Stepping Out for National Falls Awareness Day on Tuesday June 24th
10/06/2008
Older people are being encouraged to step out this summer. Special events will be taking place during National Falls Awareness Day on Tuesday June 24th to arm pensioners with the knowledge they need to enjoy life. This involves being aware of potential hazards, both inside and outside the home, which can increase the risk of falling. Encouraging older people to identify opportunities to take part in physical activity is another of the day’s aims.
Falls and fractures in the older population are a very common and serious problem:
One third of all people over the age of 65 fall each year.
One in two women and one in five men over the age of 50 will develop osteoporosis in their remaining lifetime.
Last year the Emergency Departments in Cheltenham and Gloucester treated 4,400 older people following a fall. Of those, 200 sustained a fracture of the wrist and 430 a fractured femur.
The Falls Awareness day’s main messages are :-
1) Falls are not an inevitable part of getting older.
2 ) Act now to prevent problems in the future - it's never too late to start reducing the risk of a fall.
3) Everyone can actively improve their strength and balance.
4) It is important to involve all older people, including those not always reached by existing services.
Zoe Spencer, Falls Prevention Officer at GRH, said: "Some 90% of hip operations carried out by the trust are the result of a fall. Falls can have major implications on a person’s quality of life, causing both physically and psychologically damaging effects, so it is of the utmost importance that we try to prevent falls.
“We work with GPs, social services, intermediate care teams, emergency departments, fracture clinics, nursing and residential homes, and other health care groups, to identify those most at risk of falling. “We may invite the person to attend one of our falls prevention clinics, where they will receive a comprehensive medical assessment and are given advice on how to prevent further falls. “They may then be asked to attend our Active Balance Classes to improve balance, strength and confidence; see an occupational therapist regarding home safety; be referred for further investigations or to other agencies. “We also want to stress the importance of healthy bones and treating osteoporosis. We are keen to ensure that patients who have suffered a fracture, particularly of the hip, wrist or spine are assessed and if appropriate commenced on treatment for their bones. Results of national audits show us that this is one area that is usually neglected.” There are many things older people can do to help prevent falls :-
- Keep active and mobile, if necessary using an appropriate walking aid.
- Have an annual eyesight check and take extra care on steps if you wear bi / vari focal glasses.
- Wear sensible, supportive and well-fitting shoes.
- Ask your GP or pharmacist for an annual prescription review if you take four or more medications; particularly sedatives, high blood pressure or heart medication.
- Try to eliminate home hazards - eg. remove loose mats, trailing wires, general clutter and watch for bed clothes trailing on the floor. Always try to keep walkways and stairs well lit especially at night.
- Consider buying a lifeline alarm if you live alone or are the main carer.
- Ensure you are taking a healthy diet with particular emphasis on foods rich in calcium and Vitamin D which have positive effects on bone health and muscular strength.
Falls Awareness will be promoted in the Atrium at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital on Tuesday June 24th and on posters at other hospitals in the county. Meanwhile, the Cheltenham General and Gloucestershire Royal hospitals have appointed Fracture Liaison Nurses to work with patients who have suffered a fracture after a fall. These new members of staff are due to start in July 2008.
For more information please contact Susan Bradley, communications specialist, on 08454 223120.
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