Representatives from Ross Care recently attended an event by AgeUK to talk about falls prevention. The event was aimed at the local population of Tameside and was well attended. We met with and demonstrated equipment to people who had concerns around falling. It was great to meet with people who we could advise and help. The team at Ross Care are passionate about being involved with their local communities and are looking forward to more community events.

What you can do to help prevent falls

According to the NHS, around 1 in 3 adults over 65 who live at home will have at least one fall a year, and about half of these will have more frequent falls.

The fear of falling and not having friends or family members nearby can substantially impact confidence. This can lead to you limiting what you would normally do and restrict your enjoyment of day-to-day life.

Preventative measures are always recommended, and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has some great tips below for avoiding and dealing with a fall:

Avoiding a fall:

• Avoid leaving items on the stairs - they can become a tripping hazard
• Ensure stairs are carefully maintained - damaged or worn carpet should be repaired or removed
• Try to avoid repetitive carpet patterns that may produce a false perception for those with poor eyesight
• Landings, stairs and hallways should be well lit with two-way light switches
• Make sure banisters are sturdy. The fitting of two easy-grip handrails gives more stability.

Getting back up after a fall:

• Don't panic - you will probably feel a little shocked and shaken but try and stay calm
• If unhurt, look for something to hold onto and something soft to put under the knees
• Hold onto a firm object for support and put a soft object under the knees; place one foot flat on the floor, with the knee bent in front of the body
• Lean forward putting weight on hands and foot until it is possible to place other foot beside the one on the floor
• Sit down and rest for a short time.

What to do if you have fall:

• Try to get comfortable until help arrives
• Keep warm, starting with feet and legs
• It is uncomfortable to keep still for any length of time and this may lead to pressure problems. Moving position every half hour and moving feet helps the circulation and improves comfort.