Falls Awareness Week
Every autumn we join forces with Age Cymru and Care & Repair Cymru to support Falls Awareness Week.
Falls present a substantial patient safety concern for the NHS in Wales. Annually, acute hospitals and mental health trusts in England and Wales report over 240,000 falls combined, averaging more than 600 falls daily. For older adults living in Wales, estimates indicate an annual range of falls between 230,000 and 460,000. Shockingly, approximately one-third of adults aged over 65 and half of those over 80 experience at least one fall each year.
Falls Awareness Week is an important campaign that can help reduce the risk of a fall. Working together with our partners and with the support from across all sectors and health boards, we are reminding people of the many things they can do to keep themselves from falling. After all, falls are not an inevitable part of growing older.
The risk of falls can be reduced in a number of ways. Firstly, staying physically active is crucial as we age, as it helps maintain muscle strength and balance. Exercises designed to enhance muscle strength can significantly lower the risk of falls by improving posture and coordination. Additionally, keeping an eye on one's appetite and ensuring adequate nutrition is essential. Consistent energy intake supports strength and helps prevent falls. Hydration is equally important; drinking six to eight glasses of fluids daily helps prevent light-headedness.
Regular check-ups for eyesight and hearing are vital preventive measures. Detecting any changes early through regular eye and hearing exams can prevent trips or loss of balance. Addressing hearing or vision problems promptly is crucial. Furthermore, informing healthcare providers of any medication side effects affecting balance is essential for personalised care. Additionally, maintaining bone health through calcium-rich diets, sufficient vitamin D intake, and weight-bearing exercises is crucial. Finally, ensuring proper foot care and wearing well-fitting shoes can mitigate the risk of tripping or falling.
Considering the safety of your home is also important. Many slips, trips, and falls occur in or around the home, making it essential to be vigilant for potential hazards. Implementing simple adjustments can significantly reduce risks. Three key suggestions include removing rugs and mats from stairs to prevent tripping, installing a night light near the bed for better visibility during nighttime movements, and eliminating trip hazards such as trailing wires, clutter, and rugs. Additionally, opting for furniture that's less likely to cause stumbles, like avoiding glass furniture, can further mitigate risks within the home environment.
We hope you will join us in helping to raise awareness of the danger of falls and what can be done to help alleviate them.