Prevention of falls
Stay Safe
We all generally feel safe in our own homes, but simple things around the house can cause you to trip or fall. There are a number of things you can do or change in the home to help prevent you, or someone you know, falling, such as:
- Keeping your home warm (minimum of 21 degrees for main living room / 18 degrees for bedroom)
- Make sure lights are bright enough to see clearly
- Use lights at night e.g. going to the bathroom; going up and downstairs
- Make sure a light switch or lamp can easily be reached from the bed
- Have some food supplies ready if you can’t go out for a few days
- Always keep simple cold and flu remedies in the house
- Check all rugs have a non-slip underlay
- Use cable tidies to make sure there are no trailing wires
- Make sure walkways, doorways and stairs are clutter free
- Try not to sit still for more than an hour or so. Get up, stretch your legs and make yourself a warm drink
- Limit your alcohol intake. Drinking alcohol can lead to loss of co-ordination and exaggerate the effects of some medicines. Avoiding alcohol or reducing the amount you drink can reduce your risk of having a fall
- Check on your neighbours and relatives to make sure they’re safe and well too
You can find out further information and advice here
Further information is available at the following websites:
Winter Fuel / Cold Weather Payment
Campaign for Older Carers Blog
Further useful contacts are available here
Download SAGA’s ‘Get up and Go’ booklet here