New guide to avoiding the most common causes of falls in the home

During the 12 months to June 2022, more than 3,800 people aged 50 and over in mid and south Essex were admitted into hospital for fractures after suffering a fall, according to local NHS data.

The largest proportion of fractures across the region were hip-related (1,464), with an average stay in hospital of 14 days.

To help prevent falls in the home, NHS Mid and South Essex has joined forces with a number of other local partners and experts to launch a new guide advising how to avoid the most common causes of slips and falls.

‘Fall Proof’, a 12-page pamphlet highlights a checklist of actions to take to reduce the risk of falling, including sections on trip hazards, footwear, hydration, balance, being aware of medications that might affect your stability and balance increasing the risk of falls, eyesight and the importance of keeping active with regular exercise.

Falls not only can cause serious injury with sometimes long-term consequences such as longer-term disability, but they can also really dent confidence, causing distress affecting a person’s quality of life, including an overall negative impact on their overall health and their wellbeing. Worse still, they can threaten people’s level of independence in their lives and in some cases may even have an impact on a person’s overall life expectancy.

The good news is the new guide shows there’s lots of things people can do to reduce the risk and help them stay steady on their feet,”

Dr Sarah Zaidi, Clinical leader and Ageing Well steward at Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board

The Fall Proof guide is available using the button below.

Residents can also visit Active Essex, using the button below, to access information on how to reduce their risk of falling by doing simple movements at home, keeping them strong and steady.