Worried about falls?
Each year, around 1 in 3 people aged 65 or over will have a fall, which may lead to serious injury. People who have already had falls are more likely than others to fall in the future. They may also become anxious, less confident, and more dependent on other people.
The Milton Keynes Integrated Falls Prevention team explains below why falls are so common among older people and various ways to help prevent them. It also covers how to reduce the fear of falling.
What's age got to do with it?
As part of aging, eyesight and muscles tend to get weaker, making it harder to keep your balance. Certain medicines and illnesses can also cause difficulties such as balance problems, dizziness, confusion, and sleepiness. These issues can make older people more vulnerable to hazards such as steep stairs, slippery floors, or uneven pavements. There are specific risk factors that increase the chance of having a fall. Addressing these factors, when possible, may reduce the risk of falling.
Among older people, falls are more common in women than in men and become more likely as age increases. However, falling isn’t an inevitable part of getting older. There’s a lot that you and the people around you can do to help prevent falls.
"Preventing falls in the older generation is everyone's responsibility!’ in double quotes"
Risk Factors
Factors that increase the chance of falling include:
- Having had several falls
- Problem with walking or balance
- Weak leg muscles or arthritis
- Foot problems (e.g., pain or poor footwear)
- Having had a stroke or other long-term neurological condition in the past
- Poor eyesight
- Low morale
- Certain medicines (e.g., sleeping pills, sedatives, or antidepressants)
- Being on a combination of medicines
- Drinking alcohol
- Dementia
Problems after a fall
Falling and getting hurt is bad enough, but a person who has fallen may also feel helpless and embarrassed, especially if they can’t get up without help.
If you do fall and can’t get up, don’t forget to press your pendant alarm button immediately. It’s important to cover yourself up if you can and to try to keep moving by turning over and moving your arms and legs. This helps you stay warm, improves circulation, and reduces your chance of getting pressure sores or other medical problems from lying still on the floor for a long time.
PLEASE NOTE: WE DO ACCEPT SELF-REFERRALS.
Don’t just assume you must have tripped if you can’t remember doing so. Older people, particularly women, have a higher risk of breaking a bone when they fall. This is often due to a condition called 'osteoporosis' that makes the bones more fragile. If you’re worried about osteoporosis, your GP can provide you with information and advice.
When to contact your GP / Our Service?
If you fall over, it’s sensible to tell your doctor, even if you didn’t hurt yourself. This is especially important if it’s possible that dizziness or a blackout caused you to fall, or if a change in your medicines seems to have made you unsteady on your feet. Also, ask for a check-up if there seems to be no obvious explanation for your fall, or if you’re worried about falling again. Contact us for further assistance.
01908 686751 OR
COMPLETE an Referral Enquiry Form
Once we receive your completed enquiry form, we will contact you to gather further information.
Preventing Falls
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