Falls awareness week supports the elderly

Cheshire East Council is launching a falls awareness week to help reduce the number of falls by the elderly.

The aim of this week, which runs from Monday 15 to Sunday 21 November, is to improve understanding of the issue of falls and the steps that can be taken to reduce risk, particularly for older people.

Each year, one in three people aged over 65 and half of those aged 80 and above have a fall. As well as an increased risk of death or serious injury, having a fall also brings an increased risk of disability, loss of self-confidence and reduced quality of life.

Councillor Arthur Moran, Cheshire East Council vice-chair for the adults and health committee, said: “Anyone can have a fall, but older people are much more vulnerable and likely to fall, especially if they have a long-term health condition.

“While most falls don’t result in serious injury, there is the risk a fall could lead to broken bones and a hospital stay – and it can easily cause the person to lose confidence, become withdrawn and feel they have lost their independence. 

“Our handy booklet supplements our online guidance and offers helpful advice for the elderly, their families and carers on how to minimise likelihood of falls and make people’s environment safer and more supportive of their health and wellbeing.

Falls typically happen for one of the following reasons: medical conditions (such as arthritis and dementia), dehydration, medication, eyesight/muscle issues, problems in the home environment (poor lighting, trip hazards – such as rugs etc) and lifestyle-related issues (excessive alcohol or physical inactivity, for example).

The Cheshire falls prevention booklet highlights ‘hidden’ dangers as well as simple steps you can take to reduce your risk and can be obtained in libraries, council offices and connected communities centres.

As part of the activity for the week, free taster falls prevention classes are being organised by One You Cheshire East on the following days and locations:

• Congleton Scout Hut Monday 15 November 2-3pm
• Disley Community Centre Monday 15 November 11.30am-13.30pm
• Nantwich Elim Church Thursday 18 November 11am-12pm.

There are also One You Cheshire East classes which people can join at Sandbach, Nantwich, Crewe, Macclesfield, Wilmslow and Congleton. Visit the One You Cheshire East website for further information. 

As a result of the council’s additional investment: there will also be classes available at Bollington, Poynton, and Alsager from January, with more sessions also being made available at Nantwich, Crewe and Macclesfield. All these sessions are aimed at people aged 65+ and are free to attend (admission to classes is subject to an assessment).

For more information about falls prevention, visit the Live Well section of Cheshire East Council’s website and search under ‘falls prevention’.

The council set up the One You Cheshire East service to help residents to live a healthy lifestyle. This includes free services for people aged 65 and over to help improve balance and mobility and reduce the risk of falling.

To read more about this, visit the One You Cheshire East website, which includes eligibility criteria and further advice and information.