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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Talking Therapies

MPFT Staffordshire & Stoke on Trent - CBT
Through our talking therapies, we provide life-changing support to those struggling with depression, stress, anxiety, low mood, worry, phobias and other mental and emotional issues and to those adjusting to living with long-term health conditions.

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Falls Prevention Support

Staffordshire & Stoke on Trent ICB
Preventing falls – Stay steady, stay independent

Midlands Partnership University Trust - Falls Prevention
Local Falls Teams and falls prevention services contact information for South Staffordshire, North Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent and East Staffordshire.

Active Communities Stoke
Specialist-led sessions for physical and mental wellbeing, community-based activities in local venues and green spaces and supportive programmes for older adults, carers, and those with long-term conditions.

Everyone Health - Staffordshire
NHS Health Check is a free check-up for people aged 40 to 74. They are designed to spot early signs of stroke, kidney disease, heart disease and diabetes.

Age UK Stafford & District
Offers lots of services for older people and their carers.

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Social Services

You are struggling with day-to-day living at home, and you feel you might need care support.

Staffordshire County Council
Phone: 0300 111 8010 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm)    

Stoke-on-Trent City Council 
Phone: 0800 561 0015  

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Community Directory

Stoke on Trent Community Directory
Community directory is an online tool to help you find out about activities, clubs, support, health services, and what’s on in your local area.          

Live Well at Home - Staffordshire County Council
Your guide to living safely and confidently in your own home, with practical tips and local support.

Staffordshire Connects - Adults and Communities
Find details of community-based support, groups, organisations, and services that are available on your doorstep.

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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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