- NHS Inform shows you how to be prepared and know how to get up off the floor.
- The Get Up And Go booklet provides information on how to make a plan in case you fall.
- If you have a mobile phone, keep it charged and on you, even at home.
- A community alarm can send an alert for help if you fall. You can find further information on the community alarm service on the Angus Council Webpage, or by telephone on 0345 277 7778
I Live in Angus
Be prepared in case you fall
Ways to reduce your risk of falls
How is your health?
- Do you have dizziness, blackouts, fainting?
- Do you get headaches, chest pain or palpitations?
- Do you manage your health conditions well?
Are you taking medications?
Some medications can increase your risk of falling, ask your pharmacist or GP for a medication review.
Some medications can increase your risk of falling, ask your pharmacist or GP for a medication review.
How is your eyesight?
- Getting your eyesight checked regularly is important.
- Visit NHS Inform for information about getting your eyes checked, you may be entitled to a free eye test.
Do you hear well?
It is a good idea to get your hearing tested regularly. Your GP can arrange an appointment with audiology. Many opticians also offer hearing tests free of charge.
It is a good idea to get your hearing tested regularly. Your GP can arrange an appointment with audiology. Many opticians also offer hearing tests free of charge.
How are your feet and shoes?
Foot problems and shoes that are well worn or don’t fit well can increase your risk of falls. A podiatrist can help and you can self-refer to Podiatry. It is a good idea to have shoes that have good grip, especially during winter and to consider replacing your shoes if they are well worn or don’t fit well.
Foot problems and shoes that are well worn or don’t fit well can increase your risk of falls. A podiatrist can help and you can self-refer to Podiatry. It is a good idea to have shoes that have good grip, especially during winter and to consider replacing your shoes if they are well worn or don’t fit well.
Do you have any pain or injuries?
Pain and injuries can make you less steady on your feet. Your GP surgery can refer you to a physiotherapist.
Pain and injuries can make you less steady on your feet. Your GP surgery can refer you to a physiotherapist.
How is your walking?
Balance is important to reduce your risk of falls. If you think a walking aid could help, a physiotherapist can help with this. Your GP surgery can refer you to a physiotherapist.
Balance is important to reduce your risk of falls. If you think a walking aid could help, a physiotherapist can help with this. Your GP surgery can refer you to a physiotherapist.
How is your home environment?
There are ways to make your home safer. Check your home is well lit and you have space to easily walk around to avoid tripping. You may benefit from equipment to make you home safer and easier to live in. For adaptations and equipment contact your GP to discuss a referral to an Occupational Therapist.
Angus Small Repairs Service is a not for profit organisation helping older people and/or disabled people to carry out repairs to their homes. You can find further information by emailing info@angussmallrepairs.org
There are ways to make your home safer. Check your home is well lit and you have space to easily walk around to avoid tripping. You may benefit from equipment to make you home safer and easier to live in. For adaptations and equipment contact your GP to discuss a referral to an Occupational Therapist.
Angus Small Repairs Service is a not for profit organisation helping older people and/or disabled people to carry out repairs to their homes. You can find further information by emailing info@angussmallrepairs.org
Do you have enough energy?
Eating well and drinking plenty of water are good ways of making sure you have enough energy. Eating foods with plenty of calcium and taking the right amount of vitamin D can help maintain healthy bones. Your GP can help if you are not sure.
If you are experiencing a loss or poor appetite, and are concerned about the impact this is having on your health and wellbeing there is a Tayside wide advice line contact Get Nourished: 01738 450556 or email TAY.getnourished@nhs.scot. Visit the Nutrition and Dietetics page for more information on Get Nourished
Eating well and drinking plenty of water are good ways of making sure you have enough energy. Eating foods with plenty of calcium and taking the right amount of vitamin D can help maintain healthy bones. Your GP can help if you are not sure.
If you are experiencing a loss or poor appetite, and are concerned about the impact this is having on your health and wellbeing there is a Tayside wide advice line contact Get Nourished: 01738 450556 or email TAY.getnourished@nhs.scot. Visit the Nutrition and Dietetics page for more information on Get Nourished
Are you getting enough activity?
We are all recommended to take at least 150 mins of exercise a week including strength and balance exercises twice a week. For more information, see the Physical Activity Benefits for Adults and Older Adults poster. There are lots of health benefits that come from doing this including reducing the risk of falls. You can look here for strength and balance exercises suitable for doing at home. 
The following exercise and activity options are available in Angus and can help you stay active and reduce your risk of falls.
Angusalive – Be Active Live well – a preventative, person centred programme is transforming how we support community health and tackle health inequalities in Angus. For more information visit Angusalive
Paths for All - There are lots of ways to be active. Paths for All is a Scottish charity that provides health walks in local areas. You can follow this link to find a health walk local to you.
Get Out Get Active Tayside (GOGA)- Is dedicated to promoting fun and free physical activity opportunities in Tayside and encouraging people of all abilities to be more active together. Visit the GOGA website.
Angusalive – Be Active Live well – a preventative, person centred programme is transforming how we support community health and tackle health inequalities in Angus. For more information visit Angusalive
Paths for All - There are lots of ways to be active. Paths for All is a Scottish charity that provides health walks in local areas. You can follow this link to find a health walk local to you.
Get Out Get Active Tayside (GOGA)- Is dedicated to promoting fun and free physical activity opportunities in Tayside and encouraging people of all abilities to be more active together. Visit the GOGA website.