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.
What to do if someone falls?
Please follow the link below for information on what to do in the event of a fall.
Falls Prevention
General Support
- Preventing falls | NHS Inform – more in-depth information about falls and how we can prevent them.
Local Support
Do you need a falls alarm?
- Telecare Self Check Online Tool – check and see if use of Telecare is appropriate for you!
How is your walking?
Keeping active and mobilising safely is key to reducing the risk of falling. Whilst completing tasks at home such as cleaning and gardening can help, we encourage you to undertake strength and balance exercises.
- 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
Are you taking care of your feet?
Having poor foot care or neglected feet may mean people are less able and sensitive to maintain balance and mobility which can increase the risk of having a fall. Ensuring good foot care and wearing appropriate footwear promotes comfortable feet which can make walking easier.
- 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.
How is your hearing and vision?
It is important to get your eyesight and hearing checked regularly to promote good balance and helps recognise hazards.
- 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.
Are you worried about your medications?
Some medications can increase your risk of falling. Please contact your local pharmacist or GP for support if you are concerned about the medicines you are taking.
Some medications could increase your risk of falls. Please consult with your GP or pharmacist with any queries regarding this.
Are you eating and drinking well?
It is essential that we eat well and drink plenty of water to ensure we maintain healthy bones and sufficient energy to be active throughout the day.
- Visit Nutrition for nutritional support
Does your home environment support your needs?
As we get older, sometimes we need to adapt our home environment to suit our care needs. This can be through simple things such as lifting rugs and ensuring good lighting throughout the home. We may however need extra aids and supports to enable us to live a more independent life at home such as grab-rails or raised seating.
- For Falkirk residents – Falkirk HSCP – Living Well Falkirk Advice
- For Clackmannanshire residents – Equipment provision (clacks.gov.uk)
- For Stirling residents call 01786 404040
Do you feel you require a Home Falls Assessment?
If you feel you require professional support for concerns about falls you can either contact your local
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
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.