What to do if someone falls or becomes unsteady
- Jun 1
- 1 min read
Falls and near falls are one of the situations many people worry about most when supporting an older person or someone living with dementia.
Watch the video below:
In the moment, it can be easy to panic or rush in too quickly. But staying calm, assessing the situation carefully and knowing a few simple techniques can make a real difference.
In this short film, Lucy and Heather's "Body Double" demonstrate practical ways to support someone safely if they become unsteady or fall. The film covers how to reduce injury risk, support a controlled descent where possible, assess for signs of serious injury and help someone get back up safely when appropriate.
It also introduces the iStumble app, which guides people through important checks after a fall and helps decide whether emergency support may be needed.
As with all our Everyday Support films, the focus is not just on safety but also on dignity, reassurance and confidence.
The videos in this Everyday Support section of the Know-How were originally made as internal training resources for our staff and volunteers, but we are now sharing them publicly in the hope they may help carers, families and community groups too.
