Staying active
You can prevent falls by eating well and staying hydrated.
You may increase your risk of falling if you are not drinking enough or are undernourished/not eating enough. This may cause you to feel dizzy or lightheaded.
Falls prevention is about identifying and managing the risks related to your health and wellbeing.
Keeping fit and healthy could help you stay mobile:
- avoid sitting for longer than 30 minutes at a time
- try and build walking into your daily routine
- exercises to build up strength in the muscles and improve balance may help you become steadier on your feet and less likely to fall but need to be carried out regularly to be of benefit
There are lots of services which can help you stay active in Leeds on Leeds Directory.
Discuss with a healthcare professional regarding the most appropriate exercise programme for you to reduce your risk of falling. It is advised that you seek advice from your GP or healthcare professional if there has been a change in your health.
Looking after yourself
To stay hydrated you need to aim to drink 6 to 8 cups of non-alcoholic fluid a day unless you have been advised otherwise by a healthcare professional.
If you are not eating enough, you could be underweight, and this leads to muscle weakness and a loss of strength. Eating a well-balanced diet, including foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, maintains a healthy weight and helps keep your bones strong. Aim to eat regular meals through the day to maintain energy.
Find out more about eating well from the NHS.
Reviewing your medication
Certain medications can make you feel faint or dizzy and affect your balance. Let your doctor or pharmacist know if you experience side effects like these, as they may need to check the dose or look at alternatives.
More information is available on knowing and getting the most from your medicines through Age UK.
Looking after your eyesight and hearing
A deterioration in vision and hearing can increase your risk of falls. It is advised to have your vision checked every 12 months, or more frequently if you notice any changes in your eyesight.
Problems with hearing can affect your balance and impact on your awareness of hazards in your environment, increasing the risk of falls. If you notice a change in your hearing, speak to your GP. If you already have hearing aids, ensure you wear them and that they are in good working order.
Find out about the Leeds Hearing and Sight Loss Service.
Looking after your feet
Problems with your feet can prevent you from getting out and about and can affect your balance and increase your risk of falling. It is important to look after your feet and report any foot pain or reduced feeling in your feet to a healthcare professional.
When considering footwear, think about the size and shape of shoe. Shoes need to be the correct length for the larger foot and wide enough to accommodate the toes. Low-heeled well-fitting shoes are recommended.
Check your feet regularly for cracked skin, blisters, or signs of infection. Keep toenails short and regularly moisturise feet. Inform a healthcare professional if you notice any issues or concerns with your feet.
- View further information on looking after your feet on Age UK.
- View a list of chiropodists/podiatrists on the Leeds Directory.
Preventing falls at home
We spend most of our time at home and tend to move around our homes without thinking about our safety. It might seem like 'common sense' but it isn't always easy to recognise the things that can cause trips, slips and falls.
Have a look around your home and consider the following:
- keeping walkways clear of clutter, wires, or other obstacles will help to prevent trips
- ensuring rugs and mats are removed or securely fastened, and carpets are not loose
- adequate lighting in hallways and stairs can prevent trips
- consider nightlights for hallways and bedrooms when going to the bathroom overnight
- consider storing items and appliances that are used regularly within easy reach
- ensure furniture such as beds and sofas are not too low or too soft as this can make it harder to stand up
- think about getting someone to help re-arrange furniture to allow for wider walkways.
Even with these changes you may need some help from organisations to make sure you've considered everything and to help you make adaptations.
Find out more about preventing falls at home on Leeds Directory.
Find out more information about falls prevention and management on Leeds Directory.
