Stopping elderly falls ‘key’ for Wiltshire NHS care board
The Council's also launched support for elderly fall prevention
Supporting elderly people after a fall is a key priority for the NHS integrated care board that covers Wiltshire.
For people aged 65 and over, falls are thought to be the most common injury leading to death across the nation.
In Wiltshire alone, one in three over 65s and 50% of over 80s, have at least one fall each year.
Wiltshire is also the site for a pilot project being carried out to provide care homes with specially adapted chairs, which can help residents get up safely following a fall.
Falls at an older age can have serious health impacts, both short and long term.
This week has seen a week-long awareness campaign by the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board.
Chief Nurse, Gill May, said:
“Stopping falls from happening is a key for us, and this notion goes hand in hand with our vision of becoming a health service that truly prioritises prevention so that people can live longer, happier and healthier lives.”
After consulting with older people in the county, Wiltshire Council identified barriers to health and wellbeing services.
These included transport, mobility and loss of confidence due to COVID shielding.
The council has responded by creating an alternative route to accessing strength and balance exercises for those who had lost confidence keeping steady on their feet.
And for those who cant access a falls class, videos and booklet are available to support them. The booklet, called ‘Wiltshire Steady Steps’ is available online and in hard copy.
Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, Cabinet Member for Public Health, Leisure and Libraries, said:
“A nasty fall can have a profound impact on people.
“We hope our resources help older people can stay active, retain their independence and enjoy their lives, but with less risk to themselves."