Talk to your doctor about preventing a fall

Falling over isn’t a normal part of the ageing process, but once we hit 65 our risk increases substantially.

You should talk to someone if you:

  • have tripped or fallen over recently
  • find it hard to get up from a low chair without using the armrests
  • have been feeling a bit off balance.

Sometimes the underlying causes of a fall can be monitored and treated by your doctor. To maintain your health and independence:

  • have regular check-ups
  • ask your doctor to regularly review your medications
  • discuss any changes in your health
  • ask your doctor if a Vitamin D supplement is right for you. Vitamin D can help maintain bone health and improve muscle function
  • ask for a Timed up and Go (TUG) test to gauge your muscle strength and balance.

    Download the Timed up and Go (TUG) Test
     

Things your health professional will want to know

If you’ve had a trip or fall or think you’re at risk of falling, use these prompts to help you have a conversation with your doctor:

I had been feeling unsteady prior to my fall for:

  • a month or longer
  • a couple days
  • not at all.

I feel unsteady when I:

  • get out of bed in the morning
  • bend down
  • exert myself
  • sit quietly
  • drive or am a passenger
  • other times.

I have lost confidence in:

  • moving about my house
  • going shopping
  • doing everyday things
  • walking
  • exercising.

I’m finding it harder to:

  • get up from my easy chair without using the armrests
  • bathe and groom
  • go to the bathroom
  • prepare my own meals
  • get up and down my stairs.

I had been feeling unsteady prior to my fall for:

  • a month or longer
  • a couple days
  • not at all.

I feel unsteady when I:

  • get out of bed in the morning
  • bend down
  • exert myself
  • sit quietly
  • drive or am a passenger
  • other times.

I have lost confidence in:

  • moving about my house
  • going shopping
  • doing everyday things
  • walking
  • exercising.

I’m finding it harder to:

  • get up from my easy chair without using the armrests
  • bathe and groom
  • go to the bathroom
  • prepare my own meals
  • get up and down my stairs.