A fall is one of the most common reasons families first call us, and it often knocks someone’s confidence as much as their body. Age UK is clear that falls are not an inevitable part of getting older. Many of the things that help are small and practical.
What makes a fall more likely
The NHS lists the most common reasons older people fall:
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Weaker muscles
Muscles naturally get weaker as we get older.
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Feeling faint or dizzy
Low blood pressure, or not eating and drinking enough, can make someone lightheaded.
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Medicines
Some medicines have side effects that can affect balance.
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Eyesight and hearing
Problems with either make it harder to judge steps and surroundings.
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Dementia
Living with dementia is one of the risk factors the NHS lists.
Around the house
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Clear the floor
Loose rugs, trailing wires and clutter are among the easiest things to fix.
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Shoes and slippers that fit
They should fit well, stay on and have a good grip.
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A non-slip mat
In the bath or shower.
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Regular meals and drinks
Not eating or drinking enough can make someone feel faint.
Strength and balance
The NHS recommends that people over 65 do something every day, even if it is light, and do activities that improve strength, balance and flexibility on at least two days a week. There are simple exercises on the NHS website that can be done at home, including sitting exercises.
Local classes help too, and they are a chance to meet people. Age UK runs seated exercise classes across North, South and West Dorset for a small charge, Stay Strong Stay Steady classes in Somerset, and Fitness and Friendship clubs in Wiltshire.
- Physical activity guidelines for older adults, NHS (opens in a new tab)
- Balance exercises, NHS (opens in a new tab)
- Sitting exercises, NHS (opens in a new tab)
- Seated exercise classes, Age UK North, South & West Dorset (opens in a new tab)
- Falls prevention classes, Age UK Somerset (opens in a new tab)
- Fitness and Friendship clubs, Age UK Wiltshire (opens in a new tab)
Eyes and medicines
Eye tests are free on the NHS for anyone aged 60 or over, and can be done at home for someone who cannot leave home on their own because of illness or disability. Age UK suggests a check at least every two years.
If your parent takes several medicines, ask the GP or pharmacist for a review. A pharmacist will go through everything they take, including anything bought over the counter. They should not stop or change a medicine without talking to the GP or pharmacist first.
If your parent has a fall
The NHS advice for someone who has fallen is to take it slowly: don’t get up too quickly, roll onto one side, then use their arms to push up onto hands and knees. Call 999 if they may have hurt their head, neck, back or hip, or cannot get up. Call NHS 111 if they may be in pain, injured or unwell.
Always tell the GP about a fall, even a small one. They can refer your parent for a falls risk assessment. In Somerset, people with a Somerset GP can also refer themselves to the NHS falls service.
A personal alarm means help can be called at the press of a button. Somerset Lifeline is Somerset Council’s alarm service; in Dorset and Wiltshire, ask the council’s adult social care team what is available.
Somerset Falls Service
For adults with a Somerset GP who have fallen or are worried about falling. Weekdays 9am to 5pm
How Aurora can help
Regular visits help with many of the things on this page: keeping the floors clear, cooking proper meals, walks and trips out to keep someone moving, and lifts to the optician or GP. Because the same small team visits, carers notice changes and tell Kirsty, a registered nurse, who can suggest when an occupational therapist might help with equipment at home.
In Sturminster Newton, a couple we support have had fewer falls since visits began, and in Mere, Sara has not fallen since.
