This week (18 - 24 Sept) is Falls Prevention Week. Find out more about how you can stay safe at home.
Published: Monday, 18th September 2023
Falls prevention saves lives.
This is the message from Hounslow Council and its health partners as the borough recognises Falls Prevention Week (18 - 24 September).
The international event aims to raise awareness about the risks of falls at home for older people and the simple steps that can be taken to prevent them.
Falls are not an inevitable part of growing older and falls at home can have serious consequences for older people, including hip fractures and other injuries.
Local NHS data shows that between July 2021 and June 2022, more than 3,000 people attended West Middlesex Hospital following a fall-related incident.
Hounslow Council and its partners support people in our borough whoare aged 65 and over to lead safer, confident and independent lives by helping them to reduce the risk of falls at home.
The Council works in partnership with Hounslow and Richmond Community Healthcare (HRCH) to provide the borough’s Falls Prevention and Bone Health Service.
This free service helps people understand the risk of falling in their homes and provides them with information and guidance on how to reduce these risks.
Anyone who is over 65 and has fallen or is concerned about falling can self-refer to the service. That means you can speak to your GP about it or give the team a call and they will take it from there.
The service provides support with issues ranging from home safety assessments to direct medical help with issues like balance, medication reviews and group sessions.
Councillor Samia Chaudhary, Hounslow Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Transformation, said:
“The Falls Prevention Service in Hounslow is an essential resource for older people within our community. It provides valuable support and guidance to prevent falls and improve safety. The Council and its partners are committed to making sure that our older residents have access to the tools and resources to maintain their independence, and quality of life and feel safer at home.”
If you are concerned about falling at home or are worried about a friend or family member, you can speak to your GP or call the Hounslow Falls Prevention Service directly on 020 8614 5490 or email: hrch.hounslowfallsservice@nhs.net
- For more information on fall prevention, including some handy self-help tips for reducing the risks and staying healthy, visit: hounslow.gov.uk/falls-prevention
