Falls Prevention
Can anything be done to stop me falling?
Why do people fall?
There are numerous reasons why people fall, these can include:
- Poor balance
- Muscle weakness
- Taking multiple medications (over 4)
- Arthritis
- Dizziness
- Heart problems
- Poor vision
By getting in contact with appropriate services or taking appropriate measures this could prevent or lower the number of falls you have.
- Local exercise groups - Maintaining or regaining physical fitness is the most effective preventive measure of all. All forms of exercise, formal and informal, can help maintain strength and vitality and protect you from injury. Check with your GP before starting any new exercise
- Visiting your GP to check your overall health and medications
- Seeing a physiotherapist who can check your muscle strength and balance. Balance is an important element of fitness. Tai Chi, yoga and dancing are all exercises that increase balance and steadiness
- Seeing an occupational therapist to talk about how you can cope at home
- Having your eyes checked regularly
- A significant number of older people fall every year because of slippers that do not fit very well or have become unsafe through wear and tear. Replace old, ill-fitting slippers
- Practice good foot care. Check your feet regularly, if you are unable to cut your own toenails you can attend a toe nail cutting service