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More than 31,000 calls were made to the North West Ambulance Service last year due to falls. NHS Greater Manchester has said that falls are the 'leading cause of injury' among older people, resulting in 'serious health issues' such as fractures, head injuries, and even loss of independence. The health service has said that almost half of these falls occurred during the winter months.
Each fall carries the potential to change a person's life forever, affecting not only their health but also their 'emotional well-being and quality of life.' June Tracey, 85, was in her garden when she tripped over the hose, fell, and broke her pelvis. In the last few months, she has been regularly attending a strength and balance class in Hale Barns, Trafford.
She said: "I was frightened for a long time of even walking outside because I was scared of falling on the pavement. "I really enjoy this class, doing the exercises every week has given me a lot more confidence to get around. "I would encourage anyone who’s offered a class like this to give it a go.
"You meet people who are going through the same thing and we support each other. "I’m very mindful of potential hazards when I’m in the house and garden now, the hose was coiled behind me and I tripped over it – it was as simple as that." NHS Greater Manchester has said that many falls can be prevented as they are 'not an inevitable part of ageing.
' The health service has issued advice to help people prevent falls, keeping them safe at home and outdoors, and what to do if a fall occurs. The advice includes having regular eye checks, as regular eye tests can help find conditions that might put you more at risk of falling and staying active, which can benefit 'strength, balance, and coordination.' Furthermore, keeping your home well-lit and clutter-free is recommended as well as making sure you have enough lighting to help you move safely from one place to another.
Finally, certain medications can 'increase the risk of falls' so it’s important to talk to your GP and regularly review all your medications. Anita Rolfe, deputy chief nursing officer at NHS Greater Manchester, said: "We need to change the conversation around falls, they are not an inevitable part of ageing. "Falls can have a significant impact on a person’s health and well-being .
"By taking simple steps to create safer environments and encouraging regular exercise, we can greatly reduce the risk of falls and their associated injuries. "Most falls are preventable, and by taking proactive measures, we can protect ourselves and our loved ones.".
