2 minute read
Let’s talk about the F-Word: Preventing falls
Most of us will have fallen at some time in our lives. For many, particularly younger people, the fall will be nothing more than a bit embarrassing. For others, a fall can be startling and upsetting. As we get older, falls can become more common and the effect of the fall on our lives can become more serious.
Preventing falls
Falls are not inevitable and there are lots of practical and simple steps you can take to reduce your risk of falling. This includes ‘fall proofing’ your home, taking regular exercise, keeping well and seeking further advice and support when necessary.
There are also things you can do to reduce the harm caused by falls, such as looking after your bones and making sure help can be summoned quickly if you do have a fall.
Having a falls risk assessment and making practical day-to-day activity and lifestyle changes can help you identify, assess and reduce your risk of falling; improve stability and maintain or improve independence and wellbeing.
Falls prevention is about enabling you to regain your confidence and live as independent and full a life as possible.
If you have a fall
Tell your GP or other health professional if you fall. Be sure to discuss the fall with your GP or other health professional, even if you aren’t hurt. Many underlying causes of falls can be treated or corrected.
The following tools have been developed to help you. Search on the Shropshire Council website or access them through your local library.
Falls assistant
• Take an NHS-approved check to understand what may be putting someone at risk of a fall.
• What to do to reduce each risk.
Mobility and balance
Watch a simple video to see how someone getting in and out of a chair can indicate their need to improve their strength, gait and balance.
Strength and balance exercises for healthy ageing
Easy-to-follow exercise instructions to improve overall strength and balance.
Fall Check Home Safety
An easy-to-use, interactive check of common hazards in the home that might cause a fall.
Local strength and balance classes for everyday life
Elevate classes are designed to be safe, beneficial and, most of all, enjoyable. They are delivered by local, experienced instructors with accredited qualifications.
What are the proven benefits?
Classes are aimed at people aged 60 and over who feel a bit unsteady on their feet to improve their strength, balance and co-ordination. The classes can be delivered in both a seated and standing position.
You may feel a bit off-balance, or at risk of a fall. Taking part in classes has shown to boost confidence and independence – both in and outside of the home. The instructors are specially trained to help increase core strength, strengthening your muscles to help maintain posture and balance.
At the start of the class, you will complete simple tasks with the instructor, for example measuring the amount of time you take to walk to a chair and back. These tasks are then completed at the end of the programme to help the instructors suggest the next step for you.
You can refer yourself to Elevate. Call the Elevate team directly on 07852 871589 or 01743 297191, email elevate@energizestw.org.uk or find full details at www.energizestw.org.uk/elevate
For more information on health and wellbeing in Shropshire, visit
