Falls Prevention at Home

You may be at risk of falling if you:

• Get dizzy or lightheaded when you stand or turn

• Have difficulty walking or rising from a low chair or bed

• Have poor balance

• Have fallen before

• Take four or more medications

• Suffer from depression or memory problems

• Have poor eye-sight or hearing

• Have a cluttered or poorly lit home

Talk to your GP if you feel you make be at risk- many falls can be prevented

Helpful Tips to Help Prevent you Falling

Make your home safe:

• Check for hazards around your home

• Always take care on the stairs and remove any clutter

• Keep a night light by your bed

• Consider handrails around the house, especially the stairs

• Avoid standing on chairs and stools

• Ensure hallway and stairs are well lit

• Clean up spillages immediately

• Ensue carpets are firmly secured

• Secure loose wires and rugs

• Always take care with pets

Check your eyesight and hearing

• Have your eyes tested annually.

• Be sure you wear the correct glasses and take care when using. bifocals and varifocals, especially on stairs and steps.

• Poor hearing can affect your balance- see your nurse or GP for advice.

Wear sensible shoes and keep feet healthy:

• Wear well fitting, low-heeled shoes.

• Avoid wearing worn out or loose slippers.

• Have regular foot care.

Avoid or limit alcohol intake:

• Either alone or combined with medicines, alcohol increases the risk of falls.

Be Active:

• Physical activity including; walking, gardening, dancing, swimming & Tai Chi can help to improve mobility, strength, balance and flexibility.

Eat well and drink plenty of fluids:

• Eat foods rich in Vitamin D and Calcium. They are essential for healthy bones e.g, dairy, eggs, leafy green vegetables. Talk to your GP to see if you might benefit from additional supplements.

• Avoid missing meals.

• Dizziness and weakness can be reduced by eating regular meals and drinking plenty of fluids (preferably water) each day.