Events may help falls in the home

PUBLIC awareness-raising events are being organised at Dornoch and Wick, coinciding with Falls Awareness Week 2011, in an attempt to reduce the number of falls among older people.
The drop-in event at Dornoch, which will include taster tai chi sessions and chair-based exercise, will be held at West Church Hall on Tuesday June 21 from 1.30pm to 4pm.
And, in Wick, there will be a drop-in event at Wick Assembly Rooms on Thursday June 23 from 12 noon to 2pm. This will be followed by a tea dance from 2pm to 4pm, with music provided by Addie Harper, admission is free.
Information about preventing falls in the home will be provided at both events. This will include advice on reducing the risk of tripping in and around the home, managing medication, keeping as active as possible and having regular eye checks.
Claire Wood, who is Lead Allied Health Professional for North Highland Community Health Partnership (CHP), explained that falls are a major cause of avoidable injury and even death, particularly among older people.
She said: “They also lead to loss of confidence, which means the person becomes less active, weaker and therefore more likely to have another fall. If they suffer a serious injury, they will need to stay in hospital, which can lead to a loss of independence, and some people will never regain the level of independence they previously enjoyed.We are keen to make people aware of what they can do to prevent falls.”
A number of different groups and organisations have been involved in the organisation of the events, including North Highland CHP, Caithness Voluntary Group, The Highland Council and representatives of community groups, lunch clubs, Sight Action Highland and Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service.
Ms Wood said: “These community awareness raising events build on the Falls Awareness Week events held last year by Age Concern in Thurso and Dingwall. They form part of a range of work focusing on falls, which includes the development of care plans for older people who have fallen.”
Falls Awareness Week 2011 runs from June 20 to June 24.”