Preventing falls at home

Preventing Falls at Home

Falls at home can be are a major reason for older people lose their independence, and the consequences can result in emergency hospital admissions as well as a need for long-term care. This page has information and suggestions on how to help prevent a fall from our Occupational Therapy Team.

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Most common causes of falls

These are some of the most common causes of falls that our Occupational Therapy team sees:

Poor Vision Ensure eyes are checked regularly by a qualified optician. Home visits can be requested from many opticians.
Long term conditions such as Dementia Regular medication reviews are essential to avoid unwanted side effects which may contribute to falls.
Poor lighting reducing visibility Make sure light is bright enough to aid visibility.
Environmental hazards Are there hazards around that could lead to falls, e.g., uneven, and worn flooring, changes in level?
Rushing to the toilet Make sure continence assessments are up to date, commode in place if needed.
Poor footwear Undone laces, broken/uneven shoes or shoes that are not a suitable size can often contribute to falls

Exercise

Balance problems and muscle weakness

We lose muscle bulk as we grow older, but strong muscles and good balance are vital in preventing falls. If you do fall, you need strong muscles to help you get up again. Strengthening muscles and improving balance and coordination, is one of the simplest and most effective things you can do to help prevent falls.

Tai Chi - Many studies have shown Tai Chi to be one of the most effective exercises for preventing falls. Tai Chi for Arthritis helps people with arthritis to improve all muscular strength, flexibility, balance, stamina, and more.

Doing regular strength exercises and balance exercises can improve your strength and balance. This can take the form of simple activities such as walking and dancing, or specialist training programmes.

You can find Tai Chi groups running across the city in our Community Database.

Avoiding falls at home

Many falls at home can be avoided altogether. Below are some simple steps you can take to help avoid falls.

Immediately mopping up spillages
Removing clutter, trailing wires and frayed carpet
Using non-slip mats and rugs
Making sure all rooms, passages and staircases are well lit
Organising your home so that climbing, stretching and bending are minimal
Getting help to do things you're unable to do safely on your own
Not walking on slippery floors in socks or tights
Not wearing loose-fitting, trailing clothes that might trip you up

If you feel like your balance isn’t as good as it usually is, it is normal to feel conscious about falling. Although, if you are worried to do activities you usually enjoy such as exercise or leaving your home, this can be a problem.

Talk to your doctor

Your doctor may be able to perform a risk assessment so they can put action in place to reduce your risk of falling.

Personal alarms

Occupational Therapy can help to provide forms of telecare, such as falls pendants, that you can wear and if a fall were to occur it will notify emergency contacts.

Telecare

Telecare systems can notify staff at a response centre if you need assistance with falls. For example, there are bed and chair sensors that can detect if you have not returned in a certain time and will send an alert.

Birmingham Adult Social Care Occupational Therapy Team

The Occupational Therapy (OT) team can help you if you have had a fall. There is a section on Connect to Support about the team and the support they offer. This includes drop-in sessions across the city for lower level issues.

Fall and Fracture Prevention Service

Birmingham Community Healthcare Trust provide a Falls and Fracture Prevention service, aimed at adults aged 60 and above who have fallen or experienced a fracture of hip, wrist or vertebrae in the past 12 months.

4 steps to take to prevent falls

1: Consider if making lifestyle changes would be useful, for example strengthening muscles with exercise to prevent future falls.

2: Ensure to book a hearing or eye test if you are past the due date of having one. This can ensure you are not at risk of a fall due to visual impairments or hearing issues

3: Modify furniture and layout in home to prevent hazards

4: Create a falls plan so you are aware of who to call and what help you will receive in case of a fall

Last updated: 17/10/2025