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Falls Prevention Awareness Week (23-27 September 2024)
Falls Prevention Awareness Week, takes place from 23-27 September 2024. There are many ways you can reduce your risk of a fall/help your loved ones reduce their risk of falling such as making simple changes within the home and doing exercises to improve a person's strength and balance.
If you/a loved one has fallen previously, making some changes to reduce the risks can help overcome any fear of falling again.
Healthcare professionals take the risk of falling seriously, particularly in older people because of the major impact they can have on a person's health.
Discuss any falls you have had with a GP and say if it's had any impact on your health and wellbeing. Some simple balance tests can be carried out to check if you are at an increased risk of falling in the future and you can also be referred to useful services in your local area.
Falls are not an inevitable part of aging or illness and with the right awareness and precautions, many can be prevented.
Avoiding falls at home
Tips for preventing falls in the home include:
- immediately mopping up spillages
- removing clutter, trailing wires and frayed carpet
- using non-slip mats and rugs
- making sure all rooms, passages and staircases are well lit
- organising your home so that climbing, stretching and bending are kept to a minimum, and to avoid bumping into things
- getting help to do things you're unable to do safely on your own
- not walking on slippery floors in socks or tights
- not wearing loose-fitting, trailing clothes that might trip you up
- wearing well-fitting shoes that are in good condition and support the ankle
- taking care of your feet by trimming your toenails regularly and seeing a GP or podiatrist (foot health professional) about any foot problems
Strength and balance training
Doing regular strength exercises and balance exercises can improve your strength and balance, and reduce your risk of having a fall. Simple activities like walking, dancing or specialist training programmes can help. Speak to your GP about training programmes in your area.
Sight tests
Book a sight tests at your local opticians if you're worried about your vision.
Not all vision problems can be cured, but some problems can be treated with surgery – for example, cataracts can be removed using cataract surgery.
Alcohol
Drinking alcohol can lead to loss of co-ordination and exaggerate the effects of some medicines which can increase the risk of a fall.
Social care and support
If you need help with day-to-day living because of illness or disability or care for someone regularly because they're ill, elderly or disabled, the NHS's social care and support guide explains your options and where you can get support.
