Stay Safe and Steady This Winter

for help. If you fall on a hard floor, try to move to a carpeted area. Reach for something (like a blanket or coat) to cover you. Find a nearby pillow or roll up some clothes to use as one. Try to move away from droughts and from direct heat like fires and radiators.

Keep moving, roll from side to side and move your arms and legs and avoid staying in one position while you are waiting to be helped.

Always tell your GP or carer about your fall. Many falls are not reported by older people or their caregivers due to the misconception that falls are inevitable with old age, which is not the case. Often, older people themselves are unaware of their risks of falling, nor do they report the presence of risk factors to others who might be able to help. Falls can be prevented or the risk minimized if the reason behind a person's falls can be identified.

This can be accomplished by a thorough and comprehensive assessment and the development of an individualized plan of intervention, support and education. Falls is a complex area as there is often not one reason that may cause a person to fall and the reasons may range from a simple trip on a loose mat to the more serious cardiac problems.

There is good research evidence which shows the effectiveness of different interventions to reduce the risk and impact of falls amongst older people. Evidence shows that a multifactorial intervention which incorporates exercises designed to improve strength and balance and safety changes at home can lead to a reduction in falls.

The author is a rehabilitation expert at Falls Assist UK. Falls Assist UK has a growing network of highly qualified health professionals that employ a variety of tools to perform a multifactorial comprehensive assessment and provide a proven programme that helps to reduce the risk of falls. www.fallsassist.com