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For others like me whose minds are always on the long to do list in their head...just concentrate on what you're doing. I measured my length on my own street this Summer dashing off to town, thinking about what I had to buy, worrying about getting home on time for the next appointment, turning to wave at a neighbour, and tripping over a raised inspection cover on the pavement. As I now know, broken bones and jarred ligament cause lasting problems that I could have avoided just by concentrating on the here and now.

Placing a sensor mat next to the bed lets you know when the occupant is on the move.
Pimping up walking aids with colourful tubing and at this time of year Xmas decorations makes them very visible to the user.
Ensuring a jug of water is next to the bed/armchair to remain hydrated.
Regular mealtimes.
If you have an elderly relative and you live some distance away installing a smart device means that when a chosen appliance is switched on first thing the morning you know that they are up out of bed and mobile.
Wearing slippers/shoes with backs on and a Velcro strap ensures no slippage.

If you have to climb stairs get hand rails installed. Don't try to carry too much at a time when going up and down stairs.

Always take your time walking around and especially outdoors. I have had several near misses when stepping off kerbs, and now I am really conscious of looking down and checking carefully before stepping off.

No loose rugs
Bars wherever possible
Crutches, walking frames, sticks etc. Left at vulnerable places.
Supportive footwear
Alarm system for falls

Walk carefully near the top of the stairs. Earlier in the year I slipped on the top step and luckily was holding on to both banisters we have. I had not even started to come down but I still went down 4 or 5 steps and bruised my back. I really jolted my hip and my knees.

Take it slowly...and don't be embarrassed to get a stair lift if you need one.

harrysgran re sketchers go walk - I agree.
A friend bought me a pair last year. I have various foot problems, and they're the most comfortable and supportive shoes I've ever worn.
Since then I've bought another 2 pairs online.

reading all these tips , I feel like not moving out of my chair or not getting out of bed of a morning . My friend broke her wrist falling at the falling down clinic , her words were unrepeatable

I've had a couple of falls which have led to broken bones I had a scan and was diagnosed with osteoporosis so I am very careful when walking around the only tips I would say I have is to keep floors clear use sensor plug in lights make sure the garden path is well lit I also have an led torch attached to my car keys and the best tip wear sketchers go walk as well as being comfortable they have excellent grip.

If you need a stick, use one! And don't leave it leaning on the chair/table/wall for someone else to trip over... There are some really pretty fold up ones which work a treat.

Don't leave newspapers, magazines, leaflets etc. on the floor. They are particularly slippery and have caused falls here.

Avoid wooden floors with rugs and invest in a decent pair of slippers with a good sole. Oh - and add plenty of tonic to the gin!

Tai Chi helps me enormously. I am 67, have had 3 tumours removed (one from my spine) 4 lots of radiotherapy, 4 lots of chemotherapy and 6 operations in the last 10 years. My balance is poor, I walk with the help of crutches as I am waiting for a further operation in January but for that one hour a week and the times at home that I practice I feel no pain, I am so "in the zone" trying to remember the moves! I think Tai Chi keeps me positive and really does help my balance.

Get rid of sloppy slippers. Keep a light pair of shoes for indoor use. Much safer

Be aware of the hazards!
Think differently about life and learn to ask for help/ assistance.
Wear sensible shoes.
Never climb on chairs.
Always hold the handrail on steps and stairs.
Use a walking stick / pole for extra balance when out walking.
Remove all trip hazards and never leave things on the floor.
Use a non slip mat in the bath and shower.
Be aware of wet floors and paths.
Try not to venture out in the snow and ice.

Never use a chair to climb up to reach anything high up. Invest in a sturdy pair of steps. My Pilates teacher has introduced a lot of balance work for us 'oldies' she reckons we must 'use it or lose it'!

Be very careful on stairs. I always go down backwards, much easier, and make sure I hold the rail firmly.

I need tips myself. I've had rubbish balance all my life Even at junior school I'd fall over if we had to stand in assembly for too long. At the beginning of November I turned round, tripped over one of the dogs and headbutted a corner of the kitchen counter (we MUST round that off!) on my way down. It took weeks for the head pains to stop. Par for the course with me I'm afraid.

Doesn't affect me really yet but I would recommend a bungalow(no stairs no high windows to maintain etc). No rugs and don't be too proud to use a stick

I remember my mother was also tripping over rugs, so I wont have any in the house! I always find that slippers get very loose and sloppy on me, so I don't wear them now that I am older. I wear either a pair of trainers, check the sole isn't a slippy one, or a soft pair of outdoor shoes that I keep specially for indoors - no reason it has to be slippers, is there.

And a "grabber" for reaching stuff rather than overstretching and losing your balance. Or better still, ask someone else to reach for stuff for you!

Practise makes perfect so I do balance exercises regularly - find somewhere safe so you have a wall to grab if you wobble but practise standing on one leg for as long as possible and if you get good at that try standing on one leg with your eyes closed. Pilates is good for maintaining your balance skills too as is circle dancing where you have the support of people on either side of you

I fall a lot & find a combination of things help, flat, clear floors, shoes that really fit & give maximum contact with floor, special insoles available via GP & shoes that accommodate them. My toes wouldn't touch the floor if it wasn't for my insoles, & the toes do help with balance. Really good walking sticks/crutches with a wide base ferrule for maximum contact with floor, consider crutches if you'd hands don't grip well but crutches with a closed cuff, i.e. closed upper arm holder, so it'll stay in place if you reach for purse etc. Moving slowly, accounting for vision issues, really looking around you & accounting for what you see, not holding heavy/difficult things plus sadly, + be especially cautious with alcohol! & if you do fall, allow yourself a moment or two to catch your breath before trying to get up.

A.ways buy and wear good well fitted footwear.

I always look down before moving around at home, I have 2 cats and a dog that seem intent on trying to trip me up, I also have limited mobility so being aware of my surroundings is vital, I try to keep all walkways free from random clutter. I need my hands free for balance and to grab anything available for support, I don't carry anything when using stairs, I've had several falls on the stairs so have learnt from my mistakes, good fitting slippers and shoes with grippy soles are essential !

Excellent first post shinyredcar with great tips.
Wear decent supporting footwear and take your time. My friend had a really bad accident when rushing into the garden to get washing out of the rain because she had flipflop type sandals on.
Don't be too proud to use assistance eg sticks, walkers etc.