therapist can do to prevent falling at home and in the broader environment.
Physical Therapy for Fall Prevention in People with Parkinson’s Disease
By Sarah Ison, DPT, GCS. Published by American Physical Therapy Association, Section on Neurology
This two-page fact sheet highlights some ways in which falling is more of a risk for those with Parkinson’s and explains how physical therapy can help at all stages of the disease.
Longer Explorations
Can We Prevent Falls in Parkinson’s
By Parkinson’s UK, March 23, 2016
In this 31-minute lecture Dr. Emily Henderson talks about the serious impact of falls, neurological causes of falls, and her clinical trial, the results of which suggest that acetylcholinesterase inhibitors could help to prevent falls in Parkinson’s patients by enhancing concentration.
Fall Prevention
By OhioHealth, December 19, 2017
In this 21-minute lecture physical therapist, Jessica Allen, identifies hazards in our home and community that put Parkinson’s patients at-risk for falls such as floors, stairs, bathrooms, etc. and how to prevent them.
It's Not All Dopamine: Possible Mechanisms and Interventions for Falls in PD
By American Parkinson Disease Association, August 2020
In this one-hour talk, Rober Albin, movement disorder specialist and researcher, describes the impact of dopamine and acetylcholine in Parkinson's through some animal and human trials.
Preventing Falls: A Guide for People Living with Parkinson's
Published by Parkinson Canada, 2020
This 56-page booklet includes risk factors for falling, what you can do to reduce your risk, how fear of falling is a risk for falling, tips for moving safely, cues to overcome freezing, home and community safety tips. You must register with Parkinson Canada to download the booklet.
For a companion overview of this material, watch the 57-minute Parkinson Canada webinar Preventing Falls for People with Parkinson’s, which highlights and expands on the booklet’s key points.
Picking Up Someone After a Fall
How to Safely Pick a Loved One (or Yourself) Up After a Fall
By Anne-Marie Botek. Published by Aging Care, September 17, 2021
In addition to common sense information about how to handle falls this comprehensive webpage offers a step-by-step guide for what to do if an elderly person falls, including how to get them off the floor without hurting yourself and a guide for how to get yourself off the floor if you fall.
General Fall Prevention Guides (Not Specific to PD)
AARP HomeFit Guide
Published by AARP, 2020
This 36-page downloadable booklet can also be ordered as a paper copy through the mail by filling out this order form. There are more than 100 tips and suggestions in this area-by-area guide (includes rooms as well as entryways, hallways, garage, outdoor spaces, etc.). All tips are doable regardless of housing type or ownership status to make your home suitable for all members of your household, no matter a person’s age or life stage.
Falls Prevention Conversation Guide for Caregivers
Published by the National Council on Aging
This ten-page guide is available in English and Spanish and serves as a tool for caregivers to address falls prevention with older adults who have experienced falls, decreased mobility, unsteadiness, or fear of falling. The guide helps caregivers engage family members and healthcare professionals to create falls prevention action plans, emphasizing that most falls can be prevented and that older adults can improve balance and strength regardless of age.
Basics of Fall Prevention
Published by StopFalls.org
This website has lots of great info on fall prevention.
Taking Steps to Prevent Falls as We Age
By Keri Ann Lipperini, MPA. Published by Administration for Community Living, 2018
This two-page fact sheet outlines the physical, environmental and behavioral factors that put older people at higher risk for falls and offers six excellent tips to prevent falls.
Checklists
Simple Steps to Prevent Falls
Published by AARP, 2012
Half of all falls happen at home, often during everyday activities like reaching overhead, using a stepstool or walking down stairs. This AARP checklist covers simple home-safety changes by area of the house, including lighting, rugs and cords, handrails, grab bars and safer walkways inside and out.
Related: Caregiving Checklist: Preventing Falls, 2007.
Longer Fall Prevention Booklets
Falls Prevention Workbook
By Jeanne Csuy, PT, and Nathalie Grondin, PT. Published by Parkinson’s Foundation
This 136-page workbook has several self assessments for risk factors related to falls with simple lifestyle and environment changes to improve and maintain independence and quality of life. Section 22 includes several exercises for strength and flexibility and section 24 explains how to handle a fall and get up from the floor.
Last updated October 2025 by Stanford Parkinson's Community Outreach.