Cheshire East Council and NHS raise awareness of falls prevention week
18 September 2023
Cheshire East Council and NHS Cheshire and Merseyside working in partnership, are raising awareness of the importance of falls prevention especially for elderly residents.
The aim of this year’s falls prevention week which runs from 18 to 24 September 2023, is ‘from awareness to action’ so the risk of falls can be reduced to help older people live independently and without anxiety over falling which is a leading cause of injury and death for older adults.
There are over 200,000 emergency admissions for falls in England each year. Each fall may bring an increased risk of disability, loss of self-confidence and reduced quality of life.
There are a variety of reasons that people fall including eyesight, trip hazards in the home, muscle weakness and health conditions such as dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
Councillor Jill Rhodes, Cheshire East Council chair for the adults and health committee, said: “Falls are not an inevitable part of ageing, and there are many things that older adults and family and friends can do to reduce their risk of falling and to stay safe.
“Our Falls Prevention Awareness Week is a time to learn about the risks of falls and taking appropriate steps to stay safe. By acting now, we can all help older adults we care about live longer, healthier lives.”
NHS falls specialist leads will be holding drop-in sessions in the foyer of local GP practices involving falls screenings, blood pressure checks and mobility aid checks. These drop-in sessions run from 9am to 4pm unless stated:
Monday 18 September
- Waters Green Medical Centre, Macclesfield SK11 6JL
- Knutsford Community Hospital, Knutsford WA16 0BT
Tuesday 19 September
- Congleton War Memorial Hospital, Congleton CW12 3AR
- Eagle Bridge Medical Centre, Crewe CW1 3AW (afternoon only)
Wednesday 20 September
- Eagle Bridge Medical Centre, Crewe CW1 3AW (morning only)
- Wilmslow Health Centre, Wilmslow SK9 5HX
Thursday 21 September
- Ashfields Primary Care Centre, Sandbach CW11 1DH
Friday 22 September
- Church View Primary Care Centre, Nantwich CW5 5NX
Monday 25 September
- Alsager Health Centre, Alsager ST7 2LU
The ‘Six steps to reduce your risk of falling’ leaflet co-produced by the council and NHS is also available in libraries which give details of what you can do.
You can also read more on the council’s online Live Well Cheshire East resource, and clicking the magnifying glass to search under ‘falls prevention’.
One useful action is to join free Stand Strong classes which are offered by the One You Cheshire East service for people aged 65 and over to help improve balance and mobility and reduce the risk of falling. These are offered in a variety of locations across borough. The One You Cheshire East was set up to help residents to live a healthy lifestyle including to get fit.
For more information about how to attend upcoming classes and find out about the ‘Cuppa and chat sessions’, visit the One You Cheshire East website or phone: 0808 1643 202.