Missed opportunities to reduce frailty and falls

Age UK Norwich and the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) have released a powerful new video aimed at healthcare professionals to raise awareness about the growing issue of frailty and falls in Norfolk.

The video showcases real-life cases where individuals' histories of falls, fear of falling, and reduced mobility were overlooked, highlighting the urgent need for increased focus on this significant problem.

"Falls are often not taken as seriously as other conditions," said Dan Skipper, Chief Executive of Age UK Norwich. "Frailty is a complex syndrome, and various factors, such as medication, nutrition, hydration, home environment, and underlying health conditions, can contribute to increased risk."

Frailty syndrome affects over 115,000 residents in Norfolk with 4,000 community falls resulting in hospitalisation. 

Mr Skipper added "We need to spot and support people who are beginning to show signs of frailty, and every healthcare professional has a role in that. There is a lot of emphasis on other conditions, but we need to see professional concern and interventions for people who are struggling to walk or have factors that might increase their risks of falling, such as impaired vision, hearing, medication side effects, or the impacts post-surgery and investment into their recovery.”

The video highlights the importance of considering a patient's overall health and well-being, including their risk of falls and frailty. By raising awareness among healthcare professionals, the hope is to encourage a more proactive approach to preventing falls and improving the quality of life for older adults in Norfolk.

The charity hopes this video will shine a spotlight on the issue and promote the many best-practice resources available nationally, and locally within the city and county.

About Age UK Norwich

Age UK Norwich is a local charity dedicated to improving the lives of people in later life in Norwich. They provide a range of services, including advice and information, befriending, and social activities.

For more information about Age UK Norwich, please visit: www.ageuknorwich.org.uk  

Email: enquiries@ageuknorwich.org.uk

Telephone: 01603 496333

About Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital

The Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital is a leading healthcare provider in East Anglia, offering a wide range of services to patients of all ages.

For more information about the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital, please email Falls Prevention & Management Lead on anna.skipper@nnuh.nhs.uk