Are your patients doing enough to stay safe and reduce their risk of falls as they grow older?
CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared in Yahoo
Falls remain one of the most common reasons for emergency calls among older people. In 2024, the Northwest Ambulance Service alone responded to more than 90,000 incidents involving falls, with over 63% of these resulting in hospital admissions. These figures highlight the significant impact of falls not only on individuals but also on the wider health system. For practice managers, this is a pressing area where proactive interventions can make a measurable difference.
Why Falls Prevention Matters
As people age, their chances of experiencing a fall increase. However, falls are not an inevitable part of growing older. In fact, many falls can be prevented with the right support, awareness and changes to lifestyle or environment. A single fall can have far-reaching consequences, even if it does not result in serious injury. Patients may lose confidence, withdraw from daily activities and feel a diminished sense of independence. Practice managers therefore have a vital role to play in ensuring their teams are well equipped to support patients in reducing these risks.
Promoting Physical Activity and Confidence
One of the most effective ways to prevent falls is by encouraging older patients to stay active. Practice managers can coordinate with local providers or community groups to host strength and balance classes or ensure that posters and patient information leaflets are prominently displayed in waiting areas. By making these opportunities more accessible, practices can empower patients to maintain physical strength, improve mobility and preserve confidence in their ability to live independently.
Encouraging Regular Health Reviews
Routine eye tests and medication reviews are also central to reducing the risk of falls. Practice managers can implement systems to remind patients of upcoming check-ups or follow-up appointments, whether through text message alerts, phone calls, or during routine visits. For patients who face barriers to attending appointments, practices can signpost or arrange alternative options, such as at-home eye tests. By ensuring patients are regularly reviewed, managers can help identify issues such as vision loss or side effects from medications that may otherwise go unnoticed.
Preparing Patients for Seasonal Challenges
Cold weather is another significant factor contributing to falls, particularly when icy conditions or poor heating increase risk. Practice managers can support their teams in preparing patients for the winter months by providing advice on cold weather kits, highlighting available emergency alert systems and promoting communication tools that allow patients to contact someone quickly in the event of an accident. Proactive advice and preparation can prevent avoidable incidents during colder months.
Addressing the Wider Risk Factors
Practice managers should ensure that their practices have a structured approach to identifying fall risks. This could include embedding falls risk assessments into annual health checks or chronic condition reviews, as well as strengthening referral pathways to community falls prevention services.
By coordinating patient communications, supporting the clinical team and forging links with community services, falls prevention can become a routine part of patient care. This not only helps protect the wellbeing of older patients but also reduces avoidable pressure on emergency services and secondary care. With the right systems and proactive leadership, practice managers can play a central role in helping older people remain safe, confident and independent in their daily lives.
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