Falls Prevention

Falls can have a significant impact on a person's health, wellbeing, confidence and independence. Health and social care staff play an important role in helping people identify risks, stay active and access support that can help reduce the likelihood of a fall.

Many falls can be prevented through simple measures such as improving strength and balance, managing health conditions, checking for hazards around the home and ensuring people have access to appropriate support and equipment. 

Falls Prevention Videos

Age UK: How to Reduce Your Risk of Falling - This short video provides practical advice on reducing the risk of falls and maintaining independence.

Getting Up Safely After a Fall - This video demonstrates techniques that may help someone get up safely following a fall, where appropriate to do so.

Supporting People to Reduce Their Risk of Falling

When supporting people at home or in the community, staff are often well placed to identify factors that may increase the risk of a fall, including:

• Reduced strength or mobility
• Poor balance
• Trip hazards around the home
• Poor lighting
• Changes in vision or hearing
• Medication-related issues
• Fear of falling or reduced confidence

Early conversations and appropriate support can help people remain safe, active and independent.

Further Information

For comprehensive, up-to-date guidance on falls prevention, visit NHS inform Preventing Falls, which includes advice on:

• Strength and balance exercises
• Staying active
• Home safety
• Bone health
• Vision and hearing
• Medication management
• What to do after a fall
• Falls support services