Falls Awareness Week
Week commencing Monday 27 November – Friday 1 December will see NHS Orkney host Falls Awareness Week. The Ageing Well Team has arranged a diary of events to help inform and support the community in reducing their risk of falls and tips to stay safe at home. This is similar to last year’s events which were well attended by the entire community.
Often, people think falling is an inevitable part of ageing, but there are lots of things that we can do to reduce our risk and maximise our health as we grow older.
Throughout the week, there will be information available in the main atrium at the entrance to The Balfour and staff present from 1.30pm – 3.00pm on Tuesday 28, Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 November. The aim is to educate and support the public, patients, and staff to keep moving and stay safe at home. As part of the information events, we will also be carrying out walking aid checks, and strength and balance sessions. We’d really encourage everyone to come along!
On Tuesday 28 November, our focus will be on Fire Safety at home and providing advice and support to keep you and your home safe from fire hazards. Come along between 1.30pm and 3.00pm to see how we can help. Active Movers, Donna Cuthbertson, will also be showing us how to keep active.
On Wednesday 29 November, a walking aid check and strength and balance exercise advice will be available for everyone between 1.30pm and 3.00pm.
On Thursday 30 November, Ageing Well and Orkney Health and Care staff will be on hand from 1.30pm – 3.00pm to give assistance on keeping safe at home, including information on telecare.
Shauna Stockan, NHS Orkney Physiotherapist said "We are never too young or too old to make small and simple changes to help ensure we remain strong and steady in our older years. I'd really like to encourage everyone to come along to these sessions and speak to ourselves to see how we can help you improve your health and wellbeing."
For local advice and information about our Falls Prevention Service please contact the Ageing Well Team by calling; 01856 888231 or emailing: ORK.physio@nhs.scot
Additionally, there is plenty of information to be found on preventing falls on NHS Inform, https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/preventing-falls.