Friday 24 September 2021

Falls Awareness Week – 20th to 26th September 2021

 



This week has been falls awareness week.

We all know someone that has been affected by falls, at risk of falls, or has a fear of falling; whether it be a loved one, a friend, a patient or ourselves. There is lots of information available to help prevent trips and falls, manage if you have a fall, challenge your balance, and keep the nation steady on their feet!

 

Preventing a fall is something we can all do …

This short 7 min film awareness that falls prevention is part of everyone’s roles, that exercise can make a positive difference and helps us to think about small changes we can make to prevent falls. The film highlights the important role of exercise as one of the ways to prevent falls and frailty. https://vimeo.com/372605700

 

Top Tips

There are some simple things we can all do to help us stay steady on our feet. This next image has some great ideas!





 

There's an underlying myth that falls are an inevitable part of getting old. The surprising truth is our risk of a fall decreases with one thing - exercise. Strength and balance exercises can help you stay steady, whatever your age. This video offers six simple exercises used by physiotherapists to keep muscles strong and keep us mobile and independent as we age.

 

Six strength and balance exercises

Stay Active at Home - Strength and balance exercises for older adults on Vimeo

 

Think ahead

No one wants to have a fall but in case you or someone you know does fall you can prepare yourself and others by knowing how to get up from the floor safely. The first thing to remember is not to panic. Although you may feel shocked, try to stay calm and assess the situation.

 There are two plans that you can follow:

• If you think you may be hurt or can’t get up without help, follow the Rest and Wait Plan.

• If you are not hurt, follow the Up and About Plan

Check out the ‘Up and About’ booklet, produced by Age Scotland and Public Health Scotland Up and about - Health Scotland

 

Additional resources

For further information on how to reduce your risk of falling at home, and what to do if you have a fall

Check out the preventing falls webpage

https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/preventing-falls

 

There are also some great games to help identify and learn more about falls hazards in and around the home

Spot the hazard on

https://fallsassistant.org.uk/games/spot-the-hazard/




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