Cambridgeshire County Council has launched an easy to use web-based tool which helps users identify their individual risks of falling and suggests simple steps they can take to stay active and independent.
From the age of 65, the risk of having a fall increases. Steady on your Feet, which launches today (Monday 18 September) to mark the start of Falls Prevention Week, is aimed at those who haven’t previously had a fall but would like to understand what they can do to prevent this happening.
Director of Public Health Jyoti Atri explains: “The theme of this year’s Falls Prevention Week is ‘Turn Awareness into Action’, and Steady on your Feet is the ideal way to take action.
“Falls are one of the most common causes of injury in older people, particularly as winter approaches and the weather gets colder and wetter. But many falls are avoidable, particularly if you understand your personal risks and act now to keep doing the things you enjoy.
“Steady on Your Feet is easy to use, asking a short series of questions to help understand any individual risks you might have and providing an action plan to keep you active and independent while increasing your confidence and reducing the risk of falling. Suggested steps to prevent a fall might include arranging an eye or hearing test, increasing your activity levels and eating a balanced diet, or even looking after your feet and making sure you wear supportive footwear with non-slip soles.
“You can fill in the risk checker yourself, or ask a family member or friend if you need extra help.”
Councillor Richard Howitt, Chair of the council’s Adults and Health Committee, added: “With one in three 65-year-olds having experienced a fall, I’m pleased that we are launching this new risk checker which will help our residents stay stronger for longer.
“This is a fantastic example of a tool which supports our ambitions to reduce health inequalities, and for people to enjoy healthy, safe, and independent lives through timely support that is most suited to their needs.
“Please encourage your older friends and family members to use Steady on Your Feet and help protect them from avoidable injuries.”
For more information and to use the risk checker, go to www.steadyonyourfeet.org/cambridgeshire
If you don’t have access to the internet but would like to find out what simple steps you can take to prevent a fall, you can request a copy of our Stronger for Longer booklet by calling 01223 703259.
