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Local government reorganisation and devolution: what it means for Reading

Information and advice on preventing falls

A person lying collapsed on the floor with an overturned white mug beside their outstretched hand, suggesting they have fainted or fallen, with a pair of glasses also visible on the floor nearby.

Black outs

Black outs can cause falls, and lead to broken bones and spending time in hospital.

A blurred, swirling overhead shot looking down at a person's legs in blue trousers and white shoes, surrounded by autumn leaves on the ground, with a radial motion blur effect creating a dizzy, disorienting sensation.

Dizziness

Feeling light headed or unsteady can lead to a fall.

Two blister packs of medication — one containing capsules and one containing tablets — on a grey surface next to a glass of water.

Medication

Some medications can have side effects that increase the chance of a fall.

An elderly woman with white hair peering closely at her glasses while holding them up to examine them, seated indoors.

Vision

Changes in vision can affect you balance and increase the chance of tripping.

An older man leaning against a wall with one hand while holding his head, appearing dizzy or distressed.

Memory and concentration

Memory and thinking skills affect the daily tasks that keep us safe.

A smiling older woman in a green apron holds a glass bowl of colorful salad in a modern kitchen, with fresh fruit and vegetables on the counter in front of her.

Nutrition and hydration

What you eat and drink plays a big part in keeping you strong and steady.

A doctor in a white coat consulting with a female patient, pointing to an X-ray image of a hip joint displayed on a monitor, in a clinical setting.

Bone health and osteoporosis

Stronger bones don’t just make a fall less likely, they reduce the risk of more severe effects if you do fall.

A person wearing fluffy mint green slippers, standing on a white fluffy rug.

Feet

Foot care and wearing the right shoes can help prevent falls.

A white toilet with the lid up against a light green wall.

Bladder and bowel

Looking after your bladder and bowel can reduce the need to rush to the toilet.

A hand gripping a silver grab rail mounted on a patterned tiled bathroom wall.

Fear of falling

Don’t let your fear of falling affect the quality of your life.

An older woman resting on a grey sofa with her arm over her face, wearing a teal top.

Sleep

Quality sleep is important for reducing the risk of falls.

An older woman with short red hair and glasses holding a smartphone close to her face while looking at a document, seated in a home setting.

Creating a falls plan

Having a plan for what to do if you have a fall means you will get help earlier and without having to panic.

A white smart speaker with a glowing blue light ring at its base, on a reflective surface.

Technology Enabled Care (TEC)

TEC can be used to support people who may be at risk of falls.

A young woman wearing a hijab smiles beside an older woman seated in front of her, with colourful artwork displayed in the background.

Carers

Carers play an important role in falls prevention.

Last updated on 15/05/2026
Information and advice on preventing falls

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