Stay steady on your feet this Falls Awareness Week
A third of all older people aged over 65 will have a fall every year, and it can have a major impact on their lives both physically and emotionally. But falls are not an inevitable part of growing older and there are many ways to reduce risks.
To mark Falls Awareness Week (12th – 18th July) we are highlighting the importance of educating our communities about how older people can reduce the risk of falls. We work with a number of organisations across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan to educate the younger and older generation about how falls can be prevented.
This includes our intergenerational programme, the Staying Steady Schools project, which engages primary school pupils to deliver falls awareness sessions. Since the project was launched in 2018, over 500 children from 24 schools throughout Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan have taken part to deliver messages to older adults in a fun and interactive way.
Take action today to prevent a fall
As you grow older, you may experience changes in your mobility or feel a little unsteady on our feet. There might also be other factors to consider such as using more medications or changes in eyesight. This can increase your risk of having a fall, which although for many people may not result in significant injury, can mean falls happen more regularly.
If you are worried about falling especially as we start to get out and about more often, there are many ways you can reduce the risks. From reviewing your medication to getting active, falls are not an inevitable consequence of growing older. It is important to tell someone if you have fallen or worry about falling, whether it’s a friend, family member or your GP.
Reduce your risk of falls by remembering to:
Stay active and stay strong
If you fall, tell someone
Watch your step – be aware of trip hazards
For more tips on how you or a loved one can prevent a fall, download the free Falls Awareness Week information leaflet by clicking here.
Boost your confidence with the Stay Steady Clinic
The Stay Steady Clinic is a service focused on providing tailored support and advice to individuals who are worried about falling or feeling a little unsteady on their feet. The clinics are available to all residents in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan, with a dedicated team of falls specialist physiotherapists on hand to assess an individual’s risk of falling and the recommendations to take.
The clinics are delivered over the phone, face-to-face or via a secure video link. After a detailed assessment, an action plan is created with exercises and advice to reduce risks. The Stay Steady Clinic aims to support individuals in feeling more confident doing daily activities and help prevent falls.
For more Falls Prevention information and resources visit our dedicated webpage here. If you would like to find out more about the Stay Steady Clinic call the team on 029 2183 2552 or email staysteady.cardiff@wales.nhs.uk.