Video launched to help prevent falls at home

Falling over can happen to anyone, but for older people the risk is particularly high and the consequences potentially severe, including distress, pain, injury, loss of confidence, loss of independence and mortality.

Last year more than 26,000* older people attended emergency departments in Northern Ireland after a fall and falls are listed as the number one reason for trauma in older people at emergency departments.

With this in mind, the Public Health Agency (PHA), in partnership with councils across Northern Ireland, has produced a falls prevention video to raise awareness of the measures we can take at home to prevent falls, which can be viewed at pha.site/StaySteady

The video is the latest in a series of awareness-raising activities to reduce the prevalence of accidents that occur in or around the home.

Hilary Johnston, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager with the PHA, said, “Falls continue to be the leading cause of serious injury and accidental deaths at home, with the incidence of falling increasing as people get older.

“The Health Survey for Northern Ireland 2017/18 found that 23% of respondents aged 55 and over reported having had a fall in or around their home in the last two years.”

Hilary said that incorporating small changes into your everyday routine can be really beneficial in preventing an accident at home. “We can decrease the risk of falling in the home by taking some protective measures, such as removing hazards that could cause a trip.

“Engaging in regular physical activity, to develop and maintain strength and balance, is also particularly important as we get older. Exercises designed to improve muscle strength, some of which are highlighted in the video, can reduce your risk of a fall by improving your posture, coordination and balance,” added Hilary.

Your home can be adapted or equipment provided in order to minimise your risk of falling. You can be referred to an Occupational Therapist who can assess your needs and potential safety risks in the home.

For social housing tenants you can obtain additional lighting, stair rails and other minor adaptations directly from your housing provider. For more information contact the Home Safety Officer at your local council.

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Posted by Newry Times News on Feb 4 2019. Filed under Community. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry