Prevent falls at home
Information about local services and tips for home modifications that can help you prevent falls.
Understand your risks
Preventing falls is incredibly important as you age or if you have a long-term health condition. Falls are common, and most do not result in serious injury or broken bones, but a fall could cause you to lose your confidence, making you less independent.
We can work with you or suggest our partner organisations to help if you’ve fallen in the past or want to reduce the risk of falling in the future.
If you’re worried about falling
Speak to your GP if you’re worried that you might be at risk of falling. They can give you advice, do a balance test with you to check your risk of falling, and refer you to other groups like community connectors.
Falls prevention service
Your GP might refer you to the Your Healthcare falls prevention service if you’re:
- over 65 years old
- registered with a Kingston GP
- able to walk indoors without supervision (you can use any walking aid)
They provide information, assessment, advice and treatment to help you prevent future falls and make you safer in your home.
How you can prevent falls at home
Organise your living space
Our partner Staywell Kingston can help you identify risks at home and organise your living space to prevent you from falling.
Equipment and home adaptations
You might benefit from equipment and adaptations to your home to help you move around safely and make it less likely that you fall.
You can also get a personal alarm system which you can use to alert a friend or family member if you fall and need help. You can buy these yourself or speak to us for advice.
Call our adult social care contact centre on 020 8547 5005 and ask for an occupational therapy assessment to get advice on equipment and adaptations.
Make your living space safer
You could:
- install non-slip mats that will stay firmly in place on wet floors, reducing your risk of slips and falls
- put motion light sensors on your stairs and under your bed to light up areas to avoid failing
- use voice-controlled devices like Alexa and Google Home for tasks like turning on lights, opening curtains and calling your family and friends if you need help
- get help to remove clutter or move anything heavy or hard to carry
You can also hire a handyperson to:
- secure your furniture to your walls for safety
- raise your toilet seat
- fix handrails to help you get around the house
Provide a spare key for emergencies
If you live alone, you might want to consider installing a key safe outside your property. This secure box stores a spare key and allows people you trust access to your home in emergencies.
Staywell Kingston provide and fit police-approved key safes to Kingston residents. You can contact them on 020 8942 8256.
Improve your health and wellbeing
You can prevent falls by:
- getting your vision and hearing checked regularly
- taking part in regular exercises to improve your joint and bone health
- eating well and drinking enough water
- follow NHS guidance on looking after your feet and treating common foot problems
Find out other things you can do to reduce your risk of falling at home.
Returning home after a stay in hospital
If you’ve recently been discharged from hospital after a fall, we have services that can provide care when you return home.
They can provide advice, practical help, and suggestions for other organisations that can help you.
Stay connected and safe
If you live alone, this can be especially hard if you’re recovering from an injury after a fall.
You should: