4 minute read
Community Care
AVOIDING FALLS AT HOME
Did you know that thirty percent of people aged 65 and over will fall at least once a year? And for those aged 80 and over it is 50 per cent? These startling statistics are reported by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). However, there’s good news as there are simple things we can do to avoid falls at home and reduce the risk of injury and potential hospital stays. Here are some facts and tips to stay safe at home, especially important now as most falls occur when it becomes darker earlier in the evenings.
Fall Facts
n Over 60% of falls happen in the home. n Falls that result in hospital admission cost an average £5000 each time, weighing heavy on the NHS. n In the UK, falls are the most common cause of injury related deaths in people over the age of 75. n Ten per cent of hip-fracture patients will die within one month of their fracture, 30 per cent will die within a year and there are 13,800 hip-fracture-related deaths a year in the UK. n Falls can have an impact on confidence, increase isolation and reduce independence.
What are some causes of falls? Sensory and balance problems
The normal changes of aging such as poor eyesight, poor hearing. Illness and physical conditions can affect strength and balance. Also, loss of muscle, mobility and poor balance.
Medication
Medication can produce side effects which can alter balance and lead to falls. e.g. medications for high blood pressure, diabetes and heart conditions can cause unsteadiness. Falls are more likely if you are taking four or more medicines.
Home hazards
Check for indoor hazards such as internal steps, rugs on the floor, slippery tiles in the bathroom. Make sure there’s adequate lighting between the bed and the bathroom and toilet at night. Wear suitable shoes that fit correctly, do not walk in socks. Don’t forget garden and outside hazards such as outside steps without handrails or are slippery, and uneven footpaths.
Tips on how to prevent falls
n Before getting out of bed, sit on the side for a moment before standing, allowing blood pressure to adjust to limit dizziness. n If there is a walking aid in place, use it e.g. a frame or walking stick. n Have handrails put on both sides of the stairways. n Grabrails are useful in the bathroom and entrances to the home. n Consider having a falls pendent alarm. n Do not put electrical cords across pathways. n Drinking enough fluids. n Take medication as prescribed. n Maintain a healthy and active lifestyle, exercise may prevent joint and muscle weakening.
Karen Perry Founder, alice chilton In-Home Care Services www.alicechilton.com www.alicechiltoncleaning.co.uk
BRAMHALL & WOODFORD ROTARY CLUB - SANTA’S CHRISTMAS VILLAGE TOUR
Santa will be out and about on his annual Village Tour but he will still be in his imaginary bubble with everyone s taying safe. As ever, Santa’s Elves have been very busy. Not only have they been preparing the Float to take Santa on his annual tour but they have also been checking out the routes around the villages. Santa will begin his Tour in his sleigh on Saturday 4th December, on Bramhall and Woodford Rotary Club’s Float, and will then be out and about for 16 nights in Bramhall, Woodford and Cheadle Hulme inviting the children to post a letter saying what they would REALLY like for Christmas. Once again he will be visiting the Woodford Garden Village to see the boys and girls there. The Christmas Float is a well known fund raiser which has been in existence for over forty years raising thousands of pounds for many deserving causes in that time. This year sixteen local organisations and charities will be visiting most of the streets in the area with Santa and helping him with the collection. Please encourage your young ones to write a letter to Santa so that when you hear or see the Float they can pop it into his post box. A number of local businesses have very kindly donated to support Santa. Leaflets will be delivered to your door during November and local social media sites will carry details of the night when he will be coming to your street to pick up your Christmas wish list and bring you some early Christmas goodies. Don’t forget to track him with the SantaTracker on our website www.bwrotary.org , with daily information on the Facebook page (Bramhall and Woodford Rotary).
NEW FOR TWENTYONE – ‘THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS JIGSAW PUZZLE QUIZ & TRAIL’
For the younger generation:-
Christmas is a time for families to gather together and do a Christmas jigsaw. Can you bring together the jigsaw pieces showing pictures from the song The Twelve Days of Christmas which are scattered around the Bramhall shops? But there is a twist! Only one of the days will have all four pieces on show. Tell us which day it is and you could be the winner of a super prize.
For the adults:-
There are 25 questions which are all related to the words of the Christmas song, The Twelve Days of Christmas. How many can you answer? Most correct answers wins a fabulous prize. The Trail will start 27th November and finish 18th December. In the event of a tie a winner will be drawn with the judges decision being final. Entry forms are available, for a small fee, from participating locations and any profits will go to charity. They will also be available at the Bramhall Methodist Church Charity Card Sale on November 6th (10am – 12.30) when the Club will also be selling stocking filler toys and games. Go to bwrotary.org or our Facebook to see who are the lucky winners.
