It's Falls Prevention Awareness Week and this year's theme is "From Awareness to Action".
Falls among older adults continue to be a national public health concern, and during 18 - 22 September 2023, we are joining the NCOA (National Council of Aging) to raise awareness on preventing falls, reducing the risk of falls, and helping older adults live without fear of falling.
In 2021, PCH and Livewell Southwest, one of the region’s biggest providers of health and social care joined forces to work in partnership to help improve the lives of people across the city. The project was commissioned to address the differences in local health inequalities and improve the quality of life for PCH residents, so they can live independently for longer in their own homes.
If you are prone to falling, have been experiencing falls, are worried about falling, or know a resident that is, you can contact your / their Housing Officer or Housing with Support Officer and our staff can signpost and refer you to organisations that may be able to help. Find out more about your Housing Team and who you can speak to here.
This week Livewell Southwest are holding a series of events across the city with their Falls Prevention Team which consists of Physiotherapists, Exercise Professionals and Support Workers who are able to answer queries and signpost residents to suitable strength and balance support.
These include:
Monday 18th September - Morrisons supermarket in Plymstock from 10-2pm
Wednesday 20th September - Miles Mitchell Hall - Functional Fitness MOT 1-3pm (31 Miles Mitchell Avenue, Crownhill
Plymouth, Devon PL6 5LY United Kingdom)
Thursday 21st September - Drake Circus Shopping Centre - 9am -1pm (opposite M&S) - advice on ageing well, bone health and keeping active.
FAME Programme
The FAME programme is a 24 week personalised exercise programme led by falls specialists, which helps people feel stronger, improve balance , practice getting up off the floor and build resilience.
Criteria:
- 55 and over
- At risk of falling
- Have a fear of falling
- Have fallen but do not need medical investigations
- Becoming concerned about their balance/stability or are more cautious towards activities they used to enjoy
- Normal cognitive function to mild cognitive loss
- Can access the community independently to attend a group
FAME Programme groups:
- Brickfields Monday 10am -11:30am
- William Sutton Village Hall (Crownhill) Wednesday 09:45am -11:15am and 10:45am -12:15am.
- Beacon Hub Wednesday 13:45-15:15
- Plymstock United Church Thursday pm TBC
