Tackling the fear of falling
W E ALL stumble or trip sometimes sometimes. But a fear of falling can start to be a serious worry and difficult to deal with if it is not addressed quickly.
Concerns about losing your independence can make you reluctant to seek help.
Perhaps you’re worried that people will think you’re unable to look after yourself properly, or that they’ll suggest you move into a care home.
It’s important not to let such thoughts stop you taking positive steps to get help.
A good falls prevention service will enable you to live as independent and enjoyable a life as possible. This is the case whether you’ve had a fall already or are concerned about falling and want to know more about how to prevent it.
Age UK advises talking to your GP. With their help, or the help of your local falls prevention service, you can work out how to get your confidence back, improve your balance and strength, and reduce your risk of falling.
Staying as active as you can, having your eyes and hearing checked, looking after your feet and checking for home hazards will also help to keep you safe.