A fall can be frightening, but knowing what to do next can help reduce the risk of further injury and support a safer recovery.
Falls are one of the most common causes of injury among older Australians. While some falls result in only minor bruises, others can lead to more serious complications, including fractures, reduced confidence, and a loss of independence.
Whether you’ve experienced a fall yourself or you’re caring for a loved one, taking the right steps afterwards is important.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
After a fall, try not to rush to get up immediately.
Take a moment to:
- Check for pain or injuries
- Assess whether you can move your arms and legs comfortably
- Look for signs of dizziness or confusion
- Take a few deep breaths to stay calm
If you believe you may have a serious injury, remain where you are and seek assistance.
Step 2: Seek Immediate Medical Help if Needed
Call emergency services or seek urgent medical attention if you experience:
- Severe pain
- Suspected fractures
- Head injuries
- Loss of consciousness
- Heavy bleeding
- Difficulty moving or standing
Even if an injury doesn’t seem serious at first, it’s important to monitor symptoms closely over the following days.
Step 3: Get Up Safely
If you feel well enough and believe you haven’t sustained a serious injury, try to get up slowly and carefully.
Use a stable piece of furniture for support and avoid sudden movements.
If you’re unable to get up safely on your own, call a family member, neighbour, carer, or emergency services for assistance.
Step 4: Tell Someone About the Fall
Many people feel embarrassed after a fall and choose not to mention it.
However, reporting the fall to a family member, carer, or healthcare professional is important, even if you don’t believe you’ve been injured.
A fall can be an early warning sign of:
- Reduced balance
- Muscle weakness
- Medication side effects
- Vision changes
- Underlying health concerns
Step 5: Monitor Your Symptoms
Some injuries don’t become obvious immediately.
Over the next few days, watch for:
- Persistent pain
- Swelling or bruising
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Difficulty walking
- Changes in confidence or mobility
If symptoms develop or worsen, seek medical advice.
Step 6: Identify What Caused the Fall
Understanding why the fall happened can help prevent future incidents.
Common causes include:
- Slippery surfaces
- Loose rugs or trip hazards
- Poor lighting
- Muscle weakness
- Balance issues
- Incorrect footwear
- Certain medications
Taking time to identify the cause is an important part of reducing future risk.
Step 7: Take Steps to Prevent Another Fall
After a fall, many people become less active because they’re worried about falling again.
Unfortunately, reduced activity can lead to weaker muscles and poorer balance, increasing the likelihood of future falls.
Instead, focus on:
- Staying physically active
- Improving strength and balance
- Making your home safer
- Having regular health checks
- Seeking professional support if needed
Don’t Ignore a Fall
Even if you weren’t seriously injured, a fall shouldn’t be dismissed as “just bad luck.”
Falls can indicate changes in strength, balance, mobility, or overall health that may benefit from professional assessment.
Addressing these issues early can help you stay active, maintain confidence, and continue living independently.
Taking the Next Step
If you’ve experienced a fall recently or are concerned about your balance and mobility, a physiotherapist can assess your risk factors and create a personalised plan to help improve strength, stability, and confidence.
Small changes today can make a big difference in preventing future falls.
