Falls prevention at home — a practical guide for older residents in Chichester and Bognor Regis

For older people in Chichester, Bognor Regis and the surrounding villages, a fall is often a turning point: it can be the moment when independence begins to feel fragile, when a hospital admission disrupts familiar routines, or when family conversations about extra support begin in earnest. The good news is that most falls are preventable.

This guide brings together practical, evidence-based steps you can take at home, plus the local services available across West Sussex to reduce falls risk and respond well if a fall does happen.

Six quick checks for every home

Walk through your home as if you were seeing it for the first time, ideally with a family member or a member of our team. Look for:

•     Loose rugs, frayed carpet edges and trailing cables on walking routes — particularly between the bedroom, bathroom and kitchen.

•     Lighting at the top and bottom of stairs, and on the landing between bedroom and bathroom. Plug-in night lights or motion-activated LEDs make a real difference for night-time trips.

•     Footwear. Worn slippers without backs are one of the commonest hazards we see. Well-fitting slippers with a firm sole and a heel are inexpensive and effective.

•     Grab rails by the toilet, in the shower or bath, and at the front and back doors. Many GPs can refer to West Sussex County Council’s Occupational Therapy team for an assessment.

•     Medication reviews. Several common medicines — some blood pressure tablets, sedatives and antidepressants — can increase falls risk, particularly when first started or after a dose change. Ask your GP or pharmacist for an annual review.

•     Eyesight and hearing. Both contribute to balance and spatial awareness. Free NHS sight tests are available for everyone aged 60 and over.

Research consistently shows that regular strength and balance exercises reduce falls risk by around 20 to 30 per cent. The key is little and often: even ten minutes a day of seated leg lifts, sit-to-stand practice and gentle balance work builds the muscle and confidence that prevent falls.

West Sussex residents have access to the free falls prevention exercise service delivered by Everyone Health on behalf of West Sussex Wellbeing (0333 005 0095). It is open to anyone aged 65 or over who has had a fall, is worried about falling, or has been identified as at risk by a GP. Local groups run in Chichester, Bognor Regis and the surrounding area.

Other excellent local options include Age UK West Sussex, Brighton and Hove’s activity programme and the gentle exercise sessions run through several Chichester community centres. Walking, swimming at the Westgate Leisure Centre and gardening all contribute to balance and strength.

What to do if a fall happens

Stay calm. If the person on the floor is conscious, comfortable and not in obvious pain, the first step is to assess whether they can move. If they think they can get up, encourage them to roll onto their side, push up onto their hands and knees and use a sturdy piece of furniture for support — never lift them by their arms.

If they are in pain, cannot get up, or there is any concern about a head injury, call 999. While waiting for the ambulance, keep them warm with blankets, place a pillow under their head and stay with them. Do not give food or drink.

After any fall, even one that seems minor, book a GP appointment. A falls assessment can identify underlying causes — a urinary tract infection, blood pressure changes, a medication interaction — and prevent the next one.