Falls are the most common type of accident in the home. 30% of people over 65 years fall at home. Preventing falls is not an easy task. The causes of falls are varied and complex. But there are a great number of simple and practical things that can be done to reduce the risk.

Avonsafe Older People’s Group, a partnership of health, local authorities, emergency services and private sectors from across Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Bath and North East Somerset, works together to reduce the number of injuries involving older people and aims to help people stay fit, healthy, safe and independent in later life.

Top tips for avoiding falls:

• Remove rugs
• Avoid clutter
• Have good lighting
• Fit hand rails
• Avoid over-reaching for things in the home
• Do not stand on chairs or stools
• Have a light and phone close to the bed
• Use a non slip rubber mat in the bath and shower
• Have you sight and hearing tested every year
• Keep active to maintain good balance and strength
• Look after your feet – wear flat enclosed shoes with non-slip soles, do not wear sloppy, ill fitting slippers
• Have your medication checked every 6 months by your GP
• Always tell you GP if you have dizziness or blackouts

What should I do if I fall?

• Get help and try not to panic: Try to attract attention by banging in the floor or wall. Use your personal alarm, or call 999 if you can reach a phone.
• If you can’t get help and you are not hurt, try to get up: A lot of the problems people experience after a fall come from lying on the ground for too long and getting cold. If you can’t get up. Use a piece of sturdy furniture to try and pull yourself up.
• Keep warm: If you are unable to get up, tense your arm and leg muscles and cover yourself with a coat or whatever you can find to keep yourself warm.

For more information about home safety or to find out more about free older people’s safety days at the Lifeskills Centre, please contact Fiona O’Driscoll on 01454 863632 or email fiona.o’driscoll@southglos.gov.uk

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