Stay safe and protect yourself from falls

Do you know what you can do to prevent falls and reduce your risk?

The Northern Health and Social Care Trust is supporting Falls Awareness Week (September 15 – 19) by reminding people that our health and wellbeing officers and falls team are here to help you and prevent falls from happening.

Working within local communities, they are focused on educating people about reducing their risk of falls during everyday life, using simple tips and reminders along with physical strength and balance work.

Explaining more, Health and Wellbeing Officer Bronagh McCrory said: “We run strength and balance programmes with groups across the Northern Trust area, sharing the benefits of exercise with older people to help protect them from the harm and injury that a fall can cause.

“As we get older, it is important to do weight bearing exercise in order to maintain strength and balance so our classes are designed to build leg and core strength to support joints. This can help you avoid or recover from a fall, while improving balance, speed and coordination which are all key to preventing slips and trips.

“We can see the difference the classes make by boosting confidence around mobility and reducing a fear of falling which comes with age.”

Our falls prevention team is here to help anyone aged over 65 who has experienced a fall, or are at risk of falling.

Falls Prevention Coordinator Lorraine Gibson said: “We want to enable older people to live healthy, safer lives, with increased independence. We can offer assessments, falls prevention advice, and access to strength and balance classes along with any other appropriate services or healthcare professionals.

“We are a self-referral service so if you think you could benefit from our help and advice please get in touch.”

You can contact the falls prevention team by ringing 028 944 24644 or email falls.prevention@northerntrust.hscni.net

For further information from the health and wellbeing team ring 028 2563 5575 or email healthandwellbeingteam@northerntrust.hscni.net

Tips to prevent falls

Stay safe at home

Make sure your home has no hazards such as loose rugs or items that you could trip on, particularly on your floors, stairs, and hallways, and that it is well lit and warm. Think about a night light – especially if you get up in the night to use the toilet. Consider a pendant alarm if you live alone so you can call for help if needed.

Take your medication

Remember to take your medication as prescribed. Certain medications may increase your risk of falling. If you have concerns or think your medication might make you more likely to fall speak to your GP or pharmacist.

Fitted footwear

Wear well-fitted shoes or slippers. Avoid slip-ons and heels, and report any pain, tingling or numbness in the feet to your GP or podiatrist.

Check your vision/hearing

It is important to have regular eye tests and wear your recommended glasses, as well as your hearing aids (if you need them), to increase your awareness and decrease your risk of falling.

Healthy bones

To protect your bones you should eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of calcium and Vitamin D. Help your body to make Vitamin D by safely enjoying daily short periods in the sun from April to September. Limit your alcohol intake and stop smoking.

Keep active

Although you may be nervous after a fall, doing regular exercise can improve your strength and balance, and reduce your risk of having a fall. Remember to use your mobility aid if required.

Avoid taking risks

Don’t rush, take your time when getting up (especially if you feel dizzy). Remember to use any mobility aids you have been provided with. Never take unnecessary risks – stop, think and ask for help if you need it.

Eat a balanced diet

Eating a well-balanced diet can help reduce your risk of falls and improve bone health. Aim to eat regular meals including fruit and vegetables. Try to drink 6-8 glasses of water or fluids a day Unless you have been advised otherwise.

15th September 2025