Falls Prevention
As we get older, the risk of serious injury increases however the fear of falling can also cause restrictions to how people live their lives.
Below you will find information on how you can minimise the risk:
- wear well-fitting shoes/slippers with good tread
- ensure your stairs are well lit and have rails or bannisters
- remove rugs or only use rugs with non-slip backs
- move furniture so it is not in your way when you walk
- try to keep walkways clutter free especially on the stairs
- use a non-slip mat in the bath or shower
- consider fitting extra handrails to the stairs and in the bathroom
- keep items that you regularly use within easy reach and if you do have reach something at a higher level, use a firm stepladder
- keep a light at the side of your bed so that if you do have to get up in the night, you can turn the light on first
- if you use walking aids, ensure that the rubber feet (on the bottom of the aid) are in good condition – these can be replaced without purchasing a new walking aid
- consider a pendant alarm which will help you to summon help if you fall. If you already have a pendant alarm, make sure that you wear it at all times
Health
- have your eyes checked regularly
- have your blood pressure checked by your GP especially if you are falling as you get up out of bed or out of a chair
- if you are having problems with your mobility, talk to your GP
- eat healthy and take regular exercise. Activities that improve your muscle strength as well as balance exercises if you suffer from joint pain can help overcome stiffness
- have a hearing test – fluid in the ear can cause some balance problems
Ceredigion CONNECT
Llesiant Delta Wellbeing’s CONNECT Service is the first of its kind in Wales, and is currently only available in Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire. The Connect Service provides an enhanced lifeline and telecare service. The service aims to provide a wrap-around support service to help individuals to live independently for longer and help identify any potential health and wellbeing issues at the earliest opportunity. Delta also offer a more basic lifeline and telecare service. More information and how to get in touch can be found on the Llesiant Delta Connect webpage.
Further Information
The following links have more information about falls prevention, although some of the sites are targeted towards older people, the information that they provide may be relevant to everyone:
- Care and Repair - www.careandrepair.org.uk - can provide a home safety check which will look at both safety and security within your home for people aged over 65 years
- Independent Age - www.independentage.org - has useful information in respect of falls prevention
- NHS Choices - www.nhs.uk
- Age UK - www.ageuk.org.uk
- ROSPA - www.rospa.com - the accident prevention charity has video and information about falls
Personal Alarms / Lifelines
If you are experiencing falls or at risk of falling you may wish to consider having a pendant alarm. This will give you some peace of mind, that if you do fall and are unable to get back up, you will be able to summon help.
The alarm is small and discreet and can be worn around the neck or wrist.
There is a charge for the service and alarms can be purchased/leased from the following companies:
- Careline – 01558 824283
- Age Cymru Ceredigion – 0800 023 4783