Prevent falls at home
Information about local services and tips for home modifications that can help you prevent falls.
Understand your risks
Preventing falls is incredibly important as you age or if you have a long-term health condition. Falls are common, and most do not result in serious injury or broken bones, but a fall could cause you to lose your confidence, making you less independent.
We can work with you or suggest our partner organisations to help if you’ve fallen in the past or want to reduce the risk of falling in the future.
Speak to your GP if you’re worried about falling
If you’re worried that you might be at risk of falling, your GP can:
- give you advice
- check for any underlying causes
- do a balance test with you to check your risk of falling
- refer you to other groups like community connectors
Referrals to the falls prevention service
Your GP might refer you to the Your Healthcare falls prevention service if you’re:
- over 65 years old
- registered with a Kingston GP
- able to walk indoors without supervision (you can use any walking aid)
They provide information, assessment, advice and treatment to help you prevent future falls and make you safer in your home. Find out more about the Your Healthcare falls prevention service
How you can prevent falls at home
Organise your living space
Our partner Staywell Kingston can help you identify risks at home and organise your living space to prevent you from falling. Get help at home from Staywell
Make your living space safer
You might benefit from equipment and changes to your home to help you move around safely and make it less likely that you fall.
You could:
- install non-slip mats that will stay firmly in place on wet floors, reducing your risk of slips and falls
- put motion light sensors on your stairs and under your bed to light up areas to avoid failing
- use voice-controlled devices like Alexa and Google Home for tasks like turning on lights, opening curtains and calling your family and friends if you need help
- get help to remove clutter or move anything heavy or hard to carry
You can also hire a handyperson to:
- secure your furniture to your walls for safety
- raise your toilet seat
- fix handrails to help you get around the house
Get equipment from us
You might benefit from equipment and adaptations to your home to help you move around safely and make it less likely that you fall. Our occupational therapy team can give you advice and may be able to provide equipment to help you.
Find out more about occupational therapy
Personal alarms and sensors (telecare)
You can use personal alarm systems to alert a friend or family member if you fall and need help. You can buy these yourself, or have a care needs assessment to find out if you qualify to get them from us.
Find out more about personal alarms and sensors
Provide a spare key for emergencies
If you live alone, you might want to consider installing a key safe outside your property. This secure box stores a spare key and allows people you trust access to your home in emergencies.
Staywell Kingston provide and fit police-approved key safes to Kingston residents. You can contact them on 020 8942 8256. Learn more about Staywell’s handyperson service
Improve your health and wellbeing
You can prevent falls by:
- having regular eyesight and hearing tests
- improve your joint and bone health with our Better Bones service
- follow NHS guidance on eating well and drinking enough water
- follow NHS guidance on looking after your feet
Find other things you can do to reduce your risk of falling at home on NHS
Returning home after a stay in hospital
If you’ve recently been discharged from hospital after a fall, you might be referred to our Reablement service. It provides advice, practical help, and suggestions for other organisations to help you get back to your usual routine.
Find out more about the Reablement service
Stay connected and safe
If you live alone, this can be especially hard if you’re recovering from an injury after a fall.
You should: