Falls
Practical ways to help reduce the risk of a fall.
What to do if you fall
If you fall, press your personal alarm if you have one, or phone NHS 111. The advisers will assess you and arrange for you to see a doctor or go to hospital, if needed.
When to seek help
If you have had a fall, or are worried about falling, here's a simple checklist to see whether you need help from the
experts:
- Have you fallen in the past year?
- Are you taking four or more types of medication a day?
- Have you been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, or have you had a stroke?
- Do you have problems with your balance, or feel that you may fall?
- Do you find it difficult to get up from a knee-height chair without using your arms to push up?
There's help and support available for older people at risk of falls. Contact your GP practice to find out more.
Stay warm, install grab rails and keep steps in good repair
Kent and Medway Warm Homes offers advice on heating and insulation. Contact Kent County Council or Medway Council to find out more.
Care navigators can assess you for personal alarms and aids, such as grab rails. Local councils offer means-tested disabled facilities grants to help with the cost of more major work, if you need it.
Cut down on alcohol
Aim for at least two alcohol-free days each week and talk to your friends, family or doctor if you are concerned about your drinking. Some medication can react badly with alcohol. Check with your GP practice or pharmacist if you're not sure about your prescriptions.
Look after your eyes
Make sure you have a regular sight test, wear the right glasses, and keep them clean.
If you are housebound and need a sight test, contact your local optician.
Join a falls prevention class
Postural stability classes are for people who have had a fall or have a fear of falling.
These gentle exercise classes are not only fun but help to keep people independent and living in their own homes. The courses run for 36 weeks and are proven to help to reduce falls by improving balance, posture and core stability, muscle strength, mobility, flexibility, co-ordination and your confidence.
They are run in community venues across Kent and normally attendees are over 65 but the classes are open to anyone who has a high risk of falling. Eligibility to attend includes a history of falls, fear of falling, feeling unstable and low bone density.
To find out more, visit kent.gov.uk or www.medwaycommunityhealthcare.nhs.uk
Stay active
Keeping your bones and muscles strong is the best way to protect yourself against falls all year round.
Gentle housework, shopping, gardening, walking or joining an exercise class for older people have real health benefits.
Active retirement association groups run activities, such as line dancing and rambles. Find your nearest group at local.kent.gov.uk or www.thejoyapp.com
Health walks are free, fun and friendly and are a perfect way to help you get active and meet new people. Find your nearest group walk at One You Kent or A Better Medway.
Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust also has a useful booklet called 'Steady on Your Feet', which lists ways to prevent falls and what to do if you have a fall.
Use a walking stick
A walking stick doesn't just provide physical support, it gives useful information to the brain to help you maintain your balance. It also warns other people that they need to take care around you.
Residents in Medway can get their walking aid ferrule checked. Find more information on Medway Council's website.