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Video - the timed up and go test

Falls are not an inevitable part of ageing.

In the video above, Audrey Ricahardson and Louise McGregor demonstrate the timed up and go test, which helps to assess whether a person is at an increased risk of falls.

This is one way to assess a person's falls risk, but it you're concerned about falling, the CSP recommends you seek a full and comprehensive falls assessment from a qualified healthcare professional.

Further Information on the standardised timed up and go test is provided by Agile, the network for chartered physiotherapists working with older people.

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Get up and go - a guide to staying steady English version

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Falls are not an inevitable part of ageing. In the video above, Audrey Ricahardson and Louise McGregor demonstrate the timed up and go test, which helps to assess whether a person is at an increased risk of falls.

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However, please note that this website is not intended in any way to replace the advice of your doctor or any other health care professional. Specific advice should be sought in specific situations from a properly qualified health worker.

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There are ways you can reduce your risk of having a fall, including making simple changes to your home and doing exercises to improve your strength and balance.
If you have fallen in the past, making changes to reduce your chances of having a fall can also help you overcome any fear of falling.

Some older people may be reluctant to seek help and advice from their GP and other support services about preventing falls because they believe their concerns will not be taken seriously.

But all healthcare professionals take falls in older people very seriously because of the significant impact they can have on a person's health.

Discuss any falls you have had with your GP and say if it's had any impact on your health and wellbeing.

Your GP can carry out some simple balance tests to check whether you're at an increased risk of falling in the future. They can also refer you to useful services in your local area.

Avoiding falls at home

Tips for preventing falls in the home include:

immediately mopping up spillages

removing clutter, trailing wires and frayed carpet

using non-slip mats and rugs

making sure all rooms, passages and staircases are well lit

organising your home so that climbing, stretching and bending are kept to a minimum, and to avoid bumping into things

getting help to do things you're unable to do safely on your own

not walking on slippery floors in socks or tights

not wearing loose-fitting, trailing clothes that might trip you up

wearing well-fitting shoes that are in good condition and support the ankle

taking care of your feet by trimming your toenails regularly and seeing a GP or chiropodist about any foot problems

Strength and balance training

Doing regular strength exercises and balance exercises can improve your strength and balance, and reduce your risk of having a fall.

This can take the form of simple activities such as walking and dancing, or specialist training programmes.

Many community centres and local gyms offer specialist training programmes for older people.

Exercises that can be carried out at home are also available. Ask your GP about training programmes in your area.

It's important that a strength and balance training programme is tailored to the individual and monitored by an appropriately trained professional.

There's also evidence that taking part in regular tai chi sessions can reduce the risk of falls. Tai chi is a Chinese martial art that places particular emphasis on movement, balance and co-ordination.

Unlike other martial arts, tai chi does not involve physical contact or rapid physical movements, making it an ideal activity for older people.

Read more about physical activity guidance for older adults.

Medication review

If you're taking long-term medication, your GP should review your medicines at least once a year to make sure they're still right for you.

It's particularly important that your medicines are reviewed if you're taking 4 or more medicines a day.

Your GP may recommend alternative medication or lower doses if they feel the side effects increase your chances of having a fall. In some cases, it may be possible for the medication to be stopped.

See your GP or practice nurse if you have not had your medication reviewed for more than a year, or if you're concerned that the medicines you or a relative are taking may increase the risk of falling.

Sight tests

Make an appointment to have a sight test if you're concerned that poor vision (even when wearing glasses) is increasing your risk of having a fall.

Not all vision problems can be cured, but some problems can be treated with surgery - for example, cataracts can be removed using cataract surgery.

Home hazard assessment

You can request a home hazard assessment if you're concerned that you or a relative may be at risk of having a fall, or if you know someone who has recently had a fall.

As well as identifying potential hazards, the aim of a home hazard assessment is to explore how a person's actual use of the environment affects their risk of falling.

A healthcare professional with experience in fall prevention will visit you or your relative's home to identify potential hazards and advise on how to deal with them.

For example, as the bathroom is a common place where falls occur, many older people can benefit from having bars fitted to the inside of their bath to make it easier for them to get in and out.

Fitting a personal alarm system may also be recommended so that you or your relative can signal for help in the event of a fall.

An alternative would be to always keep a mobile phone in your pocket so you can phone for help after having a fall.

Contact your GP or local authority to ask about the help available in your area. You can find your local authority on the GOV.UK website.

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol can lead to loss of co-ordination and exaggerate the effects of some medicines.

This can significantly increase the risk of a fall, particularly in older people.

Avoiding alcohol or reducing the amount you drink can reduce your risk of having a fall.

Excessive drinking can also contribute to the development of osteoporosis.

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There are ways you can reduce your risk of having a fall, including making simple changes to your home and doing exercises to improve your strength and balance. If you have fallen in the past, making changes to reduce your chances of having a fall can also help you overcome any fear of falling.

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Falls prevention video for patients attending hospital

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Falls prevention video for patients attending hospital

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Falls Prevention video for patients attending hospital

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Falls safe Preventing Falls ( Information for Patients)- useful information to consider for residential environments 

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Falls safe Preventing Falls ( Information for Patients)- useful information to consider for residential environments 

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Fallsafe - Put the patient first. Preventing falls in Hospital.