If you live alone, or are alone for long periods, you should make a falls plan. The plan sets out what you will do, who you will contact and how they will get to you if you have a fall. The quicker you can get help after a fall, the less fear and distress you will suffer.
You can call for help many ways. The most important thing is that the person you call expects it and knows what to do.
Decide which of the following is the most convenient and effective way for you to call for help:
You can try to get help by calling out, or banging on a wall or floor, but this could be difficult if you are hurt and it’s difficult to move. Using a phone, or alarm, is more reliable.
As part of you plan, you could ask a relative, friend or neighbour to check in regularly, either by phone or by visiting.
If you decide that using a phone is the safest, and most effective, way to call for help, you should consider buying a mobile phone, even if it’s just for emergencies.
If you buy a mobile, remember to:
You can also phone the emergency services for free even if you’ve no credit.
Technology Enabled Care (TEC) includes devices like falls alarms that raise attention that you’ve had a fall. This could be a community (personal) alarm, where you keep a transmitter on you and another person has a receiver. That person could be a relative, friend, neighbour or monitoring service.
If you decide to get an alarm, it’s important that you understand the costs involved as some companies may charge you each month for setting up and monitoring your alarm.
Learn more about community alarms
After deciding how you’ll raise the alarm, you must now think about how they’ll get to you. If you lock your doors when you’re at home, it can be difficult for someone to gain entry. They might have no other option but to force the door.
You might consider:
Once you have your plan ready, it’s a good idea to share this with your family and friends and let them know what to expect and what to do in the event of a fall.