Do you need a referral for falls prevention programme?

A falls prevention programme looks at factors that can affect steadiness, such as leg strength, balance, walking pattern, footwear, vision, medicines, dizziness, and hazards around the home. A physiotherapist may then plan exercises and practise safe strategies for turning, reaching, rising from a chair, and using a walking aid.

A referral can be useful after a fall, when you feel unsteady, or when a health condition or medicine may affect balance. It gives the service context, but the programme still begins with an individual assessment rather than a standard exercise sheet.

Contact the programme provider and ask whether self-referral is accepted, what age or health criteria apply, and whether a family member can attend the assessment. If you have fallen, tell the service when it happened, whether you were injured, and what you were doing at the time.

Bring your medicines, glasses, hearing aids, and walking aid to the assessment. Wear secure shoes and use the support you normally need. Do not practise unfamiliar balance exercises alone if you feel at risk of falling.

Get urgent help after a fall if you have severe pain, a possible fracture, a head injury with confusion or repeated vomiting, loss of consciousness, or new weakness or numbness. Prompt medical review is also needed for repeated falls, fainting, chest symptoms, or dizziness that is new or worsening.

Ask: Do I need a referral for this programme? Could any medicine, vision problem, or blood-pressure change affect my balance? Which exercises are safe at home? Should my home be assessed, and when should I use a walking aid?