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A senior keeps falling or is afraid of falling

Use when an older adult has fallen, keeps falling, feels unsteady, or is afraid to walk or go out because they might fall.

In danger right now: call 911. Crisis or thoughts of suicide: call or text 988. Not sure where to start? Call the Silver City Gospel Mission: 575-388-5071. Police, fire or sheriff, not an emergency: 575-388-8840 (Central Dispatch). Print our list of phone numbers → · Food pantry calendar → · Free meals calendar → · Getting there: bus and rides →
These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
In this guide
  1. Check if they are hurt
  2. See a doctor about why they fall
  3. Join a free balance class
  4. Make home safer
  5. If they are homeless or in a shelter

1Check if they are hurt

You can ask"Did you hit your head? Does anything hurt? Can you stand and walk like normal?"
For a fall just now, a head hit, or a possible broken bone, use the guide "Someone fell, hit their head, or may have a broken bone".
You can say"Falls are not just part of getting old. Many can be stopped."

2See a doctor about why they fall

Hidalgo Medical Servicesnot yet confirmed: call first
Silver City Community Health Center: Primary medical care
575-800-1467
1007 N. Pope St., Silver City · Mon-Fri 7:00 am-6:00 pm
Website ↗
Gila Regional Medical Center
Rehabilitation Center (physical, occupational and speech therapy)
575-538-4899
300 E. 16th St., Silver City · Call to check
Website ↗

3Join a free balance class

NM Department of Health - NMHealth Helpline
Find a fall-prevention class (A Matter of Balance, Tai Chi)
833-796-8773
Website ↗
A Matter of Balance is an 8-week group class. Tai Chi classes build strength and balance.
Silver City Senior Center (operated by the Village of Santa Clara)
Senior center and Meals on Wheels sign-up
575-597-7124
205 W Victoria St, Silver City · Lunch Mon-Fri 12:00-12:30pm
Gila Regional Medical Center
Billy Casper Wellness Center (gym, pools, fitness classes)
575-538-4844
300 E. 16th St., Silver City · Mon-Fri 5:00am-9:00pm; Sat 8:00am-2:00pm; Sun 8:00am-12:00pm (website says weekends 8am-4pm; call to confirm). Pool: adult swim M/W/F 5:30-6:30pm, open swim 6:30-8pm
Website ↗

4Make home safer

NM Governor's Commission on Disability - RAMP
Residential Accessibility Modification Program (free ramps and bathroom changes)
505-476-0419
491 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe
Website ↗
NM Aging & Long-Term Services - Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC)
Senior and disability help line (Medicare/SHIP counseling)
800-432-2080
· Mon-Fri 7:45am-5pm
Website ↗

5If they are homeless or in a shelter

At the Gospel MissionThe case worker can help with housing and benefits. See the guide "A senior (55+ or 60+) needs help".

More help like this

A senior (55+ or 60+) needs helpUse when an older guest (55 or older) needs food, help at home, Medicare help, or may not be safe.A senior or disabled adult is being neglected, abused or taken advantage ofUse when an older or disabled adult is being hurt, neglected, left without care, or someone is taking their money or property.An older person seems confused, lost or wanderingUse when an older adult seems lost or confused, can't say where they live, or is wandering outside alone, maybe because of dementia or a medical problem.Caring for an aging parent, or a senior who can't get outUse when an older person can't manage at home, can't get out, is alone, or their family caregiver needs help.Needs a wheelchair, walker or other medical equipmentUse when someone needs a wheelchair, walker, shower chair, hearing or communication device, or other equipment to live safely.Can't hear well, needs hearing aids, or is deafUse when someone has hearing loss, needs hearing aids or an amplified phone, or is deaf and needs an interpreter.

See all guides in Family, seniors and veterans →

This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer

Know a better way? Is something out of date?

If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.

📞 We need volunteers to keep this guide up to date. You can help from home, an hour a week. See how →
Print these steps · Find more places to get help · Hours and numbers change; please call ahead. Something wrong? Tell us
Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City, 575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.