Falls prevention advice on hand during Falls Prevention Awareness Week

Derbyshire County Council is supporting national Falls Prevention Awareness Week with events and advice.

This year’s theme is From Awareness to Action, underlining the fact that falls are not a normal part of ageing.

Most falls can be prevented, and older adults have a range of support available to help reduce their risk of falling. 

Falls and fractures are a common, and serious, health issue faced by older people in England. 

30 percent of people over 65 years old, and 50 percent of people aged over 80 years, fall at least once a year

Falls, and their impact, are the largest cause of emergency hospital admissions for older people and have a significant human cost impacting on quality of life and confidence.

However falls and fractures in older people are often preventable.

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Communities, Councillor Dawn Abbott said: “Falls can significantly contribute to a loss of independence and reduced physical and mental wellbeing for older people. Working to prevent people from falling can help ensure that people stay happy, healthy, and independent in their own home for as long as possible.”

Falls are not a normal part of ageing, and many falls can be prevented by following a few simple steps.

Eyesight
As we get older our eyesight and eye health deteriorate, which if not carefully managed can increase our risk of falling. People aged over 60 are eligible for free NHS eye tests.

Hearing and ear health
A loss of hearing can cause you to feel dizzy and affect your balance and stability. It is important to have your hearing checked regularly to identify and correct any hearing issues.

Use walking aids
It is important to ensure you have the correct walking aid that it is appropriate to your individual needs.

Medication reviews
It is important to make sure your medications are reviewed on a regular basis. Some medications have side effects that can leave you feeling light-headed, dizzy or unstable on your feel and may increase your risk of falling.

Improving balance and stability
Derbyshire County Council commissions the Stronger for Longer service which is delivered by Age UK Derby and Derbyshire. It is a community falls exercise prevention programme that works with people at particular risk of falls.

Find out more about the Stronger for Longer exercise sessions by clicking here.

Derbyshire County Council is organising a series of free events showcasing how new technology can support people to remain independent at home for longer.

Members of the public are invited to find out more about how the latest smart home technology can help them remain safe while giving peace of mind to them, their family, friends and carers.

Technology Enabled Care (TEC) Week kicks off on Monday 22nd September.