Reducing Your Risk of Falling

As you get older, your risk of falling increases. Even if you're still active, you could have poor eyesight, slower reaction times, a weaker body, or problems with your balance - all of which can lead to accidents or falls.

Tips to stop you from falling

• Keep your home clutter and obstacle free, especially stairs, so you can move around easily.
  
  
• Use high wattage bulbs to provide good lighting.
  
  
• Wear well-fitting shoes or slippers.
  
  
• Get help if you need to lift something heavy.
  
  
• Do gentle exercise to improve your balance and muscle strength.
  
  
• Have regular health and eye tests.
  
  
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of calcium to keep your bones strong.

What to do if you fall

• If you fall when you're alone, get help and keep yourself warm.
  
  
• If you're worried about getting help, you may want to get a community alarm that you can wear around your neck or wrist. Pressing the alarm will alert response centre staff and they'll ring you to see what's wrong.
  
  
• When you next see your doctor or nurse, tell them about your fall. They can check whether a health problem is causing you to fall and if it's likely to happen again. If it is, they may give you medication to improve your condition.
  
  
• Make sure you tell your family that you've had a fall so that they can keep an eye on you and make sure you get any treatment you might need.