If walking and mobility is an issue for your friend or relative then they may be at risk of a fall.
This section gives you a brief overview of how to prevent falls occurring and how to help if your friend or relative has fallen. You may want to get professional help (see below for who to ask) to look at their risk of falling and how to protect against falls.
There are a variety of factors, other than balance and mobility that may affect a person’s falls risk. These may include:
- Other medical conditions they have
- Previous falls
- Living alone
- Hazards or risks within the home environment
- Impairment with their thinking
- Use of multiple medications (more than 4)
- Vision impairment
- Continence problems
- Fear of falling
- Foot problems or wearing poor footwear
- Nutrition
It is important to consider how to minimise the above factors. This may include receiving help from:
- Falls specialist – Some aged care departments or some physiotherapists and occupational therapists work exclusively in falls prevention. You may want to contact someone who can visit your home and advise how to prevent falls
- Physiotherapist – Can help with safe mobility tips, balance and strengthening exercises and education on how to get up after a fall
- Occupational Therapist – Can help with assessing your environment and providing advice regarding risks in your home. This may include advice about the placement of support rails and ramps or providing the right equipment to prevent falls. It may also include support about the safest way to complete everyday activities.
Preventing falls
Encourage your friend or relative to use their mobility aids (e.g. a walking stick or walking frame) if prescribed. Make sure it is kept close to their bed or chair so it is there when they need it.
Improve lighting in the home environment. If your friend or relative gets up to go to the bathroom alone at night, consider installing a sensor light or leaving some lights on. Men may be able to use a urine bottle at night to avoid having to get out of bed.
Remind your friend or relative to stand up slowly and to sit back down if they feel dizzy or lightheaded.
Ensure that your friend or relative has shoes that are a good comfortable fit. The best shoes are ones that are flat-soled with good grip. Slippers and thongs can be dangerous if people have mobility problems and are at risk of falling.
Tips to “fall proof” your house
- Removing loose rugs and flooring
- Highlight step edges by placing a non-slip bright coloured tape at the edge of the step
- Move small items of furniture away from common walkways in the house
- Ensure that walkways are uncluttered
- Use a non-slip mat in the bathroom and shower recess
You can get a “Home safety checklist” through your Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist. This is a more detailed guide on hazards around the house. It also outlines ways to remove the hazards or compensate for them. If you would like more help, an Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist will be able to provide this for you. Speak to your Doctor, GP, Cancer Nurse Coordinator or Research Nurse to arrange a referral for you.
Look after your back if you have to lift the person you’re caring for. Ask someone, such as a Physiotherapist, to show you how to lift safely. You may be able to hire or purchase equipment to help you.
Some other helpful resources
We also have a Fact Sheet for dealing with falls and how to help someone up after a fall.