You’ve Had a Fall: What to Do Now
According to Public Health England, around 1 in 3 adults over 65 will have at least one fall each year. More than 3 million people in the UK have osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and makes them more likely to fracture.
This guide walks you through the immediate steps to take after a fall, getting medical help, and what you can do to prevent it from happening again.
What to Do Immediately After a Fall
If you’ve had a fall, try to stay calm. Take deep breaths, check for pain or injuries, and assess whether you're able to get up.
How Do I Know if I Can Get Up After a Fall?
You know your body best, so trust your instincts. Use these questions to help decide if it’s safe to try getting up:
- Do you feel any sharp or sudden pain in your head, back, neck or hips?
- Can you move your arms and legs normally, without any sharp pain?
- Do you feel any dizziness, confusion, nausea or weakness?
- Do you feel strong enough to roll onto one side without any sharp pain?
If you’re unsure, call for help. HelpAlert members can press their alarm to connect to our round-the-clock team immediately.
How to Get Up After a Fall (NHS Guidance)
If you feel able to get up:
- Take it slow, don’t get up too quickly.
- Roll onto your side, then push yourself onto your hands or knees.
- Hold onto something sturdy like a sofa or countertop.
- Place one flat foot on the floor and rise slowly.
- Then sit down and rest while you recover.
HelpAlert alarms can offer reassurance while you do this. If you have automatic fall detection, our team will check in automatically.
What If I Can’t Get Up?
- Use a personal alarm or phone to get help.
- If out of reach, shout for help or bang on a surface.
- Cover yourself with a towel, rug or coat to stay warm.
- Move your arms and legs gently to keep circulation going.
- Change position every 30 minutes to avoid pressure sores.
If you suspect serious injury (head, hip, back), call 999. If you’re a HelpAlert user, our team will stay with you until help arrives and alert your emergency contacts.
Talking to Your GP After a Fall
After a fall, your GP may be contacted by paramedics or hospitals. If they don’t follow up, book an appointment yourself.
Discuss your concerns about mobility, physio, mental health, or medications. Your GP can offer tailored support and referrals.
How to Prevent Another Fall
There are three key areas to focus on:
Make Your Home Safer
- Install grab bars in bathrooms and by doorways.
- Improve lighting in hallways and staircases.
- Use anti-slip mats and secure loose rugs.
Build Back Your Strength After a Fall
Stay active with:
- Short, regular walks.
- Simple at-home exercises.
- Light resistance training (e.g., water bottles or small dumbbells).
Always consult your GP before starting new exercises.
Consider Investing in a Personal Alarm
If you were alone during a fall or feel vulnerable, a personal alarm provides added security. HelpAlert offers:
- Automatic fall detection
- Showerproof wearables
- GPS tracking
- Multi-SIM connectivity for reliable signals
At HelpAlert, we believe staying independent should never mean facing life alone. Our monitored personal alarms provide 24/7 UK-based support, automatic fall detection, and GPS protection both at home and outdoors, helping people live more confidently while giving families extra peace of mind.
Whether it’s a trip to the shops, a walk with the dog, or simply living independently at home, help is always just the press of a button away.
If you’d like to see how the service works, we offer a 14-day trial with no long contracts and only a small postage charge to get started.
Call our friendly UK Care Team on 01273 055049 or explore our monitored alarm range below to find the right option for you or your loved one.
