We all stumble from time to time but as we get older we may end up on the floor rather than being able to keep ourselves upright. A fall is defined as ‘unexpectedly landing at a lower level than intended’, so that would include slipping out of bed, a chair or sitting back down in the chair, when intending to stand up.

If we are ill we can easily become weak and lose our strength and balance. We are then more prone to falls. It's important to know at how strong we are and look at ways to help ourselves maintain our fitness or improve our fitness level, so we maximise our strength and balance.

It is true that many older people worry about falls before they have experienced them. This is often the best time to seek advice and help. The earlier action is taken, the better the outcome. It is important to remember that if you talk about your falls, very often,  something can be done to prevent them. Let your GP and any health and social care worker know if you are worried about falling or have had any falls.

This Devon based Steady on your Feet website provides lots of useful information about keeping active and preventing falls, including how to assess your risk and create your own falls prevention plan: Welcome to Steady On Your Feet Devon

This falls prevention checklist on the RoSPA fall fighters page is also very useful: rsa-flyers-falls-at-home.pdf

The following information has been put together by our local falls prevention champions in Torbay:

  • Torbay falls prevention videos on the Torbay and South Devon NHS website click on ‘support videos’ including how to cope if you have a fall.
  • Get up and Go booklets – great advice and how to manage a fall, please phone 01803 219700 to get your copy
  • Strength and balance classes – Torbay. Self-refer to this excellent programme to improve strength, balance and confidence – 0300 456 1006
  • Torbay Community Helpline 01803 446022

Offering a wide range of support signposting depending on your needs.

This service will offer help with small jobs around the home to support you at home. You will only pay for their out-of-pocket expenses and any materials needed.

  • Health and Social Care teams for carer, falls or mobility assessments.  These teams have therapists, district nurses, support and social workers 01803 219700 
  • Wide ranging advice and support available from Age UK Torbay 01803 555181
  • Podiatry (footcare) assessments free to over 60s 01803 217711
  • Carers support - Signposts for Carers: 01803 666620