Falls Prevention
We have a Falls Prevention team because the effects of a fall on an older person can be devastating. Falls are a major cause of disability and the leading cause of mortality due to injury in older people aged over 75 in the UK.
However, the effects are not only physical, a fall can have a serious psychological effect on older people, robbing them of their independence and leading to increased isolation.
Thankfully there are many things that can be done to prevent falls from happening!
Strength, flexibility, balance and reaction times are considered the most readily modifiable risk factors for falls.
We offer Strong and Steady sessions, specially developed classes that help to improve strength and balance. They can give you greater confidence, reduce the risk of having a fall and help you to stay independent as you get older.
Age UK Somerset offers two tiers of Strong and Steady classes, so you can participate at a level that is right for you.
The 'Stay Strong Stay Steady' (Otago) exercise programme is designed specifically to prevent falls, consisting of leg muscle strengthening, balance retraining exercises (progressing in difficulty) and a walking plan.
We now also offer a new 16 week programme called 'Get Strong Get Steady' which is aimed at those with more advanced mobility issues and is the perfect precursor to the 'Stay Strong Stay Steady' classes.