Falls Awareness Week 2024

Falls Awareness Week is the perfect time to raise awareness and remember the importance of doing what we can to prevent falls, and in doing so minimise the impact they have on our lives. Falls can often be thought of as a minor concern and just one of those things that happen as we get older, however they can lead to significant health issues, particularly among older adults.

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury among older adults, and can lead to things such as fractures, head injuries and decreased mobility. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website https://www.cdc.gov/falls/data-research/index.html one in four older adults falls each year, and falls are the leading cause of injury in this age group. These statistics highlight the need for heightened awareness and proactive measures.

Falls can have many effects beyond just the immediate physical injuries. They can also lead to other issues for example a loss of independence, reduced quality of life and an increased fear of falling again, which in turn can further impact activity and mobility.

Ensuring that yours or your loved ones home is safe is the important first step to falls prevention. This includes removing tripping hazards like loose rugs and clutter, installing aids such as grab rails in the bathroom and making sure that the lighting is good. Physical activity, especially exercises that help to improve balance and strength are also very important. Activities like tai chi, yoga and strength training can help to enhance your stability and reduce the risk of falls.

It’s also important to be aware that some medications can cause dizziness or drowsiness, which can increase the risk of falling. Having regular medication reviews can help to keep these things under control. Impaired hearing and vision can also affect your balance and awareness of your surroundings. Regular eye and hearing tests can help to make sure that you are keeping on top of any symptoms that may cause these effects.

Lastly, wearing well-fitting non-slip shoes can be a great help in preventing falls. Also using mobility aids such as walking sticks or walking frames as recommended by your healthcare professional, can provide extra support and stability.

By focusing on prevention and promoting safety measures, we can hope to reduce the risk of falls. Whether through the individual efforts or community initiatives, every step we take towards preventing falls can lead to a safer and healthier future for everyone.

For more wonderful advice and information regarding falls prevention and awareness, you can visit the newly launched Steady On Your Feet Cheshire website where there is a wealth of information: https://cheshire.steadyonyourfeet.org