Dr Aparna Rao, a Clinical Lead at NHS Warrington Clinical Commissioning Group gives her top tips for avoiding a fall

AS a GP in Warrington, I see a significant number of patients come into my surgery who have experienced a fall at this time of year. The impact a fall can have on someone and their family can be devastating.

It can lead to potential longer stays in hospital, a loss of confidence, anxiety and feeling socially isolated. For example, in Warrington, the majority of people aged 75 to 84 who are admitted to hospital as the result of an injury will be admitted for at least seven days with some even staying in hospital up to 21 days.

Health and social care teams in the borough are working hard to provide more intensive support for people who experience frailty, and as a result may be at risk of a fall. However, with an estimated one in three people over 65 suffering a fall every year, it’s important that everyone learns more about falls prevention.

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Whether you are an older person yourself or you have older relatives, neighbours or friends, the good news is that there are lots of simple changes that can be made to reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls.

To get you started, I have compiled some useful tips – please follow the advice or encourage your relatives, friends or neighbours to do so. By everyone taking an active part in falls prevention, we can together help reduce the number of people in the borough who are admitted to hospital as a result of experiencing a fall.

Our top tips to avoid a fall

  •  Keep active - Doing regular strength and balance exercises will help prevent falls. Did you know that Livewire offer a weekly Stay on Your Feet exercise class aimed at people over 65 who want to progressively improve their overall fitness? Visit www.livewirewarrington.co.uk to find out more.
  •  Sort out your surroundings – Make sure you remove clutter, trailing wires and frayed carpet and make sure you use non-slip mats and rugs.
  •  Light it up - Use high-wattage light bulbs in lamps and torches to see clearly.
  •  Get organised - Organise your home so that climbing, stretching and bending for things is kept to a minimum.
  •  Put your best foot forward - Slippers and shoes should be well fitted with sole grips. Toenails should be trimmed regularly, and you should see a GP or chiropodist about any foot problems.
  •  Medication matters - Make sure you review medications with your GP at least once a year.
  •  Take care of your eyes - Visit your local optician for regular sight tests.
  •  Get help to spot the hazards – You can request a home hazard assessment if you're concerned you may be at risk of having a fall by contacting your GP or Warrington Borough Council.

Visit nhs.uk/conditions/falls/.