Home Local News Helping people in Fylde and Wyre to avoid a fall

Helping people in Fylde and Wyre to avoid a fall

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Lancashire County Council is providing funding for an advice and support service to help reduce the chance of people being injured in a fall.

The free hour-long ‘Steady On!’ sessions include practical tips on how to prevent falls, including advice about equipment or adaptions to aid with preventing incidents at home. The sessions also include information on local services to help you stay active and well over summer.

This service is being delivered in partnership with the NHS.

The sessions are aimed at people who are concerned about falling, as well as people who’ve had a fall and would like support to reduce the risk of having another one.

In Fylde and Wyre, between 2015 and 2030, the number of people aged 65 years and over predicted to have a fall is projected to increase by an average of 34%. During this period, hospital admissions as a result of a fall are projected to increase by 41%.

This new ‘Steady On!’ service started on Wednesday 1 June.

County Councillor Azhar Ali, Cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “Although anyone can fall and they are a common cause of injury, older people are more vulnerable and are more likely to fall. The factors that increase the risk of falls are problems with footwear, lighting, activity, medication and eyesight.

“We want people to be able to get around safely and remain independent. It’s important that people know to watch out for the risks and how they can minimise their chances of getting injured.

“If you think you’d benefit from this support, or you have a friend or relative who would, please contact us to find out more.”

For more information about this support from the county council, contact the Integrated Neighbourhood Falls service on 01253 955100.

Find out more at www.lancashire.gov.uk/health

If you’ve had a fall as a result of a dizzy spell or blacking out, contact your GP as this will need further investigation.

More information is available from the NHS about preventing falls, including advice about the common causes of falls. Find out more online at www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Falls

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