Could your medications increase your risk of falls?

People taking four or more medications are invited to find out whether they could be at increased risk of a fall by bringing their medications list for friendly, helpful advice from Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust’s Falls Prevention team during Falls Awareness Week (Monday 21 to Sunday 27 September 2026).

Falls are not an inevitable part of aging, but in over ‘65s they are one of the most common reasons for hospital admissions and injury. Taking multiple medications can be one factor that increases your risk of a fall, as Falls Prevention Lead Pharmacy Technician Sophie Myers explains:

“Falls can be caused by many different things from a trip or a slip to a sudden drop in blood pressure. Some medications, especially in combination, can cause slow reactions, impaired balance, dizziness or fainting so we’re encouraging local people to come for a quick meds check to understand their risk and get top tips to prevent a fall.”

The team will be at venues in Bradford, Bingley, Keighley and Ilkley during the week:

• Monday 21 September,10.00am – 1.00pm, Canalside Health Care Centre, Bingley, BD16 4RP
• Tuesday 22 September,10.00am – 1.00pm, Keighley Healthy Living, Keighley, BD21 2JH
• Wednesday 23 September, 11.00am – 2.00pm, Room 03 Westbourne Green Community Health Care Centre, Bradford, BD8 8RA
• Thursday 24 September, 11.00am – 2.00pm, café area, Clarke Foley Community Hub, Ilkley, LS29 9DZ
• Friday 25 September, 10.00am – 2.00pm, Golden Age Day Centre, Polish Community Centre, Bradford BD5 0BH

Most falls are not serious, but statistics from the Department of Health and Social Care show that during 2024-2025, there were 221,600 people in England aged 65 and over who had an emergency hospital admission due to a fall. And for elderly people who break bones, a fall often means loss of confidence and independence, as well as a hospital stay.

Sophie says: “Sparing just a few minutes to get your medications checked could prevent pain, inconvenience and having to make changes to your lifestyle or living arrangements. We’ll also be giving advice on falls prevention inside and outside the home and how simple strength and balance exercises can help you to stay steady.”

If you’re unable to get along to one of the events, you can pick up self-care tips to reduce your risk of falls, from foot health and footwear, to eye health, home hazards and staying active on the Falls Prevention team’s web page. Advice for carers is also available.