As an amputee you are at an increased risk of falling. Falls are caused by lots of different reasons. You may prevent falling by:

  • Being aware that the feeling of your phantom limb or foot may cause you to fall.
  • Looking at your house/flat and making sure there is good lighting, no loose rugs, no uneven or wet flooring, no trailing flexes and that there is not too much clutter.
  • Making sure you eat a healthy balanced diet.
  • Ensuring you drink enough water (you should drink 6 cups of liquid a day)
  • Limiting your alcohol intake.
  • Making sure you keep active as inactivity leads to weak muscles and poor balance.
  • Making sure you don’t hurry – especially to the toilet.
  • Making sure your eyes are regularly tested and use glasses as prescribed.
  • Making sure the tablets you are on are regularly checked.
  • Placing the most frequently used items in an easy to reach place.
  • If you have high blood pressure get it checked regularly.

It is important that you know what you should do in the event of a fall.  Follow the instructions and remember if you can’t get up it’s very important to keep warm, keep comfortable, keep moving.

Walking aids

  • Keep a check on wear of rubber ferrules on sticks, crutches or frames. They should have grooves and NOT be smooth in appearance.
  • Be careful where you leave your walking aid – it could be tripped over.
  • Do not use another person’s walking aid – it may not be suitable for you.

Wheelchair use

  • Make sure that if you need it, your wheelchair is easily accessible at night.
  • Do make sure you put your wheelchair brakes on when getting in and out of your   wheelchair.

Footwear

  • Wear shoes/ slippers that are comfortable, fit properly and have non-slip soles.
  • Avoid using your prosthesis bare foot.
  • Speak to your prosthetist or physiotherapist if changing your shoes to a different   heel height.

Outside

  • Take extra care when walking on sloping, uneven, wet or icy ground.
  • It may be helpful to use a walking aid outside, even if you do not need one indoors. Talk to your physiotherapist.

Other

• Make sure your artificial limb is checked at the centre regularly (once per year)

What to do if I fall?

Do inform GP or health professional of the fall. Rest and recover

Am I hurt? No: Can I get up from the floor?  Yes: Then do so using the easiest method for you as shown in this leaflet.

Can I get up from the floor? No: Then follow the comfort plan

Attract attention - Keep the telephone on a low table, use pendant alarm, shout/bang on wall

Keep warm: Cover yourself with clothing, tablecloth, rug etc.

Get comfortable: find a nearby pillow or place an item of clothing under your head.

Keep moving: Keep rolling and moving position so not to get pressure sores unless you think you may have an injury. Advice on how to get up off the floor

Method 1

If you are wearing a below knee prosthesis then you are advised to get up from the floor in the following way. Stay calm. Get your breath back first.​​​​​​

  1. When you are ready roll to one side.Lying on the floor
  2. Using your arms, push yourself up into side sitting.Man sitting on the floor
  3. Using your arms, push yourself up onto your knees.Man on his knees
  4. Put your hands onto the piece of furniture and bend your strongest leg up.Man getting up on one knee
  5. Push through your arms and strong leg to standing position.Man getting to standing position
  6. Rest and alert your doctor if you have any serious injuries.Man sitting on bed

Method 2

If you find the other way of getting up too difficult, have painful knees or you are not wearing a prosthesis you may find it easier to get up from the floor in the following way.

  1. Sit on the floor and rest, shuffle on your bottom to a footstool, pile of cushions or a step. Put your hands up on to the step and lift your body up onto the step. Be careful not to scrape your back.Man pushing up from sitting
  2. From the step put your hands back onto a sofa or chair (make sure that the chair is stable) and push up onto the chair or sofa.
    Pushing up from seat
  3. Rest and inform your doctor if you have any injuries or pain.Sitting on bed

Contact us:

Specialist Rehabilitation and Mobility Centre
Lower Ground Floor
Cumberland Infirmary
Carlisle
CA2 7HY

Call 01228 616868

Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm

Confidentiality

‘The Trust’s vision is to keep your information safe in our hands.’ We promise to use your information fairly and legally, and in-line with local and national policies. You have a right to understand how your information is used and you can request a copy of the information we hold about you at any time.

For further information on confidentiality contact the Information Governance Team:

Information.Governance@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 603961

Feedback

We appreciate and encourage feedback, which helps us to improve our services. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns to make about your care, please contact the Patient, Advice & Liaison Service:

pals@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 814008 or 01946 523818

If you would like to raise a complaint regarding your care, please contact the Complaints Department:

complaints@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 936302