Do not rush to move.
Try to get help using a telephone, Community Alarm or by calling out.
Keep yourself as warm and comfortable as possible while waiting for help.
If you are able, gently change your position and move your fingers and toes to avoid remaining in the same position for a long period.
Call 999 if you think you may have seriously injured your head, neck, back or hip, or if there are other signs of serious injury.
What Should I Do If I Fall?
Try to stay calm and take a moment to assess the situation.
If You Are Injured Or Unable To Get Up
If you Feel Able To Get Up
Do not get up too quickly.
Take your time and make sure you are not injured before attempting to move.
If possible, move towards a stable piece of furniture that you can use for support.
Once you are back on your feet, sit down and rest for a while before continuing with your usual activities.
If you are unsure whether it is safe to get up, remain where you are and get help.
Take your time and make sure you are not injured before attempting to move.
If possible, move towards a stable piece of furniture that you can use for support.
Once you are back on your feet, sit down and rest for a while before continuing with your usual activities.
If you are unsure whether it is safe to get up, remain where you are and get help.
Tell Someone About Yor Fall
Even if you are not injured, it is important to let someone know if you have fallen, particularly if falls are happening more than once or you are unsure why you fell.
Speak to your GP or another healthcare professional about a fall, especially if you:
Speak to your GP or another healthcare professional about a fall, especially if you:
- Have fallen more than once.
- Have injured yourself.
- Feel dizzy or faint.
- Have noticed a change in your balance or mobility.
- Are becoming less confident when walking.
- Are worried about falling again.
When Should I Seek Further Help?
You should seek advice from a healthcare professional if you have had a fall or are worried about your balance.
You may benefit from further assessment if you have experienced:
You may benefit from further assessment if you have experienced:
- New or repeated falls.
- A noticeable reduction in your balance.
- A recent change in your mobility.
- Increasing fear or lack of confidence when walking.
- Difficulty getting around your home or community.
- New dizziness or light-headedness.
How Can The Falls Service Help?
NHS Tayside Falls Services support adults who have fallen or are at increased risk of falling.
The service can assess a range of factors that may contribute to falls, including mobility, balance, strength, health and environmental factors, and can provide appropriate falls prevention support or referral to other services.
[Link to Falls Service information and referral details for your area]
The service can assess a range of factors that may contribute to falls, including mobility, balance, strength, health and environmental factors, and can provide appropriate falls prevention support or referral to other services.
[Link to Falls Service information and referral details for your area]
Useful Information And Resources
Please see links below for further information about reducing your risk of falls.
Links to Physical Activity, Walking aid and OT pages.
Links to Physical Activity, Walking aid and OT pages.