There are many reasons why the risk of falling increases with age but falling does not have to be an inevitable result of ageing. A fall can have a huge impact on a person’s life including loss of confidence.
However, the good news is that this doesn’t have to be the case. There are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of falling again.
- The Steady on Your Feet website has lots of useful tips you can follow to reduce your risk of falls and keep you safe and independent. There is also a self assessment tool to assist you in developing an action plan and a home safety check to identify hazards around the home.
- If you struggle to complete the self-assessment on your own ask a family member, carer or friend to assist. There are also agencies who can help (see the useful links page on the Steady on Your Feet website.
- Ask a health or social care professional who you currently see to complete a falls assessment with you. If you are over 65 years of age and you come into contact with a health care professional you should be asked if you have had a fall in the previous 12 months. If you have fallen the member of staff will complete a further assessment and provide you with advice and agree actions to help you reduce your risk of falls.
- See your GP for further advice and support – especially if you have any issues with dizziness, medications or fainting/blacking out.
- You may be referred to the falls team for further assessment: The falls team provides specialist multidisciplinary assessment and interventions to people aged 65 years and over who are still falling despite assessment from another health and social care professional.
Following a referral to the falls team
The falls team will review the referral and contact you either via telephone call or letter. If you are offered a further assessment this may be in your own home or over the phone. The appointment will:
- Help you to identify what may be causing you to fall
- Agree a treatment plan with you and work with you to reduce your risk of falling
- Help you to be as independent as possible
- Work with other staff members who may already be working with you
Advice and information will be provided on areas which may be affecting your risk of falls such as:
- Medications
- Dizziness
- Vision and hearing
- Home environment
- Mobility, strength and balance
- Bone health
- Ability to carry out your daily activities
- Fear of falling/ managing any anxiety around falls
Contact details
The service can be contacted at Low Grange Health Centre, Monday to Friday excluding bank holidays between the hours of 8.30am and 4.30pm.
- Tel: 01642 944484
- Email: [email protected]