“Falling is not an inevitable part of growing older” is the message being promoted to the Island’s community by staff from numerous Island health and voluntary organisations, with an event due to be held in Freshwater next month offering free advice and information.
As part of ongoing ‘Falls Awareness and Prevention events’ this event will provide an opportunity for those who have been affected by falls or who are worried about falling (whether it is the person themselves or relatives and neighbours) to gain practical help and advice.
On Wednesday 17th February between 10:00 and 16:00, The Goulding’s Residential Home at St Andrews Way in Freshwater is hosting the pop up Independent Living Centre (ILC). An Occupational Therapist and Occupation Therapy Assistant will be able to provide practical help and advice to support people who have been affected by falling or who are finding it more difficult to get about. Help and advice on the day will include replacing worn ferrules on walking sticks, offering home fire safety and security checks or arranging a home visit to try to prevent falls happening.
People Matter IW’s ‘Mobisle’ service will also be available to give information to access local charities and services to ensure that the people can remain living independently at home.
Further Falls Prevention Events are being planned across the Island including village post offices, town halls and Alzhiemer cafes. Dates of the events will be published during March 2016.
In the meantime, if you have been affected by a fall, discuss this in the first instance with your GP so that your health can be checked. Age UK IW and the British Red Cross can also offer free home assessments to help prevent falls happening and can be contacted at Age UK IW on 01983 525282 or British Red Cross on 01983 522718.
