If you fall, try to stay calm. Take a couple of minutes to check for any pain or injuries and see if you think you can get up safely.

If you feel able to get up

  1. Take your time – do not get up too quickly.
  2. Roll onto your side, then use your arms to push yourself onto your hands and knees.
  3. Look for something firm to hold, such as a heavy piece of furniture or a bath or a sink. Crawl to it if it’s out of reach.
  4. Put one foot flat on the floor. Stand up slowly while holding onto something firm to help you.
  5. Sit down and rest while you recover.

If you do not feel able to get up

  1. If you can reach a phone or personal alarm, use it to get help.
  2. If you cannot reach a phone or alarm, try to get someone’s attention by shouting for help or banging on a wall or the floor.
  3. Try to keep warm while you wait for help. Cover yourself with anything you can reach, such as a towel, coat, rug or blanket.
  4. Keep moving your body. Roll from side to side or gently move your arms and legs.
  5. Try to change position about every 30 minutes, to help prevent pressure sores

How carers can help

  1. Check whether the person is in pain, injured, dizzy, confused or feeling unwell
  2. Encourage them to take their time and rest before moving
  3. Keep useful items nearby, such as a phone, personal alarm, glasses, walking aid and medication list
  4. If they have fallen before or are worried about falling again, help them seek advice from their GP or local services.

What to do if you fall

What to do if you fall | NHS inform

 

 

 

Page last reviewed: 25 August, 2026