ft Matters
06
Health Message
Your Health: Trips and Falls Helping you avoid falls Everyone is at risk of having a fall, but for adults over 65, children and people whose jobs involve working at heights the risk is much greater. In June 17% of our responses were for falls and is often our top reason for someone calling 999. Common causes of falls include: • • • • • • • •
Slippery surfaces Obstructions Poor footwear Untidy areas Running Low lighting Unsafe stairs, steep stairs or slopes Dizziness
Simple tips to prevent falls Making small changes in and around your home can make a big difference: • Remove clutter, trailing wires and frayed carpets. Use non slip mats and rugs if you have hard floors.
• Wear sensible footwear – loose fitting slippers (sloppy slippers) are a common cause of falls. • Try to improve the lighting in your home so that you can clearly see where you are going. • Keep hallways and landings clear – so if you get up in the night there is less chance of bumping into things. • Use stair guards for small children and try to and make sure your home is child-friendly. • Ensure children wear safety helmets and guards when bikes, skateboards or skating. • Ensure that ladders are secure before climbing – as a guide it should be angled one rung out for every four rungs up. • Your local falls prevention service can also provide advice and help make changes for older people at risk of falls.
If you do have a fall try to stay calm. If in doubt call 999 for help following a serious fall. Further information can be found at http://www. nhs.uk/conditions/Falls/ Pages/Introduction
“Everyone is at risk of having a fall, but for adults over 65, children and people whose jobs involve working at heights the risk is much greater.” Annie Palmer FT Membership Manager annie.palmer@emas.nhs.uk Picture credit: dreamstime.com