As we get older, a fall can mean more than tears and a grazed knee, but falls are not an inevitable part of aging. To help local people understand how to reduce the risk of falling as well as what to do if you do have a fall, Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust’s Falls Prevention Team is out and about in local shopping centres next week.

The team will be at Bradford Kirkgate Market on Tuesday 17 September from 11.00am to 1.00pm and Keighley Market on Wednesday 18 September also from 11.00am to 1.00pm.

Stephen Pugh from the Falls team says: “Most falls are not serious, but for elderly people they can be. Broken bones don’t just mean a hospital stay but can lead to loss of confidence and independence. Taking simple steps to address things that might cause a fall, can make all the difference.”

With the theme of this year’s Falls Awareness Week (Monday 23 September – Sunday 24 September) being ‘awareness to action’, Stephen adds: “We want to help people to not only think about what might cause a fall, but to actually go home after speaking with us and take some action to prevent one.

“There are so many simple things you can do – like cleaning up a spill on the kitchen floor immediately so you don’t forget and slip on it later; getting the grandchildren to put their toys away so you don’t wobble over by standing on a stray toy car, robot or building block; having your hearing and eyesight tested regularly, and changing that pair of old worn slippers that you’re worried about slipping out of.”

Statistics show that people over 65 have the highest risk of falling and half of people over 80 have at least one fall a year. The Falls Prevention team works across Bradford district to raise awareness of the simple things that can cause a fall and to support older people to stay steady and strong.

Helpful information is available on the Care Trust’s website, including strength and balance exercises, a home safety checker and details on how to get a falls assessment.

Stephen Pugh encourages you to come an meet the team at the shopping centre events: “We’re looking forward to talking with anyone who has problems with walking or balance, is concerned about falling, or who knows someone at risk of falling. Just come along for a chat.” Find out more about the Falls Prevention team.