Help to prevent falls
Anyone can have a fall, but it’s more likely if you’re older or have mobility problems. In fact, a third of people over the age of 65 and half of those over 85 have a fall every year.
Fortunately, falls are often preventable and there’s lots we can do to reduce the risk of falling.
Below we’ve put together our top tips to help you or someone you care for. We also recommend checking your home for hazards and making a falls plan.
Health checks
Health checks including regular eyesight and hearing tests, medication reviews and foot care can all help prevent falls.
Strength and balance
Strengthening muscles and improving balance and coordination is one of the simplest and most effective things we can do to help prevent falls.
Tell someone if you fall
Friends, family and health professionals, such as your GP, can all provide help and support to make sure it doesn’t happen again, or refer you to the Falls Team.
You can also request an occupational therapy assessment. This will identify and address falls risks in your home and identify equipment that might help you to move safely around your home and in the community.
You can ask for help online using the link above. If you would rather speak to someone, you can contact our adult social care team by:
- email: ccadults@solihull.gov.uk
- phone: 0121 704 8007 (weekdays from 9:00am to 5:00pm, except Wednesdays when we open at 10:00am)
Even near misses, loss of balance and trips are important warning signs. If you are worried about someone else, encourage them to get advice and support to reduce their risk of falling.
Further information
You can find further information about preventing falls and how to help someone if they fall via: