Health conditions

Many health conditions can increase your risk of falling, especially anything that reduces your level of activity or makes you feel unsteady on your feet:

• If you are dizzy or light-headed, visit your doctor to discuss your symptoms.
• A previous fall, even a minor one, increases your chances of having a more serious fall in the future. Take action and see if you can work out why you fell.
• After a fall, many people try and reduce their activity so they do not fall again. However, if you limit your activity this reduces muscle strength, mobility and social contact—all of which increase your risk of falling.
• Being diagnosed with a health condition such as diabetes, stroke, arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, depression or a heart condition can increase your risk of falling.

Vision

Many changes in vision are gradual and may go unnoticed. These changes begin at around 40 years of age and can make it difficult to judge distances, see the edges of stairs and objects on the ground or adjust to changes in light.

• It is important to have your eyes checked by an optometrist every 2 years.
• Check your glasses regularly to make sure the lenses are clean and not scratched.
• Stick ‘contrast strips’ on your stair and shelf edges so they are easy to see.
• If you need cataract surgery, talk with your doctor or specialist about how soon you can have them removed. There are often waiting lists for this type of surgery.

Medicines

Taking certain types of medicines, or a combination of medicines, can have side effects that can make you dizzy or drowsy, increasing your risk of falling.

Medicines include those prescribed by a doctor and those bought from a pharmacy, supermarket or health food store, including natural or complementary products.

• Make an appointment to see your doctor if you
  • take medicines that affect mental alertness or cause dizziness or drowsiness
  • have fallen over in the last year
  • feel at all unsteady on your feet
  • have concerns about falling.
• Have your medicines checked.
  • Ask your doctor or pharmacist to arrange a free Home Medicines Review. This means a specially trained pharmacist visits you at home to discuss and review all your medicines, including over the counter and complementary medicines.
  • If a medicine makes you dizzy, unsteady or drowsy, check with your doctor whether there is different medicine that is just as effective but without those side effects.
• Seek further information.
  • Most medicines have consumer information on the label or in the packet.
  • You can also ask your pharmacist for a copy of the Consumer Medication Information leaflet, which contains easy-to-understand information about each of your medicines.
• Do not use other people’s medicine.
• Check the tools and tips for consumers on the Medicinewise website.

Continence

Incontinence is a recognised risk factor for falls and there are health professionals who deal specifically with bladder and bowel control problems. Incontinence is a common problem and it can be managed.

• Increase your self awareness and give yourself plenty of time to get to the toilet.
  • Learn how much time you have on average between the first sensation of bladder filling and the time when you absolutely have to get to the toilet. Plan to get to the toilet with adequate time.
• Think about the type of clothing you choose to wear.
  • Avoid multiple layers and firm fitting outer garments.
  • Clothing with elasticised waistbands are easier than fastenings like buckles, buttons and zips.
• Talk with a continence specialist about strategies to manage bladder and bowel problems during social outings.

The National Public Toilet Map website lists every public toilet in Australia, including accessible toilets for people with a disability.