Fall prevention at Christmas
Falling or being at risk of falls can often go unnoticed, yet it’s far more common than many realise.
1/3 adults over 65, and half of those over 80, will experience at least one fall each year.
Because over 50% of falls occur in the home, it’s essential to make living spaces as safe as possible for people in these age groups. Unaddressed fall hazards in the home are estimated to cost the NHS in England £435 million annually.
We have a home safety checklist, designed for you to follow and prevent falls. This Christmas, we want to highlight the importance of keeping fall prevention a priority and the extra hazards to look out for around the festive period.
Common Christmas Fall Risks
First Aid for Life discusses that Christmas is a common time for accidents, explaining that over the Christmas period, more than 80 thousand people visit A&E!
Christmas trees can account for more than 1,000 injuries during this time. Thinking specifically about falls, the following things can be risky activities:
1. Loose or trailing wires
Christmas lights and decorations often mean more cables. Extension leads across the floor or tucked under rugs can become hidden trip hazards.
2. Presents and packaging
Gift giving is wonderful, but the boxes, toys, and wrapping paper left scattered across the floor can turn into dangerous trip hazards.
3. Dim or festive lighting
Soft, cosy Christmas lights look lovely, but they can reduce visibility. Poor lighting makes it harder to see obstacles, steps or uneven flooring.
4. Putting up decorations
Decorating often involves climbing, stretching, or navigating around objects in the home. Putting up lights, reaching for storage boxes, or adding décor to high-traffic areas can all pose risks.
5. Consuming alcohol
Festive drinks can impair balance, coordination, and judgement, significantly increasing the likelihood of a fall.
6. Prepare for Winter Weather
In the UK, we can experience very cold weather, which as we know can sometimes lead to snow and ice. Extreme weather is a major cause of falls, with the darker days and evenings, ice can be even harder to spot.7
How to Reduce These Risks This Christmas
To help prevent accidents this festive season, simple precautions such as keeping walkways clear, securing decorations, and using step ladders safely can significantly reduce the chances of injury.
Being cautious with festive activities can help avoid trips, falls, or other injuries.
Tidy up cables
Use cable clips or hooks to secure wires along walls or skirting boards instead of letting them run loosely. A great option is to use battery-operated decorations where possible to minimise the number of cables needed. Avoid hiding cables under rugs, as this can make them even more dangerous and cause the rug to slip.
Keep presents to a specific location
In the run up to Christmas, you might have presents under the tree waiting to be opened, try to keep these as far away from walkways or communal areas as possible. Opening presents is exciting, but to avoid any possible falls, keep opened presents and kids playing with their toys to a section of the room.
Light your home well
Use festive lighting alongside adequate everyday lighting. Make sure hallways, stairs and entrances remain well lit, and consider using nightlights or motion-sensor lights in darker areas.
Limit decorations
Your home can still feel warm and festive without becoming overcrowded. Try focusing decorations on shelves, windowsills, or mantlepieces, as this keeps them off the floor. If you’re hanging lights or garlands, make sure you use a stable ladder and ensure someone is nearby to help, or even kindly ask someone more able to do it for you.
Watch your alcohol intake
If you enjoy a drink over Christmas, pace yourself and alternate with water. Keeping track of your units can help prevent falls related to reduced mobility or balance.
Prepare for winter weather
In the UK, we can experience very cold weather, which as we know can lead to snow and ice. Extreme weather is a major cause of falls, with the darker days and evenings, ice can be even harder to spot. Make sure to wear supportive, non-slip footwear and take your time. If paths are icy, consider using a walking aid or asking for help. Make sure you have a light source with you as well, so your path is always clear and lit, helping you spot and avoid hazards. Keep your outdoor pathways and gardens clear of snow and ice, and spread some grit on the floor for extra precaution.
If you’re looking for other fall prevention tips, please read this article on how to protect yourself from falls in your home and garden.
Fall Prevention Items
Falls can increase at home during this time, but with larger amounts of vulnerable people being admitted into the hospital at Christmas time, inpatient falls can rise too.
Studies have found that introducing the colour ‘yellow’ to highlight a patient at risk of falls, have reduced falls by 50% in an NHS hospital.
We supply hospitals and care homes with our bright yellow Fall Prevention blankets and socks. We also offer Fall Prevention Kits, which include a bright yellow lap blanket and a pair of bright yellow gripped socks, which instantly indicate patients who are at risk of falls, reducing the likelihood of patients being missed.
Fall Prevention Kit Fall Prevention Socks Fall Prevention Blanket
Read more from us…
Understanding NHS waiting times
Falls prevention in ageing populations
