I Live in Dundee

• 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 community alarms Dundee phone number is 01382 434000

• There is more information on help and services in Dundee on the Being a partner in my care Realistic Medicine page.

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?  

Your GP can help with these. It is important to tell your GP if you have had a fall.

Are you taking medications?
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.

Contact your local optician to arrange an appointment. Some opticians offer a home visit.

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.

How are your feet and shoes?
Foot problems and shoes that are well worn or do not 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 do not 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.

How is your walking?
Good balance helps prevent falls. If you think a walking aid might help, you can contact the community rehab team for support. They run walking aid clinics, contact them on 01382 425665.

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. Your health professional can assess and refer you for this. 

Visit the Independent Living Dundee and Angus webpage for information on equipment or adaptations. You can request an assessment with an Independent Living Advisor by calling 01382 307630 or completing an online request form

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.

Getting the correct nutrition can be important in preventing falls and can support the body to retain strength and prevent muscle loss. Having a healthy balanced diet is important. Sometimes a person can lose their appetite and experience unplanned weight loss. This can increase your risk of falling.

Ask yourself the following questions:

• Have I lost weight recently without meaning to?
• Are my clothes or rings looser?
• Have I lost interest in eating?

If you have answered yes, or do not know, to any of those questions you could be at risk of under nutrition. For support and advice, you can call our Get Nourished Tayside wide NHS advice line 01738 450556 or email Tay.getnourished@nhs.scot
 

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 Dundee and can help you stay active and reduce your risk of falls. 

Active Wellbeing - There are a wide range of Active Wellbeing classes to choose from through Dundee Active . Designed for those who are older, less mobile or who have additional support needs visit Dundee Active to explore what's on in your area. 

Exercise Referral - Delivered by Dundee Active, an Exercise Referral can support you in your efforts to become more active through classes led by approachable and qualified instructors. If you think an Exercise Referral is for you, then please speak to your GP or Health care practitioner for a referral.

Steps to Health - Dundee Active host free health walks across the city led by qualified walk leader.  Designed to be fun, friendly, and perfect for everyone visit Active Dundee for more information or contact the Health and Wellbeing Coordinator - Steps to Health on 07385 410666

Senior Support and Active Health - Stay active over 60 at the University of Dundee gym. With expert support, tailored programmes, and great facilities, they could help you improve mobility, strength, and fitness. Visit the University of Dundee page for more information.

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. You can visit the GOGA website.