Sessions give the elderly a boost

A THIRD of Swindon’s elderly people suffer a fall each year.

The statistic was revealed by NHS Swindon to draw attention to National Falls Awareness Week, which begins today.

Health professionals will be visiting sheltered housing schemes in Swindon to demonstrate and promote exercises that can help to prevent falls among the elderly.

And they will encouraging them to continue with the exercises as a part of their day-to-day routine.

The focus of this year’s National Falls Awareness week is on strength and balance, raising awareness of some simple techniques older people can use to avoid falls in later life.

Jean Chatfield, the falls service co-ordinator and occupational therapist for NHS Swindon, said: “Falling does not have to be an inevitable part of growing older, yet falls are currently the greatest cause of accidental death among elderly people.

“One in three people in later life suffer from a fall every year.

“By showing people some basic strength and balance exercises, we’re hoping to reduce people’s chances of falling.

“National Falls Awareness Week is a vital way to encourage people in later life to understand more about preventing the risk of a fall and maintaining their independence.”

The Community Rehabilitation Team is today due to visit Lillian Lock Gardens, in Penhill, between 10am and 11.30am, followed by Hastings Court, in Wroughton, between 2pm and 3.30pm.

Tomorrow they will be dropping into Gardener House, in Park South, from 10am until 11.30am and Elsie Hazel Court, in Freshbrook, between 2pm and 3.30pm.

The team will be visiting William Robbins Court, in Moredon, between 10am and 11.30am on Wednesday, followed by Midwinter Gardens, in Stratton, from 2pm until 2.30pm.

On Thursday they will be visiting residents at Mervyn Webb Place in Gorse Hill, from 10am and Newburgh House, in Highworth, from 2pm.

And on Friday they will be dropping into Peter Furkin Court, in Wescott Place, from 10am and David Stoddart Gardens, near the town centre, between 2pm and 3.30pm.

Anyone living the area surrounding any of the locations is welcome to visit and join in the exercises.

During National Falls Awareness Week, Age UK will be supporting events across the UK highlighting the many benefits staying active in later life can bring.

For more information visit www.ageuk.org.uk/fallsday.

This article was found at The Swindon Advertiser

20 June 2010

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