Falls are everyone’s business, we all have responsibilities to minimise risk for patients and refer on to appropriate services to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of all our patients, whether they’re at risk of falls or have a history of falls.
Top tips:
- A great way to reduce your fall risk and ensure you’re hydrated is to drink 6-8 large glasses of non-alcoholic fluid a day minimum.
- The Balance System relies on 3 different senses: The eyes, ears and joint position in space. That’s way is important to have regular sight and hearing tests. Look for problems with feet which can affect balance and seek advice from GP or chiropodist & wear well-fitted shoes and slippers.
- If an older person is unable to get up off the floor after a non-injurious fall for more than 1 hour they risk getting a number of medical conditions. That’s why is crucial to have a way of summoning help should you fall alone at home, such as a care line. Bromley Healthcare’s Falls & Fracture Prevention Service can help you make a plan to avoid a long lie.
- Fear of falling is the most commonly reported anxiety among older people. It can affect the ability to do normal activities and avoidance of physical activity leads to a reduction in strength and balance. Bromley Healthcare’s Falls & Fracture Prevention Service can work with you to reduce your anxiety about falling.
- Your home environment can play a major role in increasing the possibility of a slip or trip. Making minor changes to your home or routines can reduce your chances of having a fall. Bromley Healthcare’s Falls & Fracture Prevention Service can visit your home and work with you to help maintain your independence whist reducing your risk of falls. Ensure your home is hazard free and well lit.
- Appropriate strength and balance exercises are proven to reduce falls and fractures and increase bone mineral density in older people. Bromley Healthcare’s Falls & Fracture Prevention Service can offer you a tailored strength and balance exercise programme either at home or in a group setting. Stay active to maintain good strength & balance.
- Sit less move more: Feel good – Breaking long spells of sitting throughout the day is good for your health. Sitting less stops you getting stiff and sore, makes you more mentally alert and boosts your energy. It can help you do things more easily, stay healthy, keep bones and muscles strong, stay independent. Try to get up every 20 minutes morning, afternoon and evening.
- Our vision forms part of our balance system, so it is vital that you have regular vison tests to ensure you make the best use of any usual aids you may require, such as glasses and lighting. By the time we reach the age of 60 years, our eyes are 30% less sensitive to light. Eye conditions can also affect vision and may require regular monitoring. People up to the age of 85 should have an eye test every 2 years, those 85 and over should have an eye test every year.
Find more information and support on our Falls and Fracture Prevention service page.