Falls
Anyone can have a fall, but it's more likely if you're older or have mobility problems. Making changes to prevent falls can help you avoid injuries and keep your confidence and independence.
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Anyone can have a fall, but it's more likely if you're older or have mobility problems. Making changes to prevent falls can help you avoid injuries and keep your confidence and independence.
What to do if you fall
If you fall, try to stay calm. Take a couple of minutes to check for any pain or injuries and see if you think you can get up.
If you feel able to get up
- Take your time – do not get up too quickly.
- Roll onto your side, then use your arms to push yourself onto your hands and knees.
- Look for something stable to hold, such as a heavy piece of furniture or a bath or sink. Crawl to it if it's out of reach.
- Put one foot flat on the floor. Stand up slowly, holding onto something stable to help you.
- Sit down and rest while you recover.
If you do not feel able to get up
- If you have a phone or personal alarm that you can reach, use it to get help.
- If you cannot reach an alarm or phone, try to get someone's attention by shouting for help or banging on a wall or the floor.
- Try to keep warm while you wait for help. Cover yourself with anything you can reach, such as a towel, coat, rug or blanket.
- Keep moving your body. Roll from side to side or gently move your arms and legs.
- Try to change position about every 30 minutes, to help prevent pressure sores.
Call 112 if:
You or someone else has fallen and:
- may have injured the head, back, neck or hip
- cannot get up
If someone else has fallen, keep them comfortable and warm. Carefully help them get up if they can, but do not try to lift them yourself.
See a GP if:
- you're worried about your balance or mobility
- you've had a fall
Help from a GP for falls
If you've had falls or a GP thinks you're at risk of falls, they'll check your balance by asking you to get up and move around.
They may refer you to a specialist falls service. Help from a falls service may include:
- checking for problems such as muscle weakness, weak bones (osteoporosis) or problems with your eyesight
- strength and balance training
- checking that your home is safe and making home adaptations
- reviewing any medicines you're taking
You may also need treatment for any conditions that are affecting your balance or strength.
Consult with a doctor about Falls
Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps with a doctor online.
Self-refer for help if you've had a fall
If you've had a fall, you might be able to refer yourself directly to services that can help you without seeing a GP.
To find out if there are any services in your area:
- ask the reception staff at your GP surgery
- check your GP surgery's website
- contact your local integrated care board (ICB)
How to prevent falls
If you're at risk of falls, it's important to do things to prevent them, and make a plan in case you do fall.
Do
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stay active – physical activity guidelines for older adults recommend being active every day, and doing activities that improve strength and balance at least twice a week
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wear shoes or slippers that fit well, do not slip off and have a good grip
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wear a personal alarm, or carry a mobile phone with you
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use a non-slip mat in the bath or shower
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consider fitting safety rails on steps, and grab rails in the bathroom
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consider using a walking aid
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eat well and stay hydrated – not eating and drinking enough can make you feel lightheaded or faint
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look after your bone health – eat foods containing calcium, and make sure you get enough vitamin D
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have regular eye tests, and get your ears and hearing checked, as ear problems can affect your balance
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speak to a GP or pharmacist if you think your medicines could be affecting your balance
Don’t
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do not try to do tasks that you find difficult such as lifting or reaching – ask someone to help you
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do not have too much clutter at home, or things you could trip on such as loose wires or rugs
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do not drink too much alcohol
Getting a care needs assessment
If you're worried about falls you can ask your local council to do a care needs assessment to look at what help you might need, including changes to make your home safer. It's free and anyone can ask for one.
Causes of falls
Falls are common, particularly in older people. Causes of falls include:
- muscles getting weaker as you get older
- conditions that affect your mobility or balance, such as arthritis, stroke or Parkinson's disease
- low blood pressure (hypotension)
- side effects of some medicines
- problems with your eyesight or hearing
- dementia
Online doctors for Falls
Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps for Falls with a doctor online.
