Falls Prevention Awareness Week

Staff from Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust will be joining other healthcare professionals across the country to raise awareness of falls next week - something which impacts on the lives of thousands of people every year.

Falls are the most common and serious type of accident for people aged 65 and over. Every minute, six people over 65 will suffer a fall in the UK. These are frequently life changing affecting people’s health, confidence and independence, with around 1 in 10 older people becoming afraid to leave the house in case they fall again.

Fortunately there are things you can do to lower your risk of a fall, these include checking your home for trip hazards, doing exercises to improve your balance, core stability and leg strength and wearing supportive non-slip footwear.

The Falls Therapy Service are holding a number of free to attend events across the county to help anyone who is concerned about falling. Attendees will hear about the why falls happen, how to get up from a fall and how to reduce the risk of falling.

Lisa Manning, a Physiotherapist and Team Leader for the Falls Therapy Service said: “Falls are a common occurrence, but they do not need to be an inevitable part of growing older. If someone is having falls or is fearful of falling they should always discuss this with a health professional, such as their GP, Nurse or Therapist.

“Falls are a growing area of concern but we hope that these events will give people information about how to remain healthy, active and independent no matter what their age may be.”

The events are being held at the following venues:

• Monday 7th October, 10.30am-11.30am - Birchmeadow, Broseley, TF12 5LP
  
  
• Monday 7^th October, 2pm-3pm - Castle Hall, Bridgnorth, WV16 4AB
  
  
• Monday 14^th October, 10.30am-11.30am - Parish Hall, Cleobury Mortimer, DY14 8AB
  
  
• Monday 14^th October, 2pm-3pm - Mascall Centre, Ludlow, SY8 1RZ
  
  
• Monday 28th October, 10.30am-11.30am - Louise House, Shrewsbury, SY3 9JN
  
  
• Monday 28th October, 2pm-3pm - Multi-purpose Room, Whitchurch Hospital, SY13 1NT
  
  
• Monday 4^th November, 10.30am-11.30am - Mayfair Centre, Church Stretton, SY6 6BL
  
  
• Monday 4th November, 2pm-3pm - Louise House, Shrewsbury, SY3 9JN
  
  
• Tuesday 5th Nov, 2pm-3pm - Room F27, Cambrian Medical Centre, Oswestry, SY11 1GA
  
  
• Monday 18th November, 10.30am-11.30am - Physio Gym, Market Drayton Primary care centre, TF93AL
  
  
• Monday 18th November, 2pm-3pm - Ellesmere Library, Trimpley Street, SY12 0AE,
  
  

Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust Falls Therapy Service is a specialist team made up of Physiotherapists, an Occupational Therapist, Nurse and Rehabilitation Technicians aiming to reduce the number of falls and fall-related injuries. If you are unable to attend any of the events and would like more information you can contact the service on 01743 730035.