What to do if you have had a fall or worried about falling?
The Dudley Falls Prevention Team is for anyone over the age of 65 living in Dudley, or registered with a Dudley GP who is:
- worried about falling or recently had a fall
- feeling a little unsteady on their feet
- keen to maintain strength and balance to avoid a fall
- recovering from a fall and lacking in confidence
- falling more often and don’t know why
The team can offer advice and services to maintain and improve your balance, strength and mobility, to help you feel more confident and to live an independent, safe and active life.
An individual assessment will take place and a range of different services and interventions will be offered dependent on your needs.
You may want to get a personal alarm system so that you can signal for help in the event of a fall or other situation. Dudley Telecare Service provides a range of ‘assistive technology’ such as alarm systems or sensors which are linked to a 24/7 call centre.
There are simple measures you can do such as get your home checked for hazards. Living Well, Feeling Safe provide home visits to ensure your home is safe and secure including an online self assessment to assess the equipment, products and home adaptations you may need.
If you are not sure and need help, contact the Dudley Falls Prevention Team (add telephone, opening times and email) or read our falls prevention leaflet for further information.
Contact the Falls Prevention Team:
Phone: 01384 814459 to ask for help
Email: fallsspa@dudley.gov.uk or ask your GP or nurse to refer you
Useful resources
- The NHS approved Falls Assistant website can support you to assess your current balance level and choose the correct level of exercise (1, 2 or 3). The site contains videos for each exercise level to help you try the activities at home.
- GET UP AND GO is a guide to staying steady.
- Backward-Chaining is a sequence of movements combined together to help teach someone to be able to get down to the floor safely. Once learnt, in reverse, it can be used as a safe and effective way to get up from the floor. Regular practice in this set of exercises will ensure that you are able to get up from the floor if you fall.
- YouTube video by the chartered society of physiotherapy.