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5 ways you can address your fear of falling

A fear of falling goes by many names: 

💢 Ptophobia

💢 Post-fall Syndrome 

💢 Basiphobia

💢 FOF

Research has shown that rapidly changing circumstances, worry and anxiety can all have a significant impact on your ability to focus.

As with any phobia, fear or anxiety, it can be hard to overcome – but not impossible. Here are 3 starting points for addressing your fear of falling:

🔅Understand the source

Knowing where your fear of falling came from is a great place to start. Have you experienced a distressing fall in the past? Is your fear preventing you from going out or walking around? What is it that makes you the most anxious about falling? 

🔅Build confidence

Small steps are better than no steps. If your fear of falling is keeping you from moving around, a small (safe) walk around the living room is a positive step in the right direction. It’s always a good idea to speak to a doctor and put a plan in place to build your confidence as well. 

🔅Talk to a professional

Whether it’s a GP, physiotherapist, occupational therapist or psychologist – addressing the fear is the most productive thing you can do. 

🔅Take steps to reduce other fall risk factors

Performing an in-home fall and hazard audit is a great way to start understanding fall hazards and safety. After all, 33% of falls happen at home – so ensuring your home environment is fall-safe may ease your anxiety. You can also assess your fall risk in our free downloadable checklist, which may also help you to understand your risk, and take appropriate action.

🔅 Put a plan in place

Do you know what to do if you do have a fall? How to get up? Who to call? Did you know there are technologies that can help keep you safe if you do have a fall? Arranging these technologies now can potentially prove life-saving in the long run.

Do you want to speak to a HomeGuardian Care Consultant about your fear of falling, and fall-care solutions? Give us a call on 1300 248 324. 

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