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As we get older, we’re more at risk of having a trip or a fall, and that can lead to injuries that need a stay in hospital. Even the fear of falling is enough to damage confidence and reduce independence.
But falling over isn’t an inevitable part of the aging process, and many falls are preventable.
This page includes resources and services that can help reduce the likelihood of having a fall.
Strength and balance classes
If you are worried about falling, or have had a fall, prioritising strength and balance exercises a couple of times a week can be an effective way of preventing future falls.
Strength and balance classes are a great way to improve balance, muscle strength and bone strength.
Life Stronger for Longer aim to reduce falls in older people by providing a range of activities, services, and information to help people improve their mobility, strength, and balance.
The Forever Active program is designed to support older adults in Derby City to maintain physical activity, particularly to enhance muscle strength and balance. It offers tailored activities such as low-impact exercise classes, walking groups, and adapted sports.
Technology to help you live independently
Assistive technology can provide peace of mind for you and your carers can if you are worried about yourself or someone else feeling safe at home, falling or becoming forgetful.
Derbyshire County Council residents can access a range of assistive technology such as community alarms and Telecare.
Derby City Council residents can access the Carelink service which provides a 24 hour emergency response system for vulnerable residents.
Self care
Being active and joining local activities can strengthen your muscles and reduce the risk of falling. Active Derbyshire is a directory of opportunities, resources and local groups to support you to become more active. Simply type in your postcode and find activities near you.
The NHS Health check is available every five years to those aged 40 to 74. Health checks can help find health risks and offers guidance and support. If eligible, make sure to attend your health check.
NHS Better Health offers online wellness advice.
There are ways you can reduce your risk of having a fall, including making simple changes to your home, wearing proper footwear and having regular sight and hearing checks. The Age UK website has some tips on reducing falls.
Age UK’s falls prevention advice page gives you a brief introduction to falls, the consequences of falls, how to reduce the risk of falls and what to do to prevent falls in the future.
People at high risk of falling
If you or someone you know have had multiple falls within a year and are at high risk of falling, your healthcare professional can support you with a medication review, a mobility evaluation, home hazard assessment and assessment of cognitive, visual and hearing impairments.
If you are a professional looking for further guidance, please download the new Ask, Assess, Act pathway.