Falls Prevention
Falls harm health, functional ability and quality of life, and can cause injuries and a fear of falling. Fear can lead to reduced physical activity and social participation, which in turn further increases the fall risk. On this page, you can find information on how to prevent falls, as well as information on where to get help and support should you need it.
Fall Risk Factors
Several risk factors contribute to falls, the majority of which can be modified.
The risk factors relate to:
- the person themselves (e.g. illnesses, reduced functional capacity and fear of falling)
- external factors (e.g. intoxicants, medication, environmental hazards and footwear)
- situational factors (e.g. being in a hurry, risk-taking, tiredness and dehydration)
Falls can be prevented by identifying and reducing these modifiable risk factors on an individual basis.
Home Hazards
Most falls among adults occur at home during the day whilst carrying out everyday tasks. That is why home safety is important. Once potential hazards at home have been identified and corrected, the risk of falls is reduced and falls can be prevented.
The most common hazards at home are linked to a lack of handrails, unstable furniture, slippery floors, high thresholds and poor access routes. Poor lighting, badly secured rugs, high cabinets and cables on the floor also increase the fall risk. Falls can be prevented by improving support, lighting and accessibility, and by keeping passageways clear.
How to prevent falls
Identify the fall risk factors that you can influence yourself
Make use of the free checklist that can be completed electronically
If you have had a fall or are concerned about your fall risk, you can assess your situation by completing the electronic fall risk self-assessment. You will receive an assessment of your risk, as well as guidance and recommendations on what to do next.
A healthy lifestyle, good mobility and good ability to function help you live a safe daily life
The older a person is, the more likely it is that a fall is caused by internal risk factors, even if the fall occurs, for example, because of tripping over the corner of a rug. Someone with better mobility would have been able to react to the situation either by lifting their leg higher or by regaining their balance.
Good muscle strength and balance help you move around safely. When your mobility is good and your home is safe, everyday tasks are easier to manage and it is easier to lead an independent life.
Muscles and balance can only be maintained if they are used. Exercise helps you cope with everyday life and significantly reduces the fall risk.
Even a small amount of exercise every day is beneficial. Walking, housework and other daily physical activities are good for your body. It is good to break up prolonged sitting or lying down by getting up and moving around several times a day.
If you have had a break from exercise, it is good to start exercising in a gradual and safe way. Support and guidance on getting started with exercise on the Exercise guide website:
The municipalities in our region offer free, personalised exercise counselling, which encourages people to be more active in their daily lives. An exercise counsellor supports you, listens to you and finds solutions with you. You find the contact details for the Physical Exercise Counselling on your Municipality’s website or by using the Municipality’s search function:
At the Health Village’s Rehabilitation House and the Ageing Institute, you find guidance to support your functional ability, a fulfilling daily life and a healthy lifestyle.
Your lifestyle affects your fall risk. By making the right choices you can reduce your fall risk. When you eat healthy, exercise regularly, get enough sleep and avoid intoxicants, your body stays stronger and you maintain a better balance. This will help you cope better with everyday life and reduce the fall risk. A healthy lifestyle is important in fall prevention and increases your safety.
Mental well-being is an important part of health, even for older people. A positive mood supports an active daily life, whereas mental health problems can reduce social interaction and physical activity. This reduces the functional ability and increases the fall risk.
Certain medicines can increase the fall risk by causing, for example, dizziness, tiredness or poor balance. Taking several medicines at the same time also increases the fall risk. It is important to review medication regularly to prevent falls.
Heavy alcohol use increases the fall risk among older people, as their tolerance to alcohol decreases and the harmful effects of alcohol increase with age. This is why alcohol should be drank in moderation or avoided altogether.
On the Well-being Service Tray, you can find in one place all the services, activities and events that promote well-being and health in the wellbeing services county of Eastern Uusimaa. By using the search function or the map you can search for services in the municipality of your choice.
The Role of Older People and Their Loved Ones in Fall Prevention
Falls can harm your health and reduce your quality of life. A fall can cause bruises, strains or bone fractures, which require treatment.
A fall can also cause a fear of falling, even if the fall did not result in an injury. Fear can cause a person to become less active and to avoid meeting other people. This worsens their physical fitness and increases the fall risk. This creates a vicious cycle.
Fall prevention improves well-being and helps people to remain independent.
What can I do myself?
- I exercise regularly and do exercises that strengthen my muscles and improve my balance.
- I will let a professional know if I have fallen, lost my balance or if I am afraid of falling.
- I take part in everyday life and do things at my own pace.
- Staying active helps to reduce fear of falling and keeps my body functioning well.
What can I do as a loved one?
- I encourage physical activity and staying active.
- I notice changes such as fear, tiredness or mobility difficulties.
- I talk to and work together with my loved ones and the healthcare professionals.
Further information:
The Role of Professionals in Preventing Falls
Falls are not a normal part of ageing. Professionals working with older people play an important role in reducing the fall risk by addressing individual risk factors. The best results are achieved when fall prevention is a systematic, multi-professional collaboration involving different professional groups, as well as the older person and their loved ones.