Falling or feeling at risk of falling is not an inevitable part of ageing. However, it's important to recognise that a fall may be a sign of a health issue that needs attention.
If you experience a fall, it’s important to consult your GP or a health professional. This will help to identify potential causes and receive appropriate care.
Gathering Information About Falls
The more details you can recall about a fall, the easier it is to pinpoint a cause. Take some time to reflect on the following things:
When it happened - Note the time of day and your activities leading up to the fall. Was there anything specific you were doing at that moment?
How it happened - Try to remember whether it was a loss of balance, tripping on an object, feeling dizzy, or having a blackout. Were there any warning signs before your fall? These details can be useful in working out why it happened.
Where it happened - Consider the location of the fall. Are there any potential trip hazards that can be removed? Be particularly aware of this if you have fallen in the same place more than once.
Multiple Risk Factors
Falls often result from a combination of risk factors. Common contributors and tips to reduce them include:
Muscle weakness - Strengthening exercises and keeping active regularly can help make your muscles stronger.
Poor balance - Balance exercises and keeping active regularly can help you feel more stable when moving around.
Dizziness - Consult a health professional to identify the cause of dizziness and receive appropriate treatment.
Environmental hazards - Remove or address potential trip hazards in your home to create a safer environment.
Vision and hearing problems - Regular eye and ear check-ups can find issues early and allow for appropriate treatments.
Foot issues - Foot pain, deformities, or numbness can be addressed with proper footwear and foot care.
Footwear - Make sure that your shoes are supportive, comfortable, and fit well.
Memory loss or confusion - Keeping your brain healthy is essential. Stay mentally active with puzzles and brain exercises, and consult a health professional if you’re noticing memory changes.
Poor nutrition - A balanced diet can support overall health and reduce the risk of falls.
Dehydration - Dehydration can lead to lightheadedness and falls. Make sure you are drinking enough water throughout the day, especially in hot weather.
Medications - Review your medications with a health professional to minimise side effects that may contribute to falls.
Bladder and bowel difficulties - Problems such as urgency can increase the risk of falls. Speak to a health professional for advice or support.
Alcohol consumption - Limit alcohol intake, as drinking can affect balance and coordination.
Pre-existing medical conditions - Certain medical conditions, especially those affecting your central nervous system, such as Strokes, Parkinsons disease or Multiple sclerosis, increase your risk of falls due to the effects these conditions have on your movement. Condition-specific support may be required if you have falls and have been diagnosed with one of these conditions. Speak to your healthcare providers about the most appropriate services to liaise with.
The Confidence Factor
Experiencing a fall can affect your confidence, potentially leading to a cycle of reduced activity and an increased risk of falls. Being proactive is essential, even if you haven’t yet had a fall. This approach helps you to take control of your situation, enabling you to remain active and independent for longer, with an improved quality of life in the long run.
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Milton Keynes Falls Service - Staying Steady
Staying Steady Milton Keynes offers specialist support to individuals, mainly aged over 65 years, who have fallen or are at risk of falling. We work with an individual and their carer to make decisions about the best way to reduce the risk of the person falling, raise awareness of risk factors for falling and make any necessary changes to their home to prevent falls.
The service is provided to any person (primarily those aged over 65 years of age) registered with a Milton Keynes Clinical Commissioning Group general practitioner (GP) who has fallen or is at risk of falling.
If you need advice, practical help, equipment, home support, care services or local activities and exercise classes, visit Help and Contacts to find services and support available in your area.
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