What to do if you fall?
Whether you find yourself at home or elsewhere, experiencing a sudden fall can be disconcerting and unsettling. If a fall occurs, maintain your composure and follow these steps:
- Stay calm and do not panic. Take a moment to breathe deeply and relax. Stay still on the floor or ground for a brief period, allowing yourself to recover from the initial shock of the fall.
- Assess the situation and check for any injuries. Avoid hastily getting up, as doing so improperly could exacerbate any potential injuries.
- If you believe you can rise safely without assistance, roll onto your side. Take a moment to rest while allowing your body and blood pressure to adjust. Gradually get up on your hands and knees, then crawl toward a sturdy chair. Slowly sit down in the chair. Place your hands on the chair seat and slide one foot forward, ensuring it rests flat on the floor. Keep the other leg bent with the knee on the floor. From this kneeling position, gradually rise and turn your body to sit in the chair.
- If at any point they are in pain or get stuck, STOP
- Seek assistance. If you are injured or unable to stand on your own, request help from someone nearby or call 999. If you are alone, try to position yourself comfortably and await assistance. Be proactive by keeping a well-charged cordless or mobile phone with you at all times and maintaining regular contact with a family member or friend. Consider utilizing emergency response systems, such as a special necklace or bracelet with a button to call for help, or explore smartwatches that offer similar features.
- Foot problems
- Environmental hazards
- Lack of exercise
- Side effects of medication
- Poor vision or hearing
- GET SOME PHYSICAL EXERCISE- Exercise programs such as balance training, pedal cycling, sandbag strengthening and gait training can increase strength, improve static & dynamic balance, walking ability, at the same time, it reduce risk of falling. Keep moving and stay avtive. Tai Chi is one of the proven exercise can reduce fall by 47% in Tai Chi group, according to a survey. Check our fitness exercise collection.
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BE MINDFUL OF MEDICATIONS- Certain medicines or combinations of medicines can have side effects (drug interactions) which can lead to risk of falls such as dizziness or drowsiness. Regularly having a doctor or pharmacist to check & review all medications can help reduce risk of falling.
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KEEP ELDERLY’S VISION AND HEARING SHARP- Human vision & hearing will be affected due to aging process. Poor vision & hearing can make it harder to walk around safely. Older adults should have their eyes & ears checked every year and wear glasses/hearing aid devices with the right prescription strength.
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ENVIRONMENTAL/LIFESTYLE MODIFICATION- Carry on regular home safety check up to ensure environment are hazard-free. Intall assistive devices. Talk to expert for home hazard assessment.
- KEEP YOUR BONES STRONG
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ALWAYS STAND UP SLOWLY - Lift chairs help older people with poor mobility to safely rise to a standing position
- WEAR PROPER NON-SLIP FOOTWEAR/ ANTI-SLIP SOCKS
- LIGHT UP YOUR LIVING SPACE
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