What to do if you fall

If you fall, try to stay calm. Take a couple of minutes to check for any pain or injuries and see if you think you can get up.

If you feel able to get up

1. Take your time – do not get up too quickly.
2. Roll onto your side, then use your arms to push yourself onto your hands and knees.
3. Look for something stable to hold, such as a heavy piece of furniture or a bath or sink. Crawl to it if it's out of reach.
4. Put one foot flat on the floor. Stand up slowly, holding onto something stable to help you.
5. Sit down and rest while you recover.

If you do not feel able to get up

1. If you have a phone or personal alarm that you can reach, use it to get help.
2. If you cannot reach an alarm or phone, try to get someone's attention by shouting for help or banging on a wall or the floor.
3. Try to keep warm while you wait for help. Cover yourself with anything you can reach, such as a towel, coat, rug or blanket.
4. Keep moving your body. Roll from side to side or gently move your arms and legs.
5. Try to change position about every 30 minutes, to help prevent pressure sores.

Help from your GP for falls

If you've had falls or your GP thinks you're at risk of falls, they'll check your balance by asking you to get up and move around.

They may refer you to a specialist falls service. Help from a falls service may include:

• checking for problems such as muscle weakness, weak bones (osteoporosis) or problems with your eyesight
• strength and balance training
• checking that your home is safe and making home adaptations
• reviewing any medicines you're taking