Expert in Older Care Shares Important Advice on Preventing a Fall

During the winter months, the risk of falling increases, especially among older people. The NHS reports that about one in three adults over 65 and half of those over 80 in the UK experience at least one fall each year.  

Falls among older adults can lead to serious consequences, with NHS statistics indicating that falls are the leading cause of injury among the elderly in the UK. The World Health Organization highlights that falls are the second leading cause of accidental injury deaths worldwide, significantly affecting older people’s mobility and overall quality of life. 

While an increase in trips and falls is more common at this time of year, it’s not inevitable. Unique Senior Care, which has been rated ‘Outstanding’ by the care Quality Commission (CQC), is sharing crucial advice to help prevent falls in older people.

Jo Cleary, Learning and Development Manager, has led the training arm at Unique Senior Care for 12 years, contributing to its recognition with the Princess Royal Training Award in 2021.  

Jo said: “A rise in falls during winter is common, but we can take steps to prevent them. There are many simple measures older people and their caregivers can implement to ensure safety at home.” 

Jo has shared practical advice and resources for fall prevention, including organising living spaces, regular exercise, proper lighting and vision care, appropriate footwear, and non-slip solutions in the home. She has also developed an informative video with easy-to-follow tips on fall prevention. 

Unique Senior Care proactively addresses concerning trends such as a rise in falls. In 2023, the company responded to falls linked to ill-fitting footwear by providing all their clients with properly fitting slippers to help reduce fall risks. 

Jo added: “We put our hearts into everything we do to provide a safe and supportive environment for our clients. From detailed risk assessments and education to initiatives like our ‘sloppy slippers’ campaign, ensuring our clients have comfortable and safe footwear. We even invite clients’ family members to join training sessions that may be useful for them. This helps equip them with the skills they need to care for their loved ones. All these efforts come from our core commitment to look after each client as if they were part of our own family, safeguarding their safety and independence.” 

For more detailed information on fall prevention, including Unique Senior Care’s P.R.E.V.E.N.T. strategy and Jo Cleary’s insightful video with easy-to-follow tips, visit https://bit.ly/49oDWWS.