Falls Prevention Awareness Week

Don’t Fall this Fall & Winter! Reduce your risk.

Have you fallen in the past year? If yes, how many falls have you had? Do you have any problems with your balance? Do you have a fear of falling or loss of confidence?

You’re not alone. According to the NHS around one in three adults over 65, and half of people over 80, will have a fall each year.

Preventing falls

As we get older, lots of us may start to feel a bit unsteady on our feet and become worried about falling. The good news is there are lots of things you can do to stay steady on your feet and prevent falls. Here is some advice:

• Assess your physical environment at home or outside. Look for wet floors, loose rugs, long or trailing curtains or bed clothes, and uneven paving.
• Keep your floor uncluttered from furniture, trailing leads or plugs.
• Are you taking unnecessary risks if trying to reach or climb for things which are too far or high?
• Do you have any poor lighting at home that can be improved or fixed?
• What about your footwear? Are you wearing loose shoes or slippers?
• Work on your physical well-being and strength. You can try a fall prevention class, staying steady exercise group or strength class. These classes focus on building balance, coordination and strength to keep you more steady on the ground. At Age UK Richmond we have a few classes on offer.
• If you have a neurological condition, like Parkinson’s or MS for example, then Integrated Neurological Services can help you stay active and manage your condition as well as give advice and information on falls.
• Keep well hydrated - If you don’t drink enough it’s likely that you’ll start to feel lightheaded or dizzy and this will increase your risk of a fall.
• Take care of your eyes and hearing too.

How Age UK Richmond can help

We offer a handyperson service to help you live independently and safely at home by delivering small adaptations and repairs. Our standard rate is £35 per hour plus the cost of materials. We offer a reduced rate of £20 per hour plus materials for older people receiving Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or Carer’s Allowance.

As most falls happen at home, we can help you make small changes to reduce your risk.

• We measure, supply and install all types of internal and external grab rails to give you extra support
• We install ramps and build half steps.
• We supply and fit all types of lighting solutions, including doorways and dark external areas.
• We help by clearing up leaves in the garden in Autumn & Winter

Our warm and friendly team of handypeople are all police (DBS) checked and carry Age UK Richmond ID at all times. We are here to help. Get in touch with us.

Call us on 020 3326 9432, email handyperson@ageukrichmond.org.uk