Older adults in care homes may be more at risk of falling, but small changes and the right support can help keep residents safe and active.

Falls happen more often in later life, and the risk can increase for people living in care homes due to reduced mobility, long-term conditions, or unfamiliar surroundings. But falls are not an inevitable part of ageing.

This page explains simple steps residents, families and care providers can take to reduce risks and support wellbeing.

What increases the risk of falls in care homes?

Falls can happen for a number of reasons, including:

• Reduced strength, balance or mobility
• Long-term conditions (such as dementia, Parkinson’s or diabetes)
• Taking multiple medications
• Unfamiliar surroundings, especially during a recent move
• Poor lighting, clutter, or slippery floors
• Vision or hearing loss
• Urgent trips to the toilet, especially at night

Some of these risks can’t be removed completely — but small, thoughtful changes to routines, environments and levels of support can make a big difference.

What should care homes be doing to reduce falls risk?

Care homes should have clear procedures in place to reduce the risk of falls. This may include:

• Individual falls risk assessments.
• Regular medication reviews.
• Strength and balance support.
• Good lighting and clear walkways.
• Prompt access to mobility aids and personal care.
• Ensuring staff are trained in falls awareness and response.

What can you do as a resident or family member?

• Speak up if you're worried about falls or unsteadiness — early conversations are important.
• Ask questions about how falls are monitored and prevented in the care home.
• Check the environment - are the floors clear? Is lighting consistent? Are there handrails and grab bars where needed?
• Review footwear and clothing - well-fitting shoes and non-slip slippers are key.
• Encourage activity - gentle movement, strength and balance exercises can help maintain confidence and independence.
• Understand what happens after a fall - ask how incidents are recorded and what follow-up support is offered.

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Find Support

Please find below useful links, relevant resources and contact information. All links open in a new window and may include links to websites, videos, and PDF files for downloading and printing. 

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Local Support 

Visit our Help and Contacts section
Find local help and support
Find help to stay active in your area
Find local home safety support

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Falls Prevention Team

South Tees Falls Team
If you require general falls prevention advice and support or don't know where to start, please contact the Falls Team at Low Grange Health Centre, Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays, between the hours of 8.30am and 4.30pm.
Phone: 01642 944484
Email: ste-tr.fallsteam@nhs.net

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Support Services

Age UK Teesside
Age UK Teesside has a wide range of services to help over-50s in Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland make the most of their lives, finances, social lives, and health & wellbeing.
Phone: 01642 805500
Email: info@ageukteesside.org.uk

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Home Adaptations and Support

AskSARA - Redcar and Cleveland
Practical advice and guidance to support safety and independence around the home. Our online tool will provide you with impartial advice about suitable equipment and assistive technology to help you live independently and maintain your lifestyle.

Handyperson and Adaptations, Redcar and Cleveland
We offer assistance to older, disabled and vulnerable people by providing advice on housing options, minor and major housing adaptations, as well as delivering a handyperson service for small jobs.
Phone: 01642 771500
Email: HandyPersonAndAdaptations@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk 

Middlesbrough Staying Put Agency
Middlesbrough Staying Put Agency (SPA) is a home improvement agency that offers specialist support and advice to older, vulnerable, and disabled people to help them remain safe and independent in their own homes.
Phone: 0800 5875 184
Email: stayingputagency@middlesbrough.gov.uk

Middlesbrough Assistive Technology
Assistive technology means devices or systems that can help you do everyday things that might be hard or impossible otherwise. It can help with a range of difficulties, including memory and movement problems. It can also be called 'technology-enabled care' (TEC).
Phone: 01642 726009
Email: telecare@middlesbrough.gov.uk

Stay Safe and Warm – Cleveland Fire Brigade
Do you know someone who is struggling to stay warm in their home? Our award-winning Stay Safe and Warm scheme is completely FREE and open to anyone living in Cleveland; no age restrictions apply. It offers access to heaters and other equipment as required (following a free home assessment). So whether it’s a short-term issue such as a boiler breakdown or an ongoing heating issue, we can help.
Phone: 03067 990038

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Pendant Alarm and Response Services

Connect Monitoring and Response - Middlesbrough
We offer emergency help and support, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Connect is easy to use and gives you extra security and peace of mind. All of our staff are highly-trained and qualified. We're committed to helping our residents stay safe and independent in their own homes.
Phone: 01642 726009
Email: controlroom@middlesbrough.gov.uk

Beyond Housing Reach and Response
For pendant alarm and telecare services in Redcar and Cleveland.
Phone: 01642 771339

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Helpful Links 

When to consider a care home - NHS
Care homes advice and guidance - Age UK
Choosing the right care home for you - Age UK
Home adaptations, care services and equipment - NHS

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More on this website

Visit our Information and Advice section
Visit our Staying Active section
Visit our Home Safety section
Visit our Help and Contacts section 
Start your online Self-Assessment

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