GOING STEADY

A new free booklet is available to help you overcome the fear of falling.

Anyone can have a fall, but older people are more vulnerable to injury from a fall. Around one in three adults over 65 and half of people over 80 will have at least one fall a year.

So falling as we get older is quite common, and although most falls don’t cause serious injury they can leave us feeling distressed. Falls can shake our confidence so that we become withdrawn and feel as if we’ve lost our independence.

During the winter months the risk of falling increases. So it’s worth having a think about what you can do to reduce your risk. The good news is there are lots of things you can do to stay steady on your feet.

“Healthcare professionals take falls in older people very seriously,” says Catherine Parkinson, Falls Clinical Specialist from Mersey Care. “As a result, there’s a great deal of help and support available for older people, and it’s worth asking your GP about the various options.

“At Mersey Care we have a free booklet to help you overcome the fear of falling.

It takes you through the reasons we worry and gives you practical hints and tips to help build back confidence and get you back on your feet.”

Falls can shake our confidence.

Top Tips Avoid The Trips

• Use non slip mats in the bathroom

• Mop up spills to prevent wet, slippery floors

• Ensure all rooms, passages and staircases are well lit

• Remove clutter

• Get help lifting or moving items that are heavy or difficult to lift.

The NHS and Age UK has more advice here:

NHS.co.uk ageuk.org.uk

Get your free copy of Mersey Care’s new booklet – How to overcome the fear of falling at: merseycare.nhs.uk/fallsprevention