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:

Get help from NHS 111 if:

See a GP if:

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:

• ask the reception staff at your GP surgery
• check your GP surgery's website
• contact your local integrated care board (ICB)
• search online for NHS services near you that can help after a fall

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.

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

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

• muscles getting weaker as you get older
• conditions that affect your mobility or balance, such as arthritis, stroke or Parkinson's disease
• low blood pressure (hypotension)
• side effects of some medicines
• problems with your eyesight or hearing
• dementia

• Age UK: preventing falls
• Age UK advice line: 0800 678 1602, 8am to 7pm every day
• Chartered Society of Physiotherapy: Get up and go – a guide to staying steady
• Social care and support guide