Reduce your risk of falling at home

General falls and bone health resources

Get up and Go leaflet  for information on how to help people who have fallen or may be at risk of falling.   

Getting up from a fall web page for information on what to do if you have a fall.

Better Bones Service for talks on bone health.

How to reduce your risk of falling at home

Most falls happen in the home/garden but there are preventive measures you can take. See NHS Inform for information on identifying fall hazards in the home.

RBK Occupational Therapy can help if your home needs adapting with things such as grab rails and sensor lights.

AskSARA gives impartial advice on equipment for the home.

Eating well and preventing dehydration

Eating healthily is important for your overall health and wellbeing and can help prevent falls. Eating regular, nutritious meals and drinking plenty of non-alcoholic fluids can help to avoid problems that can lead to a fall.  See NHS Inform for information on eating well.

Looking after your vision and hearing

Make sure you have regular hearing and eye tests. You qualify for free NHS eye tests at least once every two years if you are over 60 or receiving certain benefits. You may also be eligible for a free eye test at home if you can't get to an optician.

Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) has an online hearing check which will suggest if your hearing is in a normal range or if you may have hearing loss.

Your GP can also arrange a hearing test.

Information about the RBK Sight and Hearing Service is available on Connected Kingston.

Information about Kingston's Association for the Blind (KAB) service is also available on Connected Kingston.

Manage Bladder and bowel conditions

If you have a bladder or bowel condition that causes you to rush to the toilet, or visit more often during the day or night, you could be at an increased risk of falling. Continence problems, and the symptoms of bladder irritability, can often be improved with the correct treatment.

Visit the Continence team webpage to find out how to be referred.

Manage your medicines

Some medicines can affect your balance and some react if taken together. Make sure your GP knows about all the medications you are taking, including non-prescription medication.

Tell your GP if any of your medication is making you feel dizzy or unwell and ask your GP or pharmacist for a review of your medication every year.

Look after your feet

Look after your feet by trimming toenails, using a moisturiser, wearing well-fitting shoes and seeing a GP or podiatrist about any problems. Talk to your GP to see if you qualify for free NHS foot care services.

Visit the Podiatry Team website for more information.

Alcohol

As you get older, the effects of alcohol increase. This can make you more unsteady on your feet than you used to be. If you’re on medication and choose to consume alcohol, be aware of the effects alcohol may have. Kingston's e-drink service can provide support and advice.

See Preventing Falls for more information.