Falls Prevention

Anyone can have a fall, but it becomes more likely for older people, and those with mobility problems. There are many reasons that people have falls, and lots of things that individuals can do to reduce their risk of falls. 

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

1. Take your time – do not get up too quickly
2. Roll onto your side, then use your arms to push yourself onto your hands and knees
3. Look for something stable to hold, such as a heavy piece of furniture or a bath or sink. Crawl or shuffle to it if it's out of reach
4. Put one foot flat on the floor. Stand up slowly, holding onto something stable to help you
5. Sit down and rest while you recover

If you do not feel able to get up

1. If you have a phone or personal alarm that you can reach, use it to get help
2. 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
3. Try to keep warm while you wait for help. Cover yourself with anything you can reach, such as a towel, coat, rug or blanket
4. Keep moving your body. Roll from side to side or gently move your arms and legs
5. Try to change position about every 30 minutes, to help prevent pressure sores

Getting help from the NHS 

Call 999 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.

Get help from NHS 111 if:

• you or someone else has fallen and may be in pain, injured or unwell

See a GP if:

• you're worried about your balance or mobility
• you've had a fall

Preventing falls 

There are some small actions that you can do to reduce the risk of falls.

• Consider getting a lifeline alarm, if you’re worried about falling at home, so you can alert carers or emergency services if there is a problem. Find out more on our TEC page
• Take care when you’re out and about, especially on wet or slippery surfaces. Watch out for moss or wet leaves, and look for hand rails that can help you
• Stay active. Keeping active helps maintain your strength, balance and co-ordination, and makes you less likely to fall. See the NHS activity guidelines for older adults for information, and guidance on how to stay mobile in older age. Read more about NHS Guidance to Stay Mobile
• Eat well. Keep your energy levels up with good, nutritious food – although something is better than nothing, if you struggle with that.  Explore options like Meals on Wheels if you struggle to prepare regular hot meals for yourself. 
  Read more on our Meals on wheels page
• Stay hydrated. Not having enough to drink can make you feel lightheaded, and dizzy. Make sure you drink 6-8 glasses or mugs per day, whether that’s tea, coffee, squash or water. If it’s hot, make sure you add another glass or two to that
• Support your bone health. Stronger bones don't just make a fall less likely, they reduce the risk of more severe effects if you do fall. Keep your bones strong by doing regular exercise, such as walking, bowls or tennis. You also need calcium and vitamin D to maintain strong bones, both of which can be found in certain foods. For more information eating healthily, see the NHS Live Well Eat Well page
• Take care of your eyes. Your eyes play a critical role in your balance. Get your eyes checked regularly, to make sure that you’re seeing as clearly as possible, and any eye conditions are found and treated
• Check for hearing problems. Hearing often gets worse as we age, but many people put off getting their hearing tested. Get it checked, as your ears play a key role in your balance. You may need an NHS hearing aid in one or both ears
• Keep on top of your health conditions and medication. Low blood pressure, and poorly controlled diabetes can make you feel faint. Some other medications – or combinations of medications – can also have the same effect. Talk to your pharmacist if you’re experiencing side effects like this
• Think about your feet and footwear. Make sure you’re wearing firm slippers or shoes, and not bare feet or just socks/tights. And talk to a healthcare professional if you have problems with your feet, such as pain, or decreased sensation

Make your home fall-proof

There are a number of things you can do in your home to make it safer for you to get around, and less likely to fall.

• Ask for an assessment of needs, and discuss whether you could benefit from any adaptations of equipment in your home.
• Simple things like hand rails, or long grabbers can make a difference. Or adapting your bathroom to make it easier for you to use.
• Keep a clear pathway around your home. Tidy things out of the walkways, and off the stairs. Move wires and rugs that could trip you.
• Think about keeping a light on overnight, or using a motion-sensitive nightlight. This will help you see where you’re going if you need to use the bathroom in the night.
• If your pet is a hazard, consider getting a bell for their collar, so you can hear where they are.

Click here to Request Help for an Adult

For more information on preventing falls, see the Age UK website, where we sourced the list of useful actions.Visit Age UK website

‘Move More’ programme from iCareiMove

We asked iCareiMove to create a programme to support falls prevention in Cornwall. Since July 2024, their 25-week ‘Move More’ exercise programme has been operating in 12 key areas of Cornwall, with online and face to face classes. They are designed for older people who are at risk of falls, or have a fear of falling. Anyone can refer themselves for the programme, or you can be referred by a doctor or family member.
Face-to-Face and Livestream classes are held across Cornwall in the following areas on a rotating basis:

• North – Wadebridge, St. Austell, and Newquay
• East – Liskeard, Bodmin, and Launceston
• Mid – Truro, Camborne, and Falmouth
• West – Hayle, Helston, and Penzance

Online classes can be joined from anywhere. The programme covers all of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Find out more on the iCareiMove website, including the list of their upcoming classes

AskSARA

If you’re not sure what support you need, AskSARA is an easy online tool that can help you figure it out. It asks simple questions about your daily tasks and health, then suggests equipment or services that might make things easier for you. AskSARA gives you advice and ideas to improve your day-to-day life, whether that’s help around the house, getting out and about, or staying independent. It’s a quick and simple way to find the right support for you.

Try AskSARA

Coming soon - new falls prevention tool

We are developing a new falls prevention tool, that will allow you to create a personal action plan with easy actions to take to prevent falls. Watch this space for an announcement when it is ready to use.