Falls can have a significant impact on a person’s life and has potential to lead to serious injury. Falls are not exclusive to the older population however as we get older we become a higher risk of both falling to the ground and coming to harm.
Whilst a person falling can be simple in its cause (trip on a loose rug or slip on a wet surface etc.), recovering post-fall is commonly more complex and the long-term impact on an individual’s quality of life may only become apparent after some time. In spite of this, we must also recognise that falls can occur due to more multifaceted issues which require assessment and investigation such as medication and blood pressure problems.
Falls Prevention
General Support
- Preventing falls | NHS Inform – more in-depth information about falls and how we can prevent them.
- Up and about: Taking positive steps to avoid trips and falls | Public Health Scotland
Local Support
NHS FV Falls Local Community Support
Stirling Falls Hubs
If you have an NHS supplied walking stick, zimmer frame or elbow crutches remember to check the rubber ferrules regularly for wear and tear. If they look worn out, you can now collect free replacement ferrules at any Stirling Libraries.
You can also pick up information about how to stay steady on your feet to prevent slips, trips and falls.
Click here for a list of participating libraries.
FAQ
- Telecare Self Check Online Tool – check and see if use of Telecare is appropriate for you!
- Strength & Balance – get active and improve your physical activity by completing exercises. This link also provides details on local exercise classes.
- Learn how to safely use your walking aid and how to maintain it with these guides:
- Returning Walking Aids – clear your living space and return any walking aids that are no longer required.
- Learn how to replace the rubber ferrules on the bottom of your walking aid by following this video – Ferrules – How to size and replace them | YouTube
- Have a read of the Personal Footcare for information on keeping your feet healthy.
- Visit Braveheart Top Toes for information on local toe-nail clipping services and support regarding good foot-care.
- Visit the Podiatry webpage for further service information.
- Visit Audiology for details on how to access our volunteer-led hearing aid servicing clinic and for general hearing aid support.
- Visit Eye Problems for support regarding eye/vision problems and where to access a local Optometrist.
- Visit Forth Valley Sensory Centre for further external community support for those who have difficulties with sensory loss.
Some medications could increase your risk of falls. Please consult with your GP or pharmacist with any queries regarding this.
- Visit Nutrition for nutritional support
- For Falkirk residents – Falkirk HSCP – Living Well Falkirk Advice
- For Clackmannanshire & Stirling residents – Clackmannanshire and Stirling HSCP – Equipment
GP or self refer to the ReACH team who can provide a Falls Assessment to identify ways of reducing the risk of falling.
- Please follow this link for details on how to self-refer directly to ReACH Services – Community Rehabilitation Services
Useful Resources
- Up & About
- Falls: Local Community Support
- Nutrition & Safer Mobility
- Forth Valley Sensory Centre
- Stirling Falls Hubs
- NHS Inform – Falls
- Top Toes
- Falls Assistant
- Carers Support Pack
Contacts
- NHS Forth Valley – Community Rehabilitation Services
- Falkirk HSCP
- Clackmannanshire and Stirling HSCP
More information about managing and preventing the risk of falls can be found on NHS Inform.