Help with falls
Find out about help available if you or a family member have had a fall or are at risk of falling.
Why falls matter
Most of us will have experienced a fall at some point in our lives. For some people, falling over will be nothing more than a bit embarrassing. However, every day there are people who lose their confidence and independence because of falling - even if they haven't hurt themselves.
Whatever your age, there are many things you can do to reduce the risk of falling, while continuing to do the things that matter to you.
Causes of falls
Most falls among older people are caused by a combination of things, with weak muscles, poor balance and walking difficulties commonly playing a part. Without taking action, these can considerably increase your risk of falling.
Find out more about the causes of falls
Preventing falls
Falls prevention is about working out why you're falling, and taking the right action to reduce the chances of falling again, or injuring yourself if you do fall. Things that can make a big difference include:
- keeping active and doing some simple exercises to improve strength and balance
- identifying trip, slip and fall hazards around the home
- equipment to help you move around safely at home and outdoors
- managing your medication
- looking after your bones
- looking after your feet
- looking after your vision and hearing
- eating well and drinking plenty water (or other non-alcoholic drinks)
Getting up from the floor after a fall
If you have some muscle weakness or painful and stiff joints, getting up from the floor after a fall can be a problem. A community alarm service is available in East Renfrewshire, which gives 24/7 access to assistance if you fall at home. There is a charge for this service, but the first six weeks are free, while you try it out.
Help with falls
Visit NHS inform for more information about falls and falls prevention
If you or someone you care for has had a fall, you can request a falls assessment. Contact the Initial Contact Team on 0141 800 7850. This is the single point of access for any health, wellbeing and/ or social work queries in East Renfrewshire.
Find out more about community alarms or call the Initial Contact Team on 0141 800 7850.
To find out about exercise and physical activity options in East Renfrewshire to prevent falls, call 0141 577 4957 (Eastwood area) or 0141 577 3989 (Barrhead area), and/or visit East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure web pages here.
