How to prevent falls at home for an older person

You can lower the risk of a fall with a few changes. Clear the paths at home, keep moving every day, wear shoes that fit, ask a GP to review medicines, and get eyes checked regularly. These steps help protect confidence and independence.

What should I do if someone has just fallen?

Stay calm. Spend a couple of minutes checking for pain or injury before deciding whether to get up.

If you are helping, do not try to lift the person. Keep them comfortable and warm until help arrives. Then follow these steps in order.

1. Call 999 if the person may have injured their head, back, neck or hip, or if they cannot get up.
2. Call NHS 111 if it is not an emergency, but they have fallen and may be in pain, injured or unwell.
3. If there is no pain or injury and they feel able, they should first roll onto their side. Then they push up onto their hands and knees.
4. If they cannot get up, they should change position about every 30 minutes. This helps prevent pressure sores.

Tell the person’s GP about any fall, even if it seems minor. A GP can check balance and may refer them to a falls service.

What causes falls at home?

Falls are more likely for older people and people with mobility problems. Several things can add to the risk:

• Conditions that affect mobility or balance, such as arthritis, stroke or Parkinson’s disease.
• Dizziness or faintness. Low blood pressure, poorly controlled diabetes, certain medicines or taking many medicines can cause this.
• Not drinking enough. This can cause lightheadedness or dizziness.
• Alcohol, which raises the risk of falls by itself and can interact with some medicines.
• Clutter, loose rugs and poor footwear.

Which simple changes around the house help most?

Start with the places where people move most: stairs, hallways, the bedroom and the bathroom. Ask the person which spots worry them. They know their home best.

• Keep stairs and hallways clear.
• Move rugs and mats away from the top and bottom of the stairs.
• Put a night light near the bed. A motion-activated light is another option.
• Fit handrails and use non-slip mats.
• Consider safety rails on steps and grab rails in the bathroom.

A personal alarm lets someone call for help at the press of a button on a pendant or wristband. It can ease worry, but it does not stop a fall.

Which strength and balance exercises are safe to start with?

Staying active helps keep the strength, balance and coordination that prevent falls. Older adults should be active every day. They should also do strength and balance activities at least twice a week.

Exercise does not need to be vigorous. Simple chair-based exercises are one way to start.

If the person is unsure what is safe, ask their GP. A GP may refer them to a falls service for strength and balance training.

Which checks on medicines, eyesight and footwear are worth doing?

These four things are worth checking:

• Medicines. If the person thinks a medicine may affect their balance, they should speak to a GP or pharmacist. Do not stop any medicine without advice.
• Eyesight. Get eyes and glasses prescriptions checked at least every 2 years, even if sight seems fine.
• Footwear. Good shoes have high sides, low heels, thin soles and good grip. Shoes and slippers should fit well and stay on. Bare feet, socks or tights are not advised indoors.
• Vitamin D. A daily supplement can be considered in autumn and winter. Ask a GP or pharmacist what is right for the person.

If the person has dementia

A person living with dementia may need a few extra adjustments.

• Keep furniture in the same places, so the home stays familiar.
• Walk the routes they use most, such as bed to bathroom, and check them for anything that could trip or confuse them.
• Offer drinks regularly.
• Tell the GP about any change in how they walk or move.

What to do next

• Talk with the person about which changes they would like. Make the choices together.
• Walk through the home and fix the simplest hazards first.
• Ask a GP or pharmacist about medicines and vitamin D.
• Book an eye test if one is due.
• Ask a GP about a falls service, which can include home checks.
• Work out what extra help at home might cost with our free care cost calculator. Our rights and benefits guide explains what support you may be able to claim.
• Read the NHS advice on falls or the Age UK falls prevention guide.

This article covers England. Rules and services can differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It is general information, not medical advice.