How to Prevent Falls and Support Confidence at Home

Falls are one of the most common risks for older people, but they don’t have to be an inevitable part of ageing. With the right support, environment, and confidence-building, falls can be prevented, helping people stay active, independent, and well for longer.

Why Falls Happen

As we grow older, changes in balance, strength, eyesight, and medication can all increase the risk of falling. Some common causes include:

• Reduced mobility or muscle weakness

• Poor lighting or cluttered spaces

• Slippery floors or loose rugs

• Ill-fitting footwear

• Side effects of medication (such as dizziness or drowsiness)

• Low blood pressure or dehydration

Even one fall can affect confidence and lead to a fear of moving about — which can cause reduced activity, isolation, and, over time, increase the likelihood of further falls.

How to Reduce the Risk of Falls

Preventing falls works best when we look at the whole person — their health, environment, confidence, and routines. Here are some key steps that can make a big difference:

1. Review health and medication

Ask a GP or pharmacist to review medication regularly. Some combinations can cause dizziness or affect balance. Regular checks for eyesight, hearing, and blood pressure are also important.

2. Encourage movement and strength-building

Gentle, regular activity such as walking, stretching, or balance exercises helps build confidence and physical strength.

3. Make the home safer

Small changes can have a big impact:

• Improve lighting, especially in hallways and bathrooms

• Remove clutter and secure loose rugs

• Fit grab rails and non-slip mats in bathrooms

• Keep everyday items within easy reach

4. Support safe stair use

Stairs can be one of the biggest fall risks. Helpful adjustments include:

• Installing secure handrails on both sides

• Ensuring bright, even lighting

• Adding non-slip treads or coloured edging for visibility

• Keeping stairs clear of clutter

• Considering downstairs living or a stairlift if needed

5. Choose supportive footwear

Shoes should fit well, support the ankle, and have non-slip soles. Loose slippers and backless shoes can increase the risk of tripping.

6. Support confidence and wellbeing

A fall can have an emotional impact as much as a physical one. Compassionate, relationship-centred support can help rebuild confidence, reduce fear of falling, and reintroduce safe, positive activity.

How Thrive Homecare Can Help

At Thrive, we take a holistic approach to preventing falls. Our Health & Wellbeing Associates work with each person and their family to look at all aspects of safety, comfort, and confidence — from mobility and nutrition to home environment and daily routines.

If you’d like to explore how we can help reduce the risk of falls and improve wellbeing for the person you love, please get in touch: hello@thrivehomecare.co.uk