Praise for steps to prevent trips, falls

The sessions to train managers of care homes in how to reduce the number of falls and trips have been hailed a triumph by Arun District Council.

The health and safety team at Arun, which is part of environmental health, has been working with the NHS falls prevention team and Chichester, Worthing and Adur councils to provide the low-cost training.

Cllr Paul Dendle, Arun’s cabinet member for environmental services, said: “We know from figures obtained by the NHS Falls Prevention Team that more than half of those over 85 will fall at least once a year.

“Falls are the cause of 500 people having to be admitted into hospital every day, and of these, 33 will never go home.

“But when an elderly person suffers a fall it can not only affect them physically, but mentally too causing them to lose confidence in their surroundings.

“Many of these falls can be prevented by identifying how medicines, medical conditions, muscle weakness and hearing, vision and foot problems can increase the risk of falling.”

As part of this initiative, workshops aimed at teaching valuable skills have been running throughout the district.

The last workshop held at Bognor Regis Town Hall was sold out, prompting more to be scheduled for those who missed out.

“These workshops are highly beneficial to care home managers as the information they glean will enable them to help their residents avoid falling, and in so doing enjoy a better quality of life for longer,” added Cllr Dendle. During the £15 sessions, tips are given on how to identify the environmental and personal health conditions that put residents at greater risk of falling, and what practical steps can be taken as part of their care plan to reduce 
the risk.

Figures from the NHS falls prevention team show more than half of those aged over 85 will fall at least once a year.

Another training seminar will be held in Bognor’s town hall on November 14. If you are interested contact Mo Belcher on 01903 221043 or mo.belcher@adur-
worthing.gov.uk

The workshops follow the success of a food safety seminar for B&B operators not previously registered with Arun District Council.