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 Council, Thames Valley Integrated Care Board, University of Oxford, Oxfordshire Association of Care Providers, South Central Ambulance Service.

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Falls are one of the leading causes of injury for older adults. South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS) reports around 3,000 falls and frailty-related 999 calls every month. Falls among people aged 65 and over are estimated to cost the NHS more than £2.3 billion annually.

The good news is that many falls can be prevented through simple steps such as strength and balance exercises, home safety checks, and regular health reviews.

Running throughout winter and into spring, the campaign will share practical advice and signpost residents to local support services, including:

• Age UK Oxfordshire’s exercise and information programme, Stay Strong and Steady
• Active Oxfordshire’s Move Together initiative - a county-wide programme designed to help people, especially those with long-term health conditions, disabilities, or who are inactive, become more physically active and improve their wellbeing.
• Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust’s Falls Prevention Service - offers a one-off multifactorial assessment to create a personalised risk management plan for reducing falls
• Home Improvement Agencies - help older, disabled, and vulnerable residents live safely and independently in their own homes. Grants and practical advice are available to help clients with repairing, maintaining or adapting their home:
• Oxford City Council
• Cherwell District Council
• South & Vale District Council
• West Oxfordshire District Council

Activities throughout the campaign will include community events, social media updates, leaflet drops at GP surgeries, and partnerships with local organisations.

This initiative is part of a broader, county-wide programme of work to prevent falls, reduce falls-related hospital admissions and promote independence. This programme is supported by local partners including Age UK Oxfordshire, district councils, Active Oxfordshire, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxfordshire Association of Care Providers, and Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board (BOB ICB).

Cold weather brings additional hazards that can increase the risk of falls. Ice, snow, and wet surfaces make pavements and outdoor areas slippery, while shorter daylight hours can reduce visibility.

Residents are encouraged to take extra care when out and about, wear appropriate footwear with good grip, and allow extra time for journeys. Simple precautions, like clearing paths, using handrails, and planning routes, can make a big difference in staying safe during winter.

Cold indoor temperatures can also exacerbate arthritic symptoms, reducing strength and dexterity. This decline in physical function increases susceptibility to falls.

Councillor Tim Bearder, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “A fall can have a devastating impact on someone’s life, but the good news is that most falls are preventable.

“By making small changes, like improving home safety and staying active, we can help people remain confident, independent, and safe. This campaign is about giving residents the tools and support they need to live well and reduce the risk of falls.

“But it’s not just about to ways to improve stability when individuals are already frail, it is about creating a society where people are able to live active lives, so they enter older age fit and healthy.

“This is why, as Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, I have very keenly supported active travel and public transport initiatives, and why, at a district level, I advocate strongly for better place making in new housing schemes. Only by encouraging active healthy lives can we prevent or lessen falls in old age.”

Paul Ringer, CEO at Age UK Oxfordshire said: “Falls can happen to anyone, and winter brings extra risks with slippery conditions and shorter daylight hours.

“But together, we can change that. Our goal is simple: to help people feel safe, confident and connected in their homes and communities. By sharing practical advice and working in partnership, we can reduce falls, support healthy ageing, and protect independence.

“This isn’t just about preventing accidents – it’s about giving people real choice and control over their lives, while easing pressure on vital services across Oxfordshire."

Residents and carers can find advice and resources on the Live Well Oxfordshire website, including exercise guides, home safety tips, and details of local classes.

For more information, please visit the Live Well Oxfordshire website.

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