Falls are preventable, not inevitable - ten top tips to keep you safe from falls

This week is Falls Prevention Awareness week, but for the Fife Health and Social Care Partnership work to support Fifers goes on all year round.

Chris Conroy, Head of Community Care Services from the Fife Health and Social Care Partnership explained: “Many of us may assume falls will only affect older people, and as we age it is inevitable, but most falls can be prevented and if you have certain long term health conditions or have increased frailty you can be at heightened risk at any age.

“The majority of us will be embarrassed and continue on after a fall, but especially as you get older or are increasingly frail, falling can be really upsetting and life changing.

“We wanted to use the awareness week as an opportunity to tell people about the simple things they can do to reduce their risk and how family members or carers can support people too.”

What can cause trips or falls and what can I do to prevent them?

• There are a range of simple things you can do – here are our top ten tips
• Reduce the build-up of clutter, and make sure items like small tables, pet bowls or trailing cables or wires don’t pose a trip hazard – especially on the stairs.
• Make sure you can move around your home easily and safely by arranging furniture to give you the space you need – for example pushing a table against a wall or removing casters from things like chairs, beds or tables will stop them moving and help them become more stable.
• Don’t leave or store things on the stairs.
• Remove or secure loose mats or rugs to help you avoid tripping on them.
• Keep your home well lit, especially the stairs so you can see where you are going clearly.
• Put a non-slip mat in and beside your bath or shower and be careful on slippery surfaces like laminate or tiled floor.
•  Make sure your washing line isn’t too high so you don’t have to stretch to reach it. Move garden furniture away from your door and make sure the garden is well lit.
• Use railings – they can provide support and stability throughout the home – especially when you’re going up and down the stairs or in your bathroom to give you extra support.
• Look after your feet and make sure your shoes fit well and have a strong sturdy sole. Replace your slippers regularly as they can become loose over time and make sure they have a strap, laces or backs and aren’t too high.
• Stay active – age is no barrier and regular exercise can improve strength, stamina, balance and flexibility.

For a full range of information go to Preventing falls | NHS inform and for help and advice and visit Living Safely and Independently at Home in Fife.