Preventing Falls

Falls are very dangerous, not only from the point of view of injuries they may cause, but also from the lack of confidence and anxiety they cause too. Unfortunately both injuries and lack of confidence are likely to cause reduced physical activity, weakening muscles and reducing the ability to balance, which then makes further falls more likely. Lack of mobility can also contribute to other health issues, such as pressure sores.

So even when there hasn't been a fall, it's worth looking at the many things you can do to reduce the risk of one, as follows.

Check out any fall

For the above reasons, even falls that don't cause injury should be referred to your GP, who may check whether there are any medical issues that need addressing (e.g. reviewing medications or carrying out blood tests), and may refer you to an occupational therapist and/or a physiotherapist.

Review sleeping pills, sedatives and medicine side-effects

We've made comments on the use of sleeping pills and sedatives, but several other medications may also contribute to sleepiness or dizziness and this greatly increases the risk of falls. If you have any concerns consult your doctor or a qualified pharmacist.

Annual eye test

It's recommended that eyesight is tested annually, to help avoid tripping over things. In the UK it's free on the NHS for over 60s.

See our detailed section on eye tests for home visits and tests for people with dementia).

Avoid alcohol

Fairly obviously, alcohol is best avoided.

Avoid dehydration

Dehydration also increases the risk of falls.

Reduce the risk of tripping or slipping

See our section on things you can do to reduce the risk of tripping or slipping in the home. This also covers the inappropriate use of bed cot sides for people who are mobile and may try to climb out over the top.

Walking aids

Walking aids can be a very useful way of maintaining strength, balance and mobility whilst staying safe. An occupational therapist will be able to advise on the most appropriate type for your loved one, and its correct height. Such aids include walking sticks, walking frames (also known as Zimmer frames or walkers) and rollators (three-wheeled frames with brakes). There are also carrying trolleys if otherwise the person carries things about and risks overbalancing or tripping over something dropped. In the UK this equipment is provided on loan by the NHS for those who need it.

Wheelchair for trips out

When taking your loved one out, whether to health appointments or entertainment visits, avoid having to walk further than your loved one can do comfortably in one go (which may not be far at all), and avoid having to stand for too long. We highly recommend obtaining a wheelchair for such visits - if you explain to your loved one that you know they can walk but you don't know how far it is then they shouldn't feel you're treating them as incapable.

See our subsection on wheelchairs, within our section on travelling out.

Special exercises

There are also exercises that can be done to help maintain strength and balance - we'd recommend these are done supervised, especially for someone with dementia. Consult a doctor before starting any new level of activity. As with all exercise, do 'warm up' slowly at first. See the Ageing Well in Wales website, under falls prevention - resources - falls prevention exercises.

There's further advice in the above source, and in the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy website's Get Up and Go guide.

Some of our recommended activities give gentle exercise: playing with a balloon, or a 'gym ribbon' streamer.