Falls
Falls are the leading cause of mortality in people aged over 75 in the UK. Falls have increased in Bracknell Forest over the last 5 years. Around 10-25% of people who have a fall will suffer a serious injury – such as a hip fracture.
Falls risk increases with age and can be caused by both internal and external factors. Internal factors are to do with the person, for example advanced age, previous fall history, muscle weakness or presence of a chronic condition such as arthritis. External factors are to do with the person’s environment, such as trip hazards, no stair rail, dim lighting, slippery surfaces and psychoactive medication.
What can you do to improve your care?
Assess your risk if you have not had a fall
It’s important for everyone over the age of 65 to be assessing their own risk of a fall. Risk factors include:
- Balance and gait problems
- Medication
- Visual impairment
- Incontinence
- Postural hypertension (increased blood pressure leading to dizziness)
- Alcohol consumption
- Impaired cognition
- Home hazards
It isn’t just your body that determines a fall, your environment matters too. Whatever your age slippery surfaces, trip hazards and unsafe stairs can lead to a fall. Ensuring that your home is free from these hazards or measures are taken to reduce risk can make moving around the house easier, safer and more comfortable.
Safety equipment
If you are a regular faller or have a high risk of falling Bracknell Forest offer personal alarm systems that link to a help centre 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year and alert the centre of a fall. The alarm will activate an automatic call to the control centre. A representative from Forestcare will visit your home and tend to you and ensure that you receive the correct treatment post-fall.
A keysafe can also be installed in a discreet position around your house to enable a member of Forestcare to gain access to your house if you are unable to move after a fall.
Look after your eyesight
Looking after your eyesight can help prevent a fall. If you can’t see where the bottom stair is, it can become a larger hazard. It is therefore recommended that you have regular eye exams. Eye exams are free for people over 60 and those diagnoses with diabetes or glaucoma (Full list of who qualifies for a free eye exam here). A list of places to have an eye exam are listed below.
Take regular exercise
Anything that makes you stronger is beneficial. Exercise is a great way to improve strength and prevent a fall. The largest benefits can be achieved through strength and balance training or exercise. Click on the links below for exercise plans. These exercises can be done at home or in a sports centre:
- Strength exercises
- Balance exercises
- Flexibility exercises
- Sitting exercises
Alternatively, please visit our community map to find further information about a range of exercise.
Helpful links
Facing up to falls shows the main factors that put a person at risk from a fall and how to avoid these risks.
How to get up safely from a fall shows the most practical way of getting up safely from the floor if you do have a fall.
Contact details for local services
- Bracknell Falls Prevention Assessment Clinic – Royal Berkshire Bracknell Healthspace, Eastern Gate, Brants Bridge, Bracknell RG12 9TR | 01344 352000
- Forestcare and Emergency Response | Tel: 01344 786500 | Email: forestcare.enquiries@bracknell-forest.gov.uk
- Age UK Berkshire | Tel: 0118 959 4242 | Email: info@ageukberkshire.org.uk
- Specsavers Opticians Bracknell – 18 Princess Square, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 1LS | Tel: 01344 303344
- Boots Opticians, The Lexicon, Bracknell – 19-23 Braccan Walk, Bracknell RG12 1BE | Tel: 01344 420933
- Vision Express Opticians at Tesco, Sandhurst – The Meadows, Marshall Rd, College Town, Sandhurst GU47 0FD | Tel: 0845 601 3479