Find out the simple steps to prevent falls

Falls Prevention Week, taking place from 17 to 21 June, aims to help reduce the number of accidental falls suffered by older people.

“It is thought that each year 1 in 3 over 65's living in the community will have a fall. In some instances, falls can not only cause loss of mobility, independence and confidence, it can often result in serious injury or a fatality for an older person.

Falls Prevention Week aims to promote some simple steps older people, relatives, carer and friends should be aware of to help prevent accidental falls:

·  Dehydration – make sure that you or an older person regularly drinks water.

·  Poor vision – make sure that you or an older person clean their glasses with proper wipes and that eye tests are up to date. Often individuals have the wrong prescription glasses

·  Wear the right footwear – make sure you or an older person is wearing flat, sturdy footwear which is not worn on the sole.

·  Take medication at the right time – make sure you or an older person takes the right tablets at the right time.

Information and advice will be on hand from  a range of organisations including Bury Council Adult Care Services, Age UK, Carelink, Falls Team and Millercare.

Members of the local community are invited to come along for a chat, refreshments and useful freebies. Everyone is Welcome.

For more information contact Catrina O’Donnell on 0161 253 5819 or c.odonnell@bury.gov.uk

ENDS

Press release issued:

For further information please contact Peter Doherty on 0161 253 6096 Alternatively please email communications@bury.gov.uk