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SEPTEMBER 2026 THE REVIEW | 15 FEATURE Most importantly, slow down and give yourself permission not to rush. Taking your time can reduce risk more effectively than any gadget. Emergency planning If you live alone, consider a personal alarm, fall detector, smartwatch, or emergency pendant that can alert a contact if you fall. Keeping a phone or communication device nearby is also helpful. Think about what you would do if you fell and could not get up. Having a plan can reduce anxiety and help you respond effectively. Ensure trusted people can access your home in an emergency, whether through spare keys held by caregivers, friends, or family members. When you fall A fall can be distressing physically and emotionally. Feelings of embarrassment or vulnerability are common, especially in public, and other people’s reactions can be just as significant as the fall itself. Most people want to help but may not know how. If you need assistance, tell them what is helpful. Encourage an “ask before you touch” approach, as sudden grabbing or incorrect lifting can make things worse. After a fall, take a few deep breaths and check for pain or injury. People with CP may not immediately notice pain or fatigue. Give clear instructions to helpers and explain what hurts. If you suspect a serious injury, stay where you are and seek medical help. Rebuilding trust in your body A fall can shake confidence. Fear of falling again may lead people to avoid activities, stay home, or withdraw socially. It’s okay to acknowledge that falling can be frightening and that emotional impacts may outlast physical injuries. Talking with friends, family, therapists, a counsellor or peer support groups can help. Reflect on what happened, identify practical solutions, and set gradual goals for returning to activities you enjoy. Living safely, not fearfully Managing falls is about more than physical safety — it’s about maintaining confidence and independence. Whether you’re walking, rolling, or somewhere in between, your body is doing its best. Sometimes that means using equipment, home modifications, or personal support. Other times it means finding humour in life’s wobbles, tumbles, and creative recoveries. Falling is not a personal failure. It’s a human experience shaped by our bodies, environments, and emotions. The goal is not to avoid every fall, but to fall safely, recover confidently, and keep moving through life on your own terms. This article has been edited for space. To read the full version go to www.tinyurl.com/mrrtfndm Amy Hogan is the Cerebral Palsy Society’s Researcher and Member Support Advisor. Peter Rawlings is a Member Support and Programmes Coordinator. Talking with friends, family, therapists, a counsellor or peer support groups can help.