Health · England
Falls and looking after my bones
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A fall can affect your confidence.
Ask for help to keep doing things you enjoy.
Get help after a fall
Call 999 if you cannot get up.
Also call if your head, back, neck or hip may be injured.
For severe pain after a fall, call 999 or go to A&E.
Do not lift someone yourself
Keep them warm and comfortable.
Follow the help you are given.
Tell your GP
Say if you have fallen or your balance has changed.
Explain what happened.
Find out what could help
Your medicines, movement, eyes or other health needs may matter.
Ask the team to explain its findings.
Ask about suitable activity
A physiotherapist can help you plan.
Ask for activities that fit your own needs.
Check your surroundings
Ask about lighting, floors and equipment.
An occupational therapist may help.
Look after your bones
Osteoporosis makes bones weaker.
Ask a doctor if you are worried.
Understand tests and treatment
You may be offered a bone scan or treatment.
Ask what it is for and what happens next.
Food and drinks matter
Ask how your food plan supports healthy bones.
Get advice before starting supplements.
Your activities still matter
Say what you want to keep doing.
Ask for help to feel more confident.
Make a plan for help
Know how to call for help if you fall.
Agree who will review your support.
What you can do next
Ask the GP about assessment.
Use the worksheet to prepare your questions.
Read about falls Web pageThis link opens another website.
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More useful links
- NHS: falls and getting help Web page
What to do after a fall and how to ask about assessment.
- NHS: osteoporosis Web page
Bone health, possible assessment, scans and treatment choices.
- NICE: falls assessment and prevention Web page
Professional guidance for adults 65 and over, and adults 50 to 64 at increased risk.
- NHS: keeping bones healthy over 65 Web page
Age-specific advice, activity and support after a fracture.
These links open other websites.
They may use harder words.
Falls, balance and looking after your bones — Easy Read
Ask for help with falls, balance and bone health while keeping the activities you enjoy.
England · Adults · Specialist falls guidance has age and risk criteria
Get help after a fall
Call 999 if someone cannot get up or may have injured their head, back, neck or hip. Severe pain after a fall or injury also needs emergency help: call 999 or go to A&E, but do not drive yourself. Keep the person comfortable and warm while waiting; do not try to lift them yourself. For pain, injury or illness after a fall without those emergency features, contact NHS 111. Follow any professional moving-and-handling advice.
Tell someone about falls and near falls
Ask the GP about a fall, changed balance or difficulty moving. Explain what happened before, during and afterwards. Note any dizziness, loss of consciousness, pain or new difficulty using equipment. A near fall can also show that support needs reviewing. Do not assume a fall is simply part of getting older or having a learning disability.
Ask for the right assessment
The GP may arrange tests or refer to physiotherapy or a falls service. Explain your age, health conditions and how changes affect everyday life. NICE’s falls guideline covers people aged 65 and over, and those aged 50 to 64 with increased risk. Younger adults with concerns still need appropriate clinical assessment; that guideline’s age range is not a reason to ignore symptoms.
Look at possible causes together
Assessment may consider balance, strength, eyesight, hearing, feet, footwear, medicines, blood pressure and other health conditions. Food, drinks, toileting and the surroundings may matter too. Ask the team to explain its findings and agree actions. The aim is to understand the person’s circumstances, rather than attach a risk score and stop their activities.
Review medicines with a professional
Some medicines can affect balance or alertness. Bring the full medicine list and explain when symptoms occur. Ask the GP or pharmacist whether a review would help. Do not stop or change medicine yourself. Ask who will follow up changes and how the effects will be checked.
Make movement support personal
Ask a physiotherapist about activities that fit your abilities and goals. A falls-prevention programme should be adapted and reviewed by appropriately trained staff. Ask for demonstrations and training for anyone helping. If someone has fragile bones or pain, get advice before adding new exercises, stretches or standing equipment.
Check the places where you move
Discuss lighting, clutter, floor surfaces, bathroom access, footwear and how help arrives when needed. An occupational therapist may assess suitable changes. Try equipment with appropriate advice rather than buying a walking aid or rail without checking it fits. Ask how the plan supports outings as well as moving around at home.
Understand bone health
Osteoporosis makes bones weaker and more likely to break. It often has no obvious symptoms before a fracture. Age, menopause, some conditions and treatments can affect risk. Ask the GP about assessment if you are worried, have persistent back pain or changes in posture, or have broken a bone after a minor injury.
Ask about assessment and treatment
A clinician may assess fracture risk and arrange a bone-density scan, sometimes called DEXA or DXA. Not everyone needs a scan. If treatment is offered, ask how it helps, how to use it and when it will be reviewed. After a broken bone, ask whether a fracture liaison service could help with future bone health.
Food, vitamin D and activity
Food containing calcium, enough vitamin D and suitable activity can support bone health. Ask how this fits any swallowing plan, restricted diet or medical condition. Do not start high-dose supplements or assume they replace treatment. Ask a clinician or pharmacist about individual advice. Vitamin D is not a guarantee against falls.
Keep confidence, choice and a backup plan
Fear after a fall can make activity difficult. Explain this and ask for support to rebuild confidence. Agree how to call for help, including a usable phone or personal alarm where appropriate. Record who checks equipment and reviews the plan. Restrictions should not replace assessment, practical support and discussion of your own wishes.
Words you could use
“I have fallen or my balance has changed. Please assess the cause and help me stay active with the right support.”
More useful links
- NHS: falls and getting help Web page
What to do after a fall and how to ask about assessment.
- NHS: osteoporosis Web page
Bone health, possible assessment, scans and treatment choices.
- NICE: falls assessment and prevention Web page
Professional guidance for adults 65 and over, and adults 50 to 64 at increased risk.
- NHS: keeping bones healthy over 65 Web page
Age-specific advice, activity and support after a fracture.
These links open other websites.
They may use harder words.
Where the information comes from
Links checked 7 November 2026.
These links open other websites.
They may use harder words.
- NHS: falls Web page
Help after a fall, referral, home changes and contributing factors.
- NICE NG249: falls recommendations Web page
Age scope, individual assessment, tailored exercise, medicines and vitamin D.
- NHS: osteoporosis Web page
Weak bones, risk, symptoms, bone-density assessment and treatment.
- NHS: keeping bones healthy over 65 Web page
Suitable activity, professional medicine review and fracture liaison services.
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