Falls are a common but often overlooked source of injury and, unfortunately in many cases, death.
Everyone is potentially at risk of having a fall although certain groups of people are more vulnerable than others. Causes of falls include muscle weakness, problems with balance or mobility, alcohol, medications or poor eyesight.
Around 30% of adults who are over 65 years of age, and who are living in the community, will experience at least one fall a year, and this figure rises to 50% for those who are living in residential care.
A third of women and one in twelve men develop osteoporosis (brittle bones) which makes it more likely that they will have a 'fragility fracture'. Fractures of the hip, neck or femur are the most serious of such injuries.
Making small changes in and around your home can make a big difference in reducing falls.
Here is some general advice:
- Mop up spills straight away,
- Remove clutter, trailing wires, and frayed carpet,
- Use non-slip mats and rugs,
- Use high wattage bulbs in lights and torches so that you can see clearly,
- Organise your home so that climbing, stretching, and bending are kept to a minimum, and so that you do not bump into things,
- Get help to do things that you cannot do safely,
- Do not walk on slippery floors in socks or tights, and
- Avoid wearing loose-fitting, trailing clothes that might trip you up. Falls are a common but often overlooked source of injury and, unfortunately in many cases, death.
- Everyone is potentially at risk of having a fall, but certain groups of people are more vulnerable than others.
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