New website launched this Falls Prevention Awareness Week

A new website offering practical advice to help people reduce their risk of falling and stay independent for longer has been launched for Falls Prevention Awareness Week, from 21 to 25 September.

Helping residents, families and carers understand what can lead to a fall, and take proactive measures, can be crucial to keeping people in their own homes and out of hospital.

Falling over at home or when out and about is not an inevitable part of getting older, and there are ways to reduce the risk of it happening.

Falls Prevention Week highlights the things people can do to minimise the risk of falling. Falling over and becoming injured can be the start of a progression where people end up in hospital with an injury or illness, accelerating their need to use health and care services.

The website provides a single source of clear information and has been developed through Oxfordshire’s system falls prevention group, bringing together partners from across health, social care, district councils, the voluntary sector, ambulance services, care providers, academic colleagues and Oxfordshire County Council.

The site helps identify risks such as cluttered routes around the home and how cold or hot weather and different medications can affect balance and hydration levels. It also outlines practical steps people can take, such as staying active, going for a walk, or taking part in something they enjoy, to help reduce the risk of falling.

The aim is to support people to take early action, maintain confidence and stay independent for longer.

There is also information about where to go if you have concerns about falling or need help after a fall.

The web pages have already received great feedback from a patient advisory group, which said they were “really nice and simple to understand… clear and easy to read. The homepage is really good; it immediately helps to identify what one needs, such as an actual fall, or the other options to seek information, such as being the carer.”

Councillor Rebekah Fletcher, Cabinet Member for Adults, said: “Falls can have a significant impact on people’s confidence, health and independence, but they are not an inevitable part of getting older.

“This new website brings together clear, practical advice so people can understand their risks, take early action and know where to find support.

“It has been developed through strong partnership working across Oxfordshire, with organisations from health, social care, local councils, the voluntary sector and others contributing their expertise.

“Our aim is to help people stay active, stay well and remain independent for as long as possible. I would encourage residents, families, carers and professionals to take a look and share it with anyone who may benefit.”

Antoinette Broad, Senior Clinical Lead and Advanced Practitioner for Intensive Community Care with Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Falls prevention is a priority for Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust. I see first-hand the significant impact that falls can have on people’s health, confidence and independence, so anything that helps prevent them in the first place is really important.

“This new webpage brings together clear, practical information to help people reduce their risk of falling and understand where to access support if they are worried about themselves or someone they care for.”

A spokesperson for Oxford City Council said: “A fall can affect more than your mobility. It can impact your confidence and independence.

“The Falls Prevention website can help you find the right support, including advice on staying safe at home, reducing fall risks, and learning how the city council’s Home Improvement Agency can help you remain independent through practical home adaptations and support services.”

Paul Ringer, CEO at Age UK Oxfordshire, said: “We were pleased to contribute to the development of this resource, bringing together practical advice to help people reduce their risk of falling.

“Falls can have a significant impact on a person’s confidence and independence. By helping people stay active and understand the steps they can take to look after their health, we can support more people to remain independent and continue living safely in their own homes and communities.”

The website is available at www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/falls.

The web pages have been created by Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, with expert input from Oxfordshire County Council, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Age UK Oxfordshire, Oxford City Councill, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board, University of Oxford, Oxfordshire Association of Care Providers, South Central Ambulance Service.

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