What is falls prevention

Discuss any falls you have had with a GP and say if it's had any impact on your health and wellbeing. The GP can carry out some simple balance tests to check whether you're at an increased risk of falling in the future. They can also refer you to useful services in your local area.

Doing regular strength exercises and balance exercises can improve your strength and balance, and reduce your risk of having a fall. This can take the form of simple activities such as walking and dancing , or specialist training programmes.

Many community centres and local gyms offer specialist training programmes for older people. Exercises that can be carried out at home are also available. Ask a GP about training programmes in your area. It's important that a strength and balance training programme is tailored to the individual and monitored by an appropriately trained professional.

Mark the leading edge of outside steps for example, with white paint so they are easy to see. Install grab rails next to steps that do not have hand rails. Make sure outside steps are well lit. Keep paths well swept. Repair broken, uneven or cracked paths, patios and other walking surfaces.

Report cracked footpaths to your local council. Wear sunglasses and a hat to reduce sun glare. Stay healthy To maximise your physical wellbeing and reduce your risk of falls: Talk to your doctor or other health professionals about: your diet managing your medications including non-prescription ones ways to manage chronic medical conditions, including dizziness and incontinence.

Have your eyes tested annually. Visit your podiatrist regularly to minimise foot problems. Wear shoes that are comfortable and fit well — they should be wide enough in the toe area, have low or no heels and have slip-resistant soles.

Consider wearing hip protectors or limb protectors to help prevent hip fracture and skin tears in the event of a fall. Make sure your Vitamin D levels are enough for strong bones and muscles Eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of fluids. Get active. Research shows that exercise at any age is beneficial. Physical activity The more active you are the better your chance of keeping your muscles strong and joints flexible.

Call for help if you can. Dial triple zero for emergency services or call your local doctor for help — keep your telephone in easy reach of the floor, for instance on a low table. Decide whether you can get up yourself. If you can get up by yourself Roll over onto your stomach and try to get into a crawling position. Crawl to a stable piece of furniture, like a lounge chair. Try to get up onto your knees. Push up, using your strongest leg and arms, still firmly holding onto the furniture.

Sit down on the furniture. Use your personal alarm , if you have one. If you know no one will hear you, keep warm and try to get up again later.

Falls can be prevented! More information here. Give feedback about this page. Was this page helpful? Yes No. View all safety. Related information. Carers Australia. Falls are the main reason why older adults lose their independence. Although the risk factors increase with age, falls are not an inevitable part of aging. You can find lots of fall prevention information, including brochures and pamphlets, research papers, and websites collected from around the world on our page:.

The pages in this "Fall Prevention" section are designed to provide information on fall prevention. It has been developed by the Ministry of Health, in partnership with the B. Injury Research and Prevention Unit. It has information for older adults, their relatives and caregivers, as well as health professionals and care providers.

The goal of this site is to provide detailed and up-to-date information on prevention, causes, consequences and treatment of falls among older people and provide information on staying independent. Comments will be sent to 'servicebc gov. Enter your email address if you would like a reply:. The information on this form is collected under the authority of Sections 26 c and 27 1 c of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act to help us assess and respond to your enquiry.

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