Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS website.
Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or view any of our Previous A to Z Features.
You should also know that OutUK has produced a special report about: Coronavirus Covid-19.

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This Week - F : Falls

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.

Call 999 if:

You or someone else has fallen and:

  • may have injured the head, back, neck or hip
  • cannot get up

If someone else has fallen, keep them comfortable and warm. Carefully help them get up if they can, but do not try to lift them yourself.

Get help from NHS 111 if:

  • you or someone else has fallen and may be in pain, injured or unwell

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.

See a GP if:

  • you're worried about your balance or mobility
  • you've had a fall

Help from a GP for falls

If you've had falls or a 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

You may also need treatment for any conditions that are affecting your balance or strength.

Self-refer for help if you've had a fall

If you've had a fall, you might be able to refer yourself directly to services that can help you without seeing a GP.

To find out if there are any services in your area:

How to prevent falls

If you're at risk of falls, it's important to do things to prevent them, and make a plan in case you do fall.

Do

  • stay active - physical activity guidelines for older adults recommend being active every day, and doing activities that improve strength and balance at least twice a week

  • wear shoes or slippers that fit well, do not slip off and have a good grip

  • wear a personal alarm, or carry a mobile phone with you

  • use a non-slip mat in the bath or shower

  • consider fitting safety rails on steps, and grab rails in the bathroom

  • consider using a walking aid

  • eat well and stay hydrated - not eating and drinking enough can make you feel lightheaded or faint

  • look after your bone health - eat foods containing calcium, and make sure you get enough vitamin D

  • have regular eye tests, and get your ears and hearing checked, as ear problems can affect your balance

  • speak to a GP or pharmacist if you think your medicines could be affecting your balance

Don't

  • do not try to do tasks that you find difficult such as lifting or reaching - ask someone to help you

  • do not have too much clutter at home, or things you could trip on such as loose wires or rugs

  • do not drink too much alcohol

Getting a care needs assessment

If you're worried about falls you can ask your local council to do a care needs assessment to look at what help you might need, including changes to make your home safer. It's free and anyone can ask for one.

Apply for a needs assessment on GOV.UK

Causes of falls

Falls are common, particularly in older people. Causes of falls include:

More information



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We'll have more information and advice next week on another topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features.

If you want to find out more about this week's subject you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
Photos: LightFieldStudios and one of VladOrlov, Stockcube, darak77, ajr_images or rawpixel.com.

 

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