How home care can help prevent falls for older people in Cheltenham and Gloucester

Falls are one of the biggest risks facing older people at home, but they are not a normal part of ageing. Across the UK, around one in three people aged 65 and over, and around half of those aged 80 and over, experience at least one fall each year. Although most falls do not result in injury requiring care, around 5% lead to a fracture. In this article we look at how home care can help prevent falls for older people in Cheltenham and Gloucester

Fear of falling leads to lack of movement and decreased mobility, leading to declines in balance and inappropriate use of walking aids.

You might think that falling is something that happens outside the home, however over 60% of falls in over 65s occur in the home, 85% of falls in the over 85s occur in the home. Often a falller are not takennn to hospital as they are not injured, just unable to get up again. How comforting would it feel to know your family member was able to rise from the floor, or better still stop a trip turning into a fall.

Females are more prone to injury than men of the same age, due to lower muscle strength and power, more fragile bones.

The consequences of a fall can be far reaching for an individual, fear of falling again, avoiding any activity even when safe, this leads to decreased strength and balance, which in turns leads to increased risk of falling, and so the cycle continues.

With the right support at home, older people can recover well after a fall

Falls also place a major strain on health services. Public health data for England shows more than 221,000 emergency hospital admissions due to falls among people aged 65 and over in 2024/25, including more than 77,000 admissions for people aged 65 to 79 and more than 143,000 for people aged 80 and over.

Government guidance also highlights the serious impact of falls and fragility fractures, with hip fractures alone accounting for around £1.1 billion in hospital costs each year, excluding the higher cost of social care When physical activity levels fall, often older adults should be doing more physical activity to help maintain functional fitness.

Declining physical activity levels lead to a higher risk of being unable to stop a trip or slip from becoming a fall. For many older adults, a fall can affect far more than physical health. It can reduce confidence, limit mobility and make everyday routines feel more difficult. The good news is that many falls are preventable. Primary prevention of falls should focus on maintaining strength and balance to maintain independent living and staying on your feet! With the right support at home, older people can recover well after a fall, reduce future risks and continue living comfortably in familiar surroundings.

Compassionate home care tailored to each individual

Common causes of falls in older people include reduced strength, poor balance, medication side effects, visual impairment, trip hazards in the home and reduced strength and balance due to reduced levels of physical activity. Because the causes are often linked, a personalised care plan can make a real difference in helping someone remain safe and well at home.

At Caremark Cheltenham and Gloucester, we provide compassionate home care tailored to each individual. Our care services can support older people after a fall and help reduce the likelihood of future incidents through practical day-to-day assistance, reablement, reassurance and joined-up care. We can also help you maintain your strength and balance to reduce the risk of you having a fall.

Personalised Support After a Fall

Recovering after a fall often means needing extra support with everyday tasks. Our carers can help with personal care, meal preparation, hydration, medication support and gentle encouragement with daily routines. Where appropriate, our Live Well at Home service can also support clients with physiotherapy-based wellbeing, helping them rebuild strength and confidence at home.

Safer Home Environments

Many falls happen in the home, which is why reducing hazards is such an important part of prevention. We can help identify practical risks such as loose rugs, cluttered walkways, poor lighting and unsafe furniture layouts. We can also support families in considering mobility aids, handrails and other small changes that make moving around the home easier and safer.

Confidence, Companionship and Emotional Reassurance

After a fall, it is common for older people to feel anxious about moving around on their own. This fear can sometimes lead to reduced activity, which may increase the risk of further falls. Regular visits from a trusted carer provide reassurance, encouragement and companionship, helping people feel more confident and more supported in their daily lives.

Joined-Up Support with Healthcare Professionals

Good recovery and long-term wellbeing often depend on coordinated support. Our team can work alongside GPs, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, community nurses and other professionals to help ensure care is consistent and responsive to changing needs. This joined-up approach can be especially valuable after a fall, when clear communication and continuity matter most.

Conclusion – Subeading (H2)

At Caremark Cheltenham and Gloucester, our approach is built on dignity, independence and personalised care. We support older people with mobility challenges, frailty and post-fall recovery so they can continue living safely and comfortably at home.

About Caremark Cheltenham and Gloucester

If you are looking for trusted home care in Cheltenham and Gloucester for yourself or a loved one, our team is here to help. Please call us on 01242 370797 or view our range of home care services in Cheltenham and Gloucester.