Fear of Falling

The impact of a fall can be daunting, leading to a loss of confidence, reduced participation in activities, increased anxiety, and ongoing worry.

Breaking the Cycle of Fear

Falls can happen to anyone, and you are certainly not alone – they are more common than you’d think. It's essential to recognise that the more fear and anxiety you feel, the less likely you are to remain physically active. Being less active can lead to weaker muscles, reduced balance, and a higher risk of having future falls. You may find yourself walking more cautiously, slowing down your pace, or even feeling nervous about leaving your home. These are common reactions and often signal a decrease in your confidence in moving around and getting out and about.

Creating a Falls Plan

 It’s advisable to have a plan in place for if you fall. This can significantly reduce anxiety and minimise the likelihood of prolonged periods on the floor. 

If you are on the floor hurt or unable to get up, consider these steps:

• Summon help - If you are hurt or unable to get up, use your pendant alarm, mobile phone, call out for assistance, crawl to a telephone, or make noise by banging on a wall or radiator.
• Stay warm - Make sure you have blankets and a cushion accessible from floor level to help you stay warm and comfortable while waiting for help.
• Move safely - If you are able, move to a softer surface and change your position regularly.

If you find yourself unhurt and capable of getting up after a fall:

• Roll over - Roll over onto your hands and knees.
• Crawl to support - Crawl to a stable piece of furniture, such as an armchair, to assist you in getting up.
• Take your time - Turn and sit on a chair or bed to rest for a while.

Assistive Devices for Added Security

If you worry about falling when you are alone at home, consider using a pendant alarm that enables you to call for help, even if you can't reach the telephone. There are also telecare sensors available, such as falls detectors, designed for individuals who may not be able to press a pendant alarm. There are lots of different pendant alarm and telecare providers, which can be found by searching online. 

Rebuilding Your Confidence and Reducing Your Risk

Keep in mind these essential points:

• Try not to let having a fall worry you too much. Many steps can be taken to minimise the risk of it happening again.
• If your worries continue, consider talking to someone you trust about your feelings.
• Set achievable goals to gradually regain your confidence and return to your usual activities. For example, start by walking short distances before progressing to longer ones.
• If you are worried about completing a particular activity, think about all the times you have done it successfully instead of focusing on a previous failure. 

There are a number of steps you can take to reduce your risk of falling and rebuild your confidence. A great starting point is using the Self-Assessment tool available on our website. This tool can help you identify areas where you can make changes and improvements to feel safer. 

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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Additional Local Support

Age UK Teesside
Age UK Teesside has a wide range of services to help the over 50s in Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland.
Phone: 01642 805500
Email: info@ageukteesside.org.uk

Age Friendly Middlesbrough
The Age-Friendly Middlesbrough Leads are working in partnership with key organisations to create an age-friendly town where older people can live healthy, active lives.
Phone: 01642 728756
Email: Agefriendly@middlesbrough.gov.uk

Make Every Contact Count (North East)
The website aims to raise awareness, motivate, and signpost people to improve their health and wellbeing through a range of self-care and national and local support services.

Redcar and Cleveland Information Directory
A directory where you can find details on a range of local and national services to assist you when you need help and support.

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Helpful Links 

Fear of falling advice - NHS Inform
Identifying hazards at home - NHS Inform
Home adaptations, care services and equipment - NHS
Falls prevention advice and support - Age UK
Avoiding falls in your home - ROSPA
Facing up to falls - RoSPA (video)

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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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